Aug 12 2007
About the Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu originates from China and was originally developed to be a lap dog and companion to Chinese Royalty. The origins of this breed date back to the 1800’s, when it was developed in China during the reign of the Empress Dowager Cixi or Tz’u-shi, which explains the origins of the name. The Shih Tzu is also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog.
This dog is classified as a member of the American Kennel Club’s Toy Dog Group. The Shih Tzu was first registered by the AKC in 1969.
The Shih Tzu is a lively dog with a very unique appearance. The dog is small but sturdy, with a long flowing double coat. Underneath the silky topcoat is a woolly undercoat. This proud looking little dog has hair above its nose that grows up toward the top of its head and is often gathered in a topknot.
There are some considerable size variations for this breed. These dogs can have a height of up to 11 inches and the weight ranges from 9-16 pounds.
The Shih Tzu is content to live in an apartment or town home. This dog does not need a lot of space. While the Shih Tzu can be active at times, the breed is usually fairly lazy. A Shih Tzu will find a favorite spot and just lounge all day. It is up to the dog owner to initiate regular exercise to help keep these little guys healthy and fit.
The Shih Tzu is an ideal family dog. The breed is playful and lively. This ‘cute-as-a button’ charmer is very affectionate and loves being around people. They are generally good with other pets. Children love these little dogs and the feeling is mutual. These dogs respond well to children, as long as they are not mistreated or handled roughly.
Be careful with the amount of food you give this dog breed. Because of their reluctance to exercise, they can become fat quite easily.
Shih Tzus will benefit from early and consistent training, because its small size doesn’t mean this breed is a malleable pushover. In fact, these little dogs, can be quite obstinate. Patient, consistent training is best. Yelling or impatient behavior doesn’t work with these dogs.
Daily grooming is a top priority for the Shih Tzu. Brush your dog’s coat daily with a bristle brush. The topknot is usually taken loose several times a week, brushed out to avoid matting and then retied with a bow so that the dog can see properly.
Check your dog’s ear passages and the area around the eyes to keep them clean. Shih Tzu’s have sensitive eyes that may water and develop matter frequently. Because of this, your dog’s eyes should be kept clean. This breed sheds very little. Because of this, some people claim that it is hypoallergenic. However, no dog is truly allergen free.
Potential health problems of the Shih Tzu can include ear, eye and respiratory problems and spinal disc disease caused by a long back and short legs. This breed’s teeth require regular veterinary attention, as they tend to rot. These dogs gain weight easily and should not be overfed.
If you are looking for a happy little dog that loves play and laughter, then this breed with a royal heritage just might be the perfect choice for you and your family.
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I have a shih-tzu, named Belle! She’s soooo hyper!!!! I love her to pieces! She gets along GREAT with our other dog. He’s an English Bulldog named Buddy!!
Cixi and her famous Shih Tzu, “Sea Otter.”
http://sirismm.si.edu/sackler/photo/SC-GR-275.jpg
shih tzu’s are the bomb!, however u shouldn’t just go by what this article says about them,trust me these dogs have very distinct personalities,my dog does not like kids, and is very active, to me my dog seems to have a higher intellect than other dogs, she sympathizes with me and other family members, she seems to have understanding on whats going on, well anyway if you are looking for a dog that can provide loyalty, very very hilarious times, and keep you active, then look no further because a shih tzu is perfect for you!
My Shih Tzu is wonderful. Delilah is very playful, fun and has a wonderful disposition. She is rotten and knows it. She has lots of personality, loves her little toys and really enjoys walks. She is great with every member of the family, is the perfect lap dog and is loved to death. I don’t know what I would do without her. She always brings a smile to my face when I see her. She is a fabulous pet!
My Shih Tzu is the best dog you could ask for. He is very loving and playful, but also can be stubborn at times. Sleeps on his back just like a person and snores!
I HAVE TWO DOGS, ONE FULL BLOODED SHIH TZU AND ONE HALF SHIH TZU AND HALF POODLE. TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT DOGS. I LOVE BOTH TO PIECES, BUT MY SHIH TZU IS MY NUMBER 1!! I HAD HER FIRST, I WOULD BE DEVASTATED IF ANYTHING EVER HAPPENED TO EITHER BUT ESPECIALLY HER. HER NAME IS JELLYBEAN, AND THE OTHER IS JITTERBUG. THEY ARE SO FUNNY TOGETHER. THEY SLEEP WITH MY HUSBAND AND I EVERYNIGHT. THEY WAIT AT THE DOOR EVERYDAY FOR US TO GET HOME, THEY KNOW WHAT TIME WE GET HOME.
My shih Tzu named Oscar is a very smart dog, he watches TV , he barks when he sees another animal on TV, he loves to run treadmill, everytime I am running on the treadmill, he jumps right up next to me and start running.
i INITIALLY GOT MY SHIH TZU FOR MY WIFE BUT WHEN WE SEPARATED I GAVE HER EVERYTHING SHE WANTED BUT NOT HIM!! HA HA!! IM IN LOVE WITH MY LITTLE GUY!
