small Breed Dogs
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Shih Tzu
Average Weight:  9-16 pounds  (4.08 to 7.25 kg)
 Average Height: 8-11  inches (20.32 - 27.94 cm)
Pronounced: Sheet - Zoo
Group:  AKC Toy
Life Span: 16 Years
Average Litter: 5
Origin: Tibet

Appearance

The Shih Tzu is a small yet sturdy long coated dog breed, often given a "Puppy Cut" when a pet to keep the coat short and easy to maintain.  Often mispronounced "Shit-Zoo" even by many breeders, this small dog is classified as a toy in the United States and in the Utility category in some other countries.  This little guy also has his breed misspelled often, the most common being Shihtzu or Sheetzoo.   Many refer to this small dog with the nickname of Tzu.

The Tzu has a double coat, that when left to grow into a "Show Cut" is long, graceful and is floor length.  This is a sturdy dog for its size.  The head is round and broad with a warm, sweet wide-eyed expression which gives the exudes friendliness and trust.

The muzzle is square and short and set no lower than the bottom eye rim.  The length from tip of nose to stop is ideally not longer than 1 inch (2.54cm) and the front of the muzzle is flat. The nostrils are broad, wide and open. 

The jaw has an undershot bite. Ears are set slightly below the crown of the skull and hare heavily coated.

Colors

The luxurious double coat may be a solid, a double color or a triple color.  The colors possible are:
  • Black - A black Shih Tzu will not have any other color fur.  Even a touch of a different shade will move this dog over to a mixed color.  Because liver colored dogs lack all black pigmentation, you will not see a true black dog with a liver colored nose.
  • White - As with the black, no other color will exist in this dog
  • Liver - When the dog has brown pigmentation on the nose, paws and eye rims.
  • Blue - Only if the Shih Tzu's nose is blue, will this be the official color of fur
  • Brindle - This is a combination actually, of a base coat of fur with streaking
  • Gold - A tan - yellow, found commonly among Labrador Retrievers
  • Red - A very deep and dark orange
  • Silver - White but with a deep shine
A blue or liver Shih Tzu is registered as such based on skin pigmentation and not coat color.

Origin & History

There are various theories about the origin of the Shih Tzu, however it is certain that this small dog has roots in Tibet. The Tzu became a favorite of the Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, who also had Pekingese and Pugs.  She took great care over their breeding and there are wonderful records of the remarkable diets that these adored dogs were given: Sharks fins, curlew's livers and antelope milk.  After the Empress's passing, the dogs were dispersed and breeding almost stopped.  During the Communist Revolution , this small dog breed came very close to being extinct.  However, a few arrived in England and breeding programs began again.  A Shih Tzu club was formed in England in  1935 and the AKC gave recognition in 1969.

Personality

The general temperament is very happy, outgoing, affectionate and trusting towards all, as this breed's purpose is a companion and house pet.   A Shih Tzu thrives on human companionship and needs to have the attention of his family to whom he is utterly devoted.  While some may think of this type of dog as high maintenance, he really is just a happy-go-lucky little dog who loves to play and be patted.   Other dogs are usually tolerated and some become very close as a play partner and exercise friend.  If introduced at a fairly young age and socialized properly,  this small dog often does well with cat also.

Health

Generally a healthy breed with a rather long life span, there are some possible genetic issues that an owner or potential owner should be aware of:
  • von Willbrand's Disease - a blood clotting disorder
  • Thyroid disorders - When present, usually low thyroid which can be adjusted with medication
  • Renal dysplasia - A defect of the kidneys, which is more common in the Shih Tzu than any other dog breed
  • Stenoic Nares - Also known as Pinched Nostils, this may call for surgery however many owners (and veterinarians) rush to treatment when this can just be a temporary condition which comes and then passes during the teething phase
  • Umbilical hernia - A hernia in the dog's abdominal wall, minor cases usually present no issues and can be left be
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy - An eye disease with no current treatment
  • Juvenile cataracts - A clouding of the eye lens
Exercise

A Shih Tzu will happily hop around the yard if let out and will go to explore the neighborhood if not in a safe, enclosed area.  Fairly active, this small dog should be taken for a 30 minute walk each day by the time he reaches the one year old mark. 

Grooming

The grooming that an owner must do will greatly depend on whether they choose to have their dog with a "Puppy Cut" - a short to medium trim over the entire body or a "Show Cut" allowing the fur to grow very long to the floor and over the eyes.

Dogs who are trimmed simply need a clipping every few months, daily dental care, a brushing every few days and nails checked every 6-7 weeks.

Long coats require moderate to high maintenance.  Since the coat will cover the eyes, a top knot should be created to allow the dog to see well.  Hair is parted and then held back above the dog's eyes with bands and then commonly, a bow.  The coat will need to be kept free of tangles by daily or "every other day" brushing and combing.  This is often done with a conditioning spray.  Dental care, baths and nail care are the same as above.

Pregnancy

 While many toy breeds have very small litters (between 1-3 puppies) the Shih Tzu, on average, has much larger litters of 5-6 puppies.

Care & Training

Most owners need guidance for behavior issues, which can range from eating grass, eating feces to being a finicky eater.  This dog is very much a lap dog but can also have an independent streak which calls for particular training.  

Since the Shih Tzu breed is so attached to its owner, training for Separation Anxiety is often needed.

The owner of such a small dog should also be very aware of all health issues, not just the above conditions the dog is most prone to, but paw care, nose care, eye care and much more. Owners - Click here for more detailed information sources
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