With its cute dark eyes and child-like innocence, Shih Tzus are one of the most loved small breed dogs across the globe. Their soft and loving personality, coupled with their small size, makes them the ideal dogs for people living in small apartments.
Origin
ChinaWeight
Male: 4 - 7.25 KgHeight
20 - 28 cm (Both Male & Female)Coat
Soft and Long Double CoatSkin Colour
Gold, Dark/Light Brown, White, Black, Grey, LiverLife Span
10 - 15 yearsEnergy Level
MediumExercise Needs
LowPlayfulness
Very PlayfulAffection Level
Very AffectionateFriendliness With Other Dogs
Very FriendlyFriendliness Toward Strangers
Very FriendlyTendency to Bark
HighTendency to Drool
LowWatchdog Ability
MediumGuarding Potential
Not Very ProtectiveGrooming Needs
High MaintenanceCold Tolerance
Low ToleranceHeat Tolerance
Low ToleranceVeterinarian Visit
FrequentNewborn Shih Tzus gets full nourishment from their mother’s milk. If the mother’s milk is not available, you can feed them with a good canine milk replacer or some high-quality semi-moist foods. Below are some of the best foods for newborn Shih Tzus:
A balanced diet is required for Shih Tzus puppies having high protein and fats, with low carbohydrates. Puppies tend to consume more due to their high activity level. Some of the best foods for puppy Shih Tzus are:
Adult Shih Tzus need a diet that consists of at least 50% protein content. It helps in maintaining healthy muscles and bones. An adequate amount of vitamins and minerals are also suggested in their diet for speedy metabolism. Below are some of the best foods for adult Shih Tzus:
The dietary requirements of a senior Shih Tzu are quite distinct to that of puppies and adults. Older Shih Tzus only need a low-calorie diet to prevent them from becoming obese. Foods having fish oil is healthy for them as they are rich in omega fatty acids.
Not much! Shih Tzus are one of those dogs who shed the least amount of hair. The only time you will encounter a fair amount of hair fall shall be during their coat renewal process, which is once in a year. As Shih Tzus are minimal shedders, they prove ideal for those dog lovers having an allergy to canine hair.
Yes, they do. As long as the kids know how to play gently with the dog, Shih Tzus would prove perfect for them. It is essential, however, to socialize the dog with children from early puppyhood.
Shih Tzus have a sharp hearing sense, which makes them vigilant dogs. If they see someone approaching with suspicious behaviour, they will most likely warn you with a low growl. This trait makes them excellent watchdogs. However, you cannot expect these little dogs to thwart away an intruder physically.
Given the fact that they are low-maintenance dogs, they would do well with first-time owners. Yet, the new owners should not compromise on the grooming and exercise requirements of this dog. Also, Shih Tzus are dogs who need constant companionship and, therefore, should not be isolated for long.
The ancestry of Shih Tzu dates back to 1000 B.C, making them 3000 years old.
Shih Tzu, in Mandarin, means “Little Lion”. According to legend, the Tibetan Buddhist God of Learning traveled with a small-lion dog, which later transformed into a full-sized lion.
Celebrities including Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Colin Farell, Bill Gates owns a Shih Tzu.
They are one of the agile small breed dogs who can participate in sporting events.
It is believed that Shih Tzus descended from a cross between Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese dogs. Chinese emperors treated these dogs like royalty and hence refused to sell and trade them. Shih Tzus served as good companions and as watchdogs to the monks in the monasteries. At the end of the Chinese imperial rule, these dogs are said to have disappeared, although fortunately, some of them were brought to England. It is astonishing to know that all modern Shih Tzus descended from just only 14 dogs!. Today, they are one of the most loved small breed dogs among pet lovers.
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