Hi, I'm a
Shih-Tzu.
About me
Their origins come from Tibet, probably around the 7th century, and they must have been simply the smallest of the Lhasa Apsos. Given as gifts to Chinese emperors, the breed developed into the dog we know today. His admirers speculated on crossbreeding with Pekingese to reduce the face as well as selection for Lhasa-type dogs. Shih Tzu's meaning is "lion dog" in Chinese, which confuses their ancestry as lion dog denotes Pekingese.
Chinese royalty kept and bred the Shih Tzu and when the English arrived, the breed was brought to England and later to the United States. Unfortunately, the communists took over China and exterminated those who remained.
No one disputes that these charming pooches were made for company. His primary function from the beginning was to act as charming company.
Personality:
The Shih Tzu is known for being funny and his temperament is so happy. They are enthusiastic and friendly. He tends to get along very well with people of all ages and with other dogs as well as with different types of pets from other species. You rarely find a shy Shih Tzu, but most are very sweet.
With their short snouts, they are not much chewers, but enjoy digging and some enjoy barking. They have a great desire to be with people, whether they are sitting on their laps or taking a walk in the park.
Living with:
The Shih Tzu is very easy to keep but can become obese if given too many treats. They don't need or want a mile walk every day, but they do enjoy walking and getting fit. The Shih Tzu successfully competes in obedience and agility. Caution should be exercised in hot, humid weather because with the short muzzle, the breed is prone to heat stroke.
The coat is of the utmost importance when speaking of the Shih Tzu. Most Shih Tzu owners prefer to wear a brooch which looks nice and is easier to care for. If you want to keep the coat long and flowing, you should plan for a good deal of time in its upkeep. These dogs require weekly baths with hair oils to keep them untangled and daily brushing to keep out foreign objects that may become entangled in their fur. Dogs with the correct coat texture will not tangle as much as those with a soft coat.
The Shih Tzu tends to require a great deal of personal attention each day. They require human company and can be easily indulged. They enjoy training and learning new tricks, making you the center of attention. The Shih Tzu must socialize with the children who are close to him since childhood, although they enjoy people of all ages. Do not count on them to be watchmen of your house; I'd probably welcome anything.
Size:
Weight range:
Male: 9-16 lbs.
Female: 9-16 lbs.
Height at withers:
Male: 10 inches
Female: 10 inches
Features:
Brachiocephalic (flattened face), floppy ears (naturally)
Expectations:
Required exercise: <20 minutes per day.
Energy level: average
Average lifespan: 11 to 14 years
Tendency to drool: Low Tendency to snore: Low
Tendency to bark: High
Tendency to dig: Moderate Social/Attention Needs: High
Bred for:
lap dog
Fur:
long long
Features: straight
Colors: any color
General Grooming Needs: High
Association Acknowledgments:
AKC Classification: Miniature
UKC Classification: Companion Dog
Prevalence: common