The Shih Tzu is an extroverted dog that is covered with beautiful long hair all over its body. The fur flows in strands even over the face, forming a chic mustache. The dog is a chrysanthemum, these are the associations this breed evoked among breeders. Despite their beauty, Shih Tzus are infinitely sociable and love people very much. Shih Tzus are mischievous and cheerful, very trusting. Gentle dogs, sweet both in appearance and character, are always excellent companions. If you handle them with care, the dog will be a very grateful friend.
Breed card
- Famous names of the breed: chrysanthemum dog, Buddha dog, lion dog
- FCI breed number: 208
- Standard on the FCI website (English): link
- Height at withers: males - up to 27 cm, females - up to 25 cm
- Weight of an adult dog: males - 4-8 kg, females - 4-7 kg
- Color options: all colors are allowed. White spots on the tip of the tail are desirable
- Life expectancy: 10 – 15 years and longer
- Puppy cost: from 150 to 700 dollars
- Size: 1 of 5
- Learning ability: 1 out of 5
- Attitude towards children: 5 out of 5
- Shedding intensity: 1 out of 5
- Protective and guard qualities: 1 out of 5
Characteristic
FCI breed standard: 208
The Shih Tzu dog is small in size and looks like a soft toy. The fur is very long. It has no unpleasant odors at all, which distinguishes it from other dogs. Under the long strands of fur there is a thick undercoat. Therefore, the Shih Tzu dog is not afraid of temperature changes towards cold weather. The dog has a lion's character. She seems arrogant and proud. But in fact, the Shih Tzu has a hard time with the lack of attention to her. But she is never intrusive. This beauty will hang around nearby, as soon as you look at her, she immediately begins to demonstrate her beauty and her affection for her owner in every possible way.
Height, weight, color of an adult dog
The height of an adult animal does not exceed 27 cm, and the weight is within the limits: 4-8 kg. The color can be completely white or black, white and gold, black and white, white and red, any combination of red and gold.
Puppy weight by month
- At birth, a Shih Tzu puppy weighs about 200 grams.
- At one month the dog's weight should be 1 kilogram
- At 2 months already 2 kilograms
- At six months the puppy reaches a weight of 6 kg
And it can reach its adult weight after a year of life
average life expectancy
Buddha's dog is a long-liver. With good nutrition and care, she can live up to 20 years. The average lifespan is 10-15 years.
Allergenicity
For people with allergies, a Shih Tzu dog is not the best choice. Perhaps this is the only restriction when you should not have a dog of this particular breed.
Shih Tzu: breed characteristics, description and life expectancy
Shih Tzu: description and character of the breed
The Shih Tzu is classified as a toy dog in most countries, its height is 20-30 cm and its weight is 5-10 kg.
Like most toys, Shih Tzus grow quickly, reaching adult size at about 10 months.
Shih Tzus are often slightly longer than they are tall, with a robust body and well-proportioned head. The muzzle is rather short, with an undershot. The head is round, the eyes are noticeably bulging. The tail is slightly curled over the back. The gait is quite fast for such a small dog.
The Shih Tzu is covered with thick, long, straight hair. Thick fur requires a lot of attention, especially if it is left long, that is, dragging along the ground. The color can vary, but usually there are darker spots around the eyes and nose. Shih Tzus tend to be fairly hardy little dogs and often live up to 14-15 years.
Character Traits:
Shih Tzus are known for their cheerful, joyful temperaments. They are lively and friendly. Shih Tzus generally get along well with people of all ages and with other dogs, as well as other pets of various species. Meeting an angry Shih Tzu is very rare, most of them are very sweet.
With their short muzzles, Shih Tzus are not big chewers, but they do like to dig and some have obnoxious barks. They really enjoy being in the company of people, whether it be sitting on laps or walking in the park.
Maintenance and care:
Shih Tzus are very unpretentious and will quickly gain weight if they are over-pampered. They don't want or need daily runs, but they do enjoy walks, which are good for keeping fit. Shih Tzus are obedient and easy to train. Be careful not to train your Shih Tzu in hot, humid weather; the breed is prone to heat stroke.
