Shih Tzu, a unique Chrysanthemum Dog

Before you adopt a Shih Tzu, take a look at our list of seven things that every Shih Tzu owner should know. 1. Key characteristics Shih Tzus are small toy dogs that weigh around 9-16 lb and measure in at a height of around 9-10.5 inches tall. They have an average life span of 10 - 16 years, so you’ll have many years with your furry friend to look forward to. They are long-haired dogs that can have a variety of different coat colors and have a moderate undercoat. Shih Tzus also commonly have a tail that curls over the back. Photo Credit: Nikolay Tchaouchev on Unsplash 2. The History of the Shih Tzu The Shih Tzu is originally from Tibet and has been traced back in recorded history as long ago as the year 642. They have been rumored to have been kept as sacred pets in temples and by Chinese royals. They are most likely bred from a cross between a Pekingese and a Tibetan mountain dog or a Lhasa Apso and are the smallest and oldest of the named Tibetan holy dogs. The name Shih Tzu means “little lion” due to their luxurious coat and their association with royalty. Despite their age, the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1969. 3. Grooming Needs Shih Tzus are high-maintenance dogs when it comes to their grooming needs. If they have particularly long coats they will need at least daily brushing, and bathing every few weeks on average. Dogs with longer coats will take longer to dry and so many groomers will recommend that you get your Shih Tzu used to hairdryers as young as you can to desensitize them and make bathing days a lot easier. If your dog has particularly long hair around its eyes, you can tie up the hair around its face with a knot or a bow to keep the face clear and allow your dog to see. As with most dog types, Shih Tzus require regular cleaning around the eyes and ears. They are particularly prone to tearing eyes which results in stained facial fur around the eyes. If this becomes a persistent problem, you can ask your vet for some eye drops to help treat it. It is also important that you check and clean your pet’s eyes regularly as Shih Tzus are particularly susceptible to infection. Shih Tzus also require regular nail trimmings, which you can either do yourself or ask your vet or a groomer to do for you. This may be preferable if your dog is particularly nervous about having its nails trimmed. 4. Shedding Do Shih Tzus shed? Yes, but they are considered to be light shedders despite their long coats. To keep on top of things, you should brush them regularly to keep all of the loose hair controlled so it does not fall all over your home. As well as this, keeping their coat healthy through a nutritious diet and regular visits to the groomers can be a great way to keep your pet healthy and happy and reduce shedding as much as you can. Shih Tzus’ low levels of shedding can mean that they are considered a hypoallergenic breed, which is ideal for anyone wanting to spend time with a dog but who suffers from pet allergies. If you want to find out more information on shih tzus, ask your local vet for advice. 5. Personality Shih Tzus are a breed of dog which are particularly affectionate and trusting, as well as being a very intelligent breed. They are an extremely lively and energetic breed who love to be around people, so are not the best pets for leaving alone for long periods of time. When it comes to training them, they can be particularly stubborn, so make sure to be persistent and patient with them while you train them to be successful. Photo Credit: Varun Kumar e.k on Unsplash 6. Exercise Shih Tzus are a small dog breed that does not require a lot of exercises. Take them on a small walk every day or give them some energetic indoor play to keep them moving. It is important to note that all small dogs, Shih Tzus included, should never be left alone with big dogs. This is because larger dogs can often experience more predatory instincts which can lead them to injure or even kill small animals if left unattended. To keep your pet safe, supervise them at all times, especially around other animals. 7. Health Problems When it comes to health, Shih Tzus are one of the lucky breeds with just a few commonly inherited illnesses. These include Intervertebral disc disease, stenotic nares, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, and harderian gland prolapse. If you are worried about the health of your dog, take them along to a vet for an appointment, and be sure to schedule annual medical checkups anyway to keep on top of your pet’s health. Read more about Shih Tzu, a unique Chrysanthemum Dog.