HES THE BEST THING TO EVER HAPPEN TO ME. EVER.
My husband and I adopted our Shih Tzu, Rascal, from our local humane society in May; by September we still had not been able to stop him from marking on the carpet, to show his dominance. We tried several different tactics, but nothng worked until I did a web search on “how to be a dog pack leader”. The marking stopped as soon as I learned how I was supposed to behave in order for Rascal to accept me as the pack leader. My husband is having a more difficult time with dog-pack rules, because he finds many of Rascal’s antics cute and adorable, even though they are actually ways of showing dominance. These dominance behaviors include trotting in front of my husband when they go on walks and pushing up next to my husband on the sofa, which my husband sees as a loving hug, but which actually shows that the dog is claiming the space as his own. Having finally rehabilitated Rascal, I am now working hard to get my husband to accept his leadership role so that we can both take our rightful place as the alpha pair. All the effort and frustration and training and daily grooming have been more than worth it, though, because we both love Rascal more than any other dog we’ve ever had. He has really wormed his way into our hearts, the little rascal….
Hello! You’re Website is very cute.
I had an adorable shih Tzu. His name was Oreo; tutu for short. He was a awesome dog. I got him at 5 months old, he had a lot of anger in him. After all my lovin’, trust, & training I gave him; he was wonderful. Eager to learn, energetic, love to please, love attention, and liked to be the one in control. He was good around children once the training and gaining his trust began. I miss him dearly. He had a sparkling personality which I never seen in any of my other dogs. My shih Tzu did not shed and he visit the groomers regularly.
I also have a maltese poodle he is loveable and think he’s human.
Patience? Our beautiful Skye is a 18-month cuddly bundle of joy who has brought tremendous fun and laughter to our home. The funniest thing is that she rests and sleeps on her back and sometimes you can hear a slight snore coming from her! But house training has been an on-going issue for us even after diligent attention to training. We’ve already had to remove the carpet in the living room and have thrown away numerous rugs due to soiling. Patience? How much longer?!?!?!?!?!
Hi, My name is Patricia and I live in West Palm Beach, FL. I’m looking for a Shih tzu, but I am not able to pay the petland prices. I’ve been there several times in hopes of finding out that those outrageous prices have been slashed in half. But, when they do have them for a price I could scrape up it is for “I hate to say, but the most scraggley looking pup of the bunch”.
I used to have one of these great little dogs, but he was stolen and it’s been about 6 months and my goodness, do I miss having the little guy around.
If there’s anyone out there that know’s of someone that needs to find a home for a Shih tzu or where I could get one for less than $400.00; please email me at patriciaL333@hotmail.com. Thanks in advance…a lot!
I have a shih tzu, his name is Brinkley, he is two years old. He is one of the best gifts God has allowed me to have. He is my life, i love him with all my heart and he knows it. It is the best dog i have ever had.
My 10 1/2 year old Shih Tzu, Webster, passed away a week ago after a brief illness. He was in ICU for two days receiving blood transfusions. I am in agony as he was the best little creature anyone could have. I am still in shock. What I wish to pass on to people is when your pet displays signs of being ill, take him IMMEDIATELY to the vet, don’t assume he’ll be better in the morning.
I just got a new baby girl Shih Tzu and shes amazing. I love this site and have enjoyed so much reading everyones little comments and stories. I am not new to the Shih Tzu life we already have a boy Shih Tzu (Bandit) and hes almost 3 years old. He is a dominant little stinker and is just the most loyal pet I have ever had. My new little girl (Anabelle) is only 9 weeks old and she already has such a HUGE personality! Shes such a little lover, playful and feisty. I just love them. I think they are the best pets ever!
I just recently got a Shih Tzu his name is Buttons and he is full of energy at times but he tuckers himself out easily and will just sleep throughout the day..I am having a hard time house training him and I am trying to remain patient..He will use it sometimes on the training pads and other times he will go wherever he can..I am trying everything to get him housetrained and it has been a task..However, I love him to death and couldnt imagine being without him:) He is the best dog ever!!
i have a shitzu prince guizmo we just love him he is 10 months old and he is in need of a female is this to soon to try and breed we love him and want more puppies, are adorable especially these kind let me no if theres a puppy out ther for giuzmo .should i spayed or breed
I have a shitzu for 2 years now, wee ‘Louie’ and I absolutely adore him. He is everything to me and he knows it! My husband just brought another shitzu at the weekend and I have called him ‘Buddie’. I am trusting God that he will be Louie’s buddie and they can have loads of fun together. Louie will always be my number one, he is the best dog in the world. And i hope Buddie will be too……………………..
I love my wrigley! He is the first dog I have ever had and is part of the family. Is is the nephew to my brother and the granddoggie to my parents!