The Shih Tzu's coat can fairly be called hair. Most owners prefer a short, full-body cut all year round, which looks quite cute and is easy to maintain. If you want to keep your long coat, you have to be prepared for some serious grooming. These dogs require weekly baths and oiling to maintain shine and daily grooming to remove debris or other small objects from the coat. Dogs with short hair do not require as much care as dogs with long hair.
Shih Tzus tend to require a lot of attention on a daily basis. They thrive in human company and are easily spoiled. They enjoy learning while being the center of attention. Shih Tzus are best introduced to children as early as possible, although they enjoy people of all ages. Don't count on your Shih Tzu to guard your home; he'll probably rush to an intruder with glee.
Story:
Shih Tzus originated in Tibet probably around the 7th century, and they may simply have been the smallest of the Tibetan terriers there. Once a gift to the Chinese emperors, the breed became what we know it today. Experts talk about crossing with the Pekingese in order to make the muzzle shorter, as well as selecting the smallest terriers. The name Shih Tzu in Chinese means “lion-dog”, which calls into question the pedigree, because. The lion dog is commonly called the Pekingese.
The Chinese royal family kept and bred Shih Tzus, and when the British came, the breed came to England and then to the United States. Unfortunately, the communist takeover in China destroyed most of its own stock.
No one disputes that these adorable little dogs were bred to be companion dogs. Their main function from the very beginning is to be pleasant company.
Brief history of the breed
There is a legend, according to it, Buddha was always accompanied by a small dog on his travels. If necessary to protect the owner, she turned into a huge lion. Buddha could ride on this lion. Since then, it has been believed that this small dog was a Shih Tzu.
A beautiful legend, but in fact, the origin of the Shih Tzu comes from Tibet. A truly Chinese dog was once presented to the emperor, but he was so delighted with it that he forbade breeding it outside the palace. She became exclusively the dog of the imperial family. Where the Shih Tzu came to Tibet is not clear.
It arrived in Europe already in the 20th century, as several individuals were presented to the Norwegian ambassador. He returned home and started producing a new breed for everyone.
The first described breed standard appeared closer to the middle of the 20th century.
History of Shih Tzu Chrysanthemum Dogs
History of the breed: today there is no single version of scientists about the origin of the Shih Tzu dog breed. Presumably, the chrysanthemum dog first appeared in Tibet, as evidenced by its images in 16th-century engravings. Among Buddhists there is a legend about a small dog “ha-pa”, which accompanied the great Buddha on his travels. In case of danger, she took the form of a huge lion, which fiercely defended its owner. In Tibet, for several decades, they believed that this brave, miniature dog was the Shih Tzu, and they revered the animal, considering it sacred.
Another version says that the history of Shih Tzu chrysanthemum dogs comes from Byzantium, from where “little lions” came to Tibet at the beginning of the 7th century. However, there is no reliable evidence of this.
Modern breeders believe that Shih Tzu dogs were bred by crossing breeds such as Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, and Tibetan Mountain Dog.
More verified data about the breed can be dated back to the 17th century, when the Tibetan Dalai Lama presented several small, unusual Shih Tzus as a gift to the Chinese Emperor, who liked them so much that he made them the main palace dogs and ordered servants to accompany them everywhere. In subsequent years, breeding of the breed was personally supervised by the emperor. These animals were forbidden to be exported beyond the borders of the state, and only those close to them received them as a gift.
The breed came to Europe only in the 20th century. There are also no reliable facts about how this happened. According to one version, the chrysanthemum dog was presented to the Ambassador of Norway, after which, with the help of his connections, he was able to purchase several more copies and began breeding the breed. According to another version, the animals were imported to Great Britain and soon spread throughout the world.
The first scientific description of the Shih Tzu was compiled by British dog experts. In 1969, the breed received recognition from the American Kennel Club. Since then, “little lions” have become very popular. Among their fans are many famous people, including Queen Elizabeth II, Kim Basinger, Bill Gates, Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Jerry Halliwell and many others.
By watching the video above, you can learn more about other interesting facts about the amazing Shih Tzu breed.
Character
Shih Tzus are smart and calm. They are human-like, so obedient that they seem to simply understand human speech. In order for a puppy of this breed to learn to understand you better, you should talk to him from his early days. Shih Tzus quickly learn to understand their owner, they respond to the subtleties of intonation. But they react very painfully to screams and scandal.
