Shih Tzu: Origins, Appearance, and Personality

The name Shih Tzu means lion in Chinese, and in fact this breed is also known as the "lion dog," perhaps for its proud bearing or its habit of living in imperial palaces. The Shih Tzu, originally from Tibet, is famous for having been the favorite dog of the Chinese imperial court for centuries. It was Tibetan monks who gave Shih Tzus as gifts to the Chinese emperors, who fell madly in love with them. Cheerful, intelligent, and lively, they are also remarkably long-lived!

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Origins

As explained by the ENCI, the Shih Tzu is originally from Tibet but the Razz, which was crossed with the Pekingese, the Lhasa Apso, and the Tibetan, developed in China, where it became the symbol of the Chinese emperors. In 1931, it was imported to England and officially recognized by the Kennel Club in 1934.

Appearance

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy dog with a characteristic "chrysanthemum" muzzle, abundant fur, and a round head. Here are other physical characteristics reported by the ENCI profile:

Broad and round head
Wide mouth
Large, dark, round eyes
Large ears with long cartilage
High set plumed tail
Height at the withers not exceeding 27 cm
Weight between 4,5 and 8 kg

The Shih Tzu's coat is long, dense, and not curly, although some wave is permitted. The hair that grows above the bridge of the nose gives it the typical "chrysanthemum" effect. All colors are permitted. Generally, there is white on the forehead and the tip of the tail.

Character

It is a dog Very intelligent, alert, active, and independent. They are friendly and get along well with children, with whom they have a blast. They are a bit stubborn and wary of strangers. The Shih Tzu is a cheerful, joyful, and lively dog, but considering their name evokes the lion, they can also be proud and protective of their owner. The Shih Tzu is one of the few dog breeds that almost never barks.

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Cure

As for grooming, brush the long coat regularly and avoid shaving it completely in the summer, as it's the coat that protects the breed from excessive heat. As for ailments and diseases, the Shih Tzu can suffer from:

slipped disc
eye and ear problems
respiratory disorders

Considering the characteristics of its coat, to prevent eye problems it is advisable to tie the Shih Tzu's long hair on its head in a tuft.

Supply

The Shih Tzu is a dog He tends to gain weight, so his diet must be carefully monitored. Ideally, he should be fed about 150 grams of kibble per day and taken for frequent walks, avoiding leaving him indoors to laze around for too long.

How much

The average cost of a pedigreed Shih Tzu puppy purchased from a licensed breeder is around €900-1500. If you're interested in purchasing one, we recommend purchasing only from reputable, licensed breeders.

How to adopt it

If you prefer adoption to purchasing (and we recommend it), take a look at the Rescues present online or Facebook groups like Shih Tzu and companions / family search, where you can find ads for Shih Tzu dogs and other breeds looking for homes.

Shih Tzu: origins, appearance, character