Shih Tzu

The ShihTzu, whose name means “little lion” in Mandarin, is an ancient breed with a regal history originating in Tibet and further developed in China. They are believed to be descendants of Tibetan Lhasa Apsos and Pekingese. For centuries, Shih Tzus were cherished companions to Chinese royalty, particularly during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and later by the Dowager Empress Cixi in the late 19th century. These prized dogs lived a life of luxury within palace walls and were rarely seen by outsiders.

It wasn’t until the 1930s that the breed began to make its way to England and other parts of Europe, and later to the United States, largely after World War II. Their charming looks and affectionate nature quickly won them fans worldwide. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Shih Tzu in 1969. Today, they remain a popular companion breed, adored for their beauty and loving personalities.

Shih Tzus are renowned for their affectionate, happy, and outgoing temperament. They were bred to be companions, and that’s precisely what they excel at – they love to be with their people! They are typically friendly towards strangers and get along well with children and other pets, especially if socialized from a young age. ShihTzus are lively and playful but are also content to be lap dogs, enjoying cuddles and attention.

They are intelligent but can sometimes have a stubborn or independent streak, which might make training require a bit more patience and creativity. Positive reinforcement methods work best. While they are alert and may bark to announce visitors, they are not typically aggressive. Their primary desire is to be loved and to love in return, making them wonderful, albeit sometimes a bit pampered, companions.

The Shih Tzu’s most distinctive feature is its long, flowing double coat, which requires significant grooming to keep it healthy and free of mats. If kept in a long show coat, daily brushing and combing down to the skin are essential. Many pet owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” for easier maintenance, which still requires regular brushing (several times a week) and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.

Their hair grows continuously, and the hair on their head is often tied up in a topknot to keep it out of their eyes and prevent irritation. Regular cleaning around their eyes is important to prevent tear staining. Shih Tzus also need their ears checked and cleaned regularly, as their floppy ears can trap moisture. Dental care is crucial, as small breeds are prone to dental issues. Nail trims should be done monthly.

Shih Tzus are playful and enjoy short bursts of activity, but they do not have high exercise demands compared to more athletic breeds. A couple of short, brisk walks each day, along with some indoor playtime, is usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy. They enjoy playing with toys and interacting with their owners.

While they can be energetic, they are also happy to relax on the couch. It’s important not to over-exercise them, especially in hot or humid weather, as their short muzzles (brachycephalic trait) can make them more susceptible to heatstroke. They are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size and moderate exercise needs.

Shih Tzus are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Their brachycephalic (short-faced) structure can lead to some specific issues. Common concerns include:

• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Can cause breathing difficulties, especially in heat or during exercise.
• Eye Problems: Including cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), retinal detachment, and proptosis (eye popping out) due to their prominent eyes.
• Dental Issues: Overcrowding of teeth and periodontal disease are common in small breeds.
• Patellar Luxation: Dislocated kneecaps.
• Hip Dysplasia: Though less common than in larger breeds.
• Ear Infections: Due to their floppy ears.
• Allergies: Can suffer from skin or food allergies.

Choosing a responsible breeder who screens for common health issues, regular veterinary check-ups, good dental hygiene, and careful management of their environment (especially in heat) are important for a Shih Tzu’s well-being.

Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs, but they can also possess an independent and sometimes stubborn streak, which can make training a bit of a delightful challenge. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods that are fun, rewarding (they love treats!), and consistent. Harsh methods will not be effective and can make them shut down.

Early socialization and puppy training classes are important to help them develop good manners and become well-adjusted companions. Key training areas include:

• House Training: Can sometimes take patience and consistency.
• Basic Obedience: Commands like sit, stay, come.
• Leash Training: They enjoy walks but should learn to walk nicely.
• Grooming Desensitization: Getting them used to brushing and handling from a young age is crucial.

Keep training sessions short and engaging to hold their attention. Their primary motivation is often pleasing their owner (and getting a tasty reward!). With patience and positive techniques, Shih Tzus can learn well.