Don't try to punish the offending puppy by yelling at him. He will understand everything if you just speak strictly and restrainedly.
Shih Tzus will not rush and bark at cars or strangers passing by. But they love to walk. Therefore, even if your Shih Tzu is trained to go to the litter box, walks will give him incredible pleasure. They do not tolerate loneliness well. They should not be left alone for long. The dog can be very sad.
Learning ability
Shih Tzu dog decoration. She adorns the world with her presence. His charm and devotion are enough to already win the love of her owner. This breed is not intended for duty, following commands or performing tricks. She is aristocratic and graceful.
The Shih Tzu will be happy to walk with you and will not leave a single step. She understands you when you call her. I always don't mind chatting with you. He won't let a stranger in right away. The dog is smart, which compensates for the rating of 1 out of 5 points. It’s not so much about training her as simply establishing a good relationship with her.
Shih Tzu: description of the dog breed with photos, what kind of character, reviews
Attitude towards children
If upbringing is carried out correctly, then this dog will become a dear friend for kids too. The dog is capable of being very patient with children's carelessness. But the child should also be taught that an animal is not a teddy bear that doesn’t feel anything. You can’t stop giving your pet rest, because he has his own needs and desires. Moreover, since this is a legendary animal, one must show a certain amount of respect for its history.
In general, the dog's attitude towards children is excellent. Even during a walk, the Shih Tzu is so obedient and loyal that you can easily take him for a walk with a child. A dog, even a puppy, of this breed is not inclined to run away from its owner. You can give 5 points out of 5 for the attitude of the Shih Tzu towards children.
Approximate cost of a Shih Tzu puppy
Knowing how long representatives of the Shih Tzu breed live, many will even more want to become owners of such pets who are not only calm and affectionate, but also live quite a long time. How much will the once popular dog at the imperial court cost? Its approximate cost is about 25–30 thousand rubles and more, but this is only if, along with a black or white puppy, you receive the appropriate documents indicating its pedigree. If you are not looking for a dog that will take part in various exhibitions, the cost of the puppy may be much lower. 5-11 thousand rubles - that’s how much a pet will cost you just for the soul.
Related article: What to feed small and adult Shih Tzu dogs
Content
Shih Tzus are long-lived and have fairly good health. All their lives, even at a very old age, they continue to be playful, cheerful, eat well, and their character does not deteriorate over the years.
To ensure your pet lives a long and happy life, you need to take care of your eye health. They are wiped with cotton pads moistened with warm boiled water. However, you cannot use one cotton pad for both eyes. You need to wipe the eyes with movements from the outer edge, towards the nose.
Tartar can be a problem for this breed of dog. It must be removed in time.
The Shih Tzu's fur is so thick that even the ear canals are covered with it. “Tangles” form that block air circulation, which gives rise to the development of infections and inflammations. Therefore, the hair inside the ears is cut off. You can pluck them out if you do it especially carefully.
Need for physical activity
You need to make sure your dog doesn't gain weight. Shih Tzus are prone to gaining excess weight. If you notice this in your dog, make its walks more active and reduce the portion of food.
You need to walk your dog not so much for a long time, but actively. Although the Shih Tzu is capable of long hikes, it also loves to play. Even if your dog is trained to go to the litter tray or diaper, then on rainy days, be sure to take him for a walk.
Pregnancy in a Shih Tzu lasts 63 days. All this time the dog is more vulnerable, so make sure that it does not become hypothermic.
Wash your pregnant dog after warm walks. While it is drying, it is better not to take it outside. As a rule - until the next day.
Shih Tzu. About the dog breed: description of the Shih Tzu breed, prices, photos, care
Appearance care
Wool is the pride of a Shih Tzu dog. This dog's hair is similar in structure to human hair. Therefore, when thinking about purchasing this breed, keep in mind that your pet’s coat needs careful care. His fur is a real hairstyle!
It does not get caught in carpets, does not stick to clothes, and does not cover sofas. But this does not mean that it is enough to wipe the dog with a damp sponge to make it clean.
If you have no time or are too lazy to groom your dog, do not adopt this breed. Her beauty is in her “hairstyle”.
You can still get a Shih Tzu dog if you are willing to visit grooming salons frequently, understanding that this is an expensive pleasure.
It’s a rare person who doesn’t want to cuddle a little fluffy Shih Tzu, take him in, or care for him. But if the Shih Tzu is neglected, it is a sad sight. Think about it: are you ready to give your dog a decent life and the necessary care?
A dog with long hair needs to be bathed once a week. A cut one can be bathed a little less often. But if you have a show dog, bathing once every seven days is a strict rule. Since you can’t achieve the proper look with just one wash and combing. To make your dog's hair look alive and filled with vitality, you need to take care of it uninterruptedly.
Shih Tzu shampoo coma requires conditioners and balms. After bathing, do not rub your dog with a towel, otherwise the hair will become tangled and tangled. Wrap it up and start drying it. The head and groin are very sensitive to heat, so be careful when drying these areas.
Do not leave your dog wet after washing! She is at risk of getting sick.
Nutrition
Raw meat is much healthier for your Shih Tzu than boiled meat. It should be added to the feed daily. Mix in bone meal to enrich the food with minerals. Fish is also present in the Shih Tzu's diet. But only sea. River fish is prohibited for this dog. You should absolutely not give your dog beans or pasta. Sweets are also prohibited. Pork and smoked meats are prohibited. And vegetables are very healthy for dogs.
The water should be fresh and in a clean bowl. You shouldn’t just pour milk on your dog. It can be given as part of porridge. Feeding occurs twice a day - morning and evening.
Shih Tzu dog breed - care, nutrition, education
Maintenance and care
A dog with a black, red or white color and a characteristic bite is purchased as a decorative one, so the main purpose of a representative of such a breed is to please the eye of its owner. To make your Shih Tzu a true decoration of your home, you will have to work hard on its appearance. The lion's share of caring for this dog includes bathing and brushing its fur. This must be done regularly, otherwise tangles will begin to form on the coat, which are very, very difficult to deal with.
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When a dog is 10–12 months old, it begins to shed, and this process lasts about three weeks. At this time, combing should be done even more often than usual. As for bathing, it is carried out once a month or as the puppy gets dirty. If mats have formed on his fur, under no circumstances should you bathe your pet until you have thoroughly combed him.
Some people prefer to cut their pet's hair short so that caring for its fur is not so painstaking. However, please note: if you want your four-legged friend to participate in various exhibitions, you should not cut his hair under any circumstances. However, grooming is not the only thing you will have to do when owning a Shih Tzu dog. It is very important to regularly clean your pet’s ears, trim his nails, and also monitor the condition of his eyes. Because hair often gets into your puppy's eyes, they require special care. They may become inflamed and red. In this case, immediately seek help from a veterinarian.
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Rules for cutting a Shih Tzu at home
Shih Tzu owners often encounter problems with ticks and fleas, because their coat is very long and thick. Do not neglect treatment with special preparations. Otherwise, the dog will suffer from severe itching, combing and sometimes “tearing out” pieces of its own fur. An adult dog's weight is small, but due to a sedentary lifestyle, the pet may become obese. Try not to overfeed your four-legged friend, and at least once a week try to take him out into the fresh air and play outdoor games with him.
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What to feed small and adult Shih Tzu dogs
Speaking of feeding: a dog's daily diet should contain as little fat as possible. Don't give your pet treats from the table, otherwise he will become a picky eater. The optimal solution in the case of Shih Tzu is dry formulations. You can switch your pet to feeding natural products. The main part of the diet in this case will be meat (beef, rabbit, turkey). It is better to avoid chicken, as it often causes allergic reactions in Shih Tzus. Boiled sea fish is also considered a good food additive.
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Rules for the care and maintenance of the Shih Tzu breed at home
Difficulties
Summarizing the difficulties of raising a Shih Tzu, it can be noted that:
- The dog needs the constant company of its owner
- Wool is a difficult point in caring for a dog, as it requires very careful attention.
- Ears and eyes, which constantly strive to become overgrown with hair, need to be washed and freed
- The dog loves to eat and may gain weight
- Supervise when Shih Tzus drink water, the position of their nose risks water getting into their nose
Every dog is special. The description of the breed does not always correspond to the general image. Love your dog with all his personalities and learn to understand him.
