Shih Tzu: temperament, size, care and health

About the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy dog with a broad round head, a short square muzzle, large dark eyes and long drop ears buried in hair. The long, flowing double coat falls over the body and often hangs to the floor, while the tail curls over the back with a plume. A topknot is often tied up out of the eyes. The coat comes in almost any color, with white blazes and tail tips common.

The name is Chinese for "lion," and the breed was kept in the palaces of China as a lap companion. It has no working purpose, and people choose it for its friendly attitude, small size and glamorous coat.

Temperament and family life

A Shih Tzu is outgoing, affectionate and generally friendly with everyone, including strangers, children and other pets. It is an alert dog that barks to announce visitors but usually not excessively, and it is not suited to being a watchdog. It tends to be happiest in the middle of the family.

The breed is sturdy enough for children who are gentle and who understand how to handle small dogs. A Shih Tzu has a stubborn, independent streak and may be slow to follow directions it finds uninteresting, and it can be demanding of attention. It dislikes long periods alone and is easily bored.

Exercise and training

Exercise needs are modest. A daily walk or two and indoor play are enough, and the breed is happy with a lap afterward. The short nose and heavy coat make it prone to overheating, so avoid exertion in warm weather and keep it in a cool room.

The Shih Tzu is intelligent and learns well with food and praise, but it can be willful, and its training requires patience and consistent routines. House training is a common problem and often takes longer than in other breeds. Short sessions keep it engaged. Early socialization and puppy classes help to build confidence.

Grooming and shedding

The long coat sheds relatively little but needs daily brushing and combing to the skin to prevent mats. Baths every one to three weeks are standard. Many owners choose a puppy clip every six to eight weeks to keep the dog comfortable and cut grooming time.

Hair around the eyes should be trimmed or tied up, and the face must be wiped each day because of tear staining and food. The ears carry hair in the canal and need checking. Trim nails and brush teeth often.

Health

The Shih Tzu's large, prominent eyes are vulnerable to dry eye, corneal ulcers and other conditions, and the flat face can cause breathing difficulty in some dogs. Ear infections, dental crowding, skin allergies, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia and back disc disease are seen. Some lines suffer from inherited kidney disease. Lifespan is variable but often long.

Responsible breeders examine eyes, knees and hips, and they choose dogs with open nostrils. This is general information about the Shih Tzu, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The Shih Tzu is generally traced to Tibet, with a long history as a palace dog prized by Chinese royalty, and some theories place the Pekingese or the Lhasa Apso in its ancestry. Dogs reached England in 1928, the Shih Tzu Club was founded there in 1934, and the first European standard followed in 1935. After World War II, soldiers brought dogs to the United States, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in the 1960s.

Is the Shih Tzu right for you?

A Shih Tzu suits families, seniors and apartment residents who want a friendly small dog and accept regular grooming and a longer house-training period. It is a good first dog for a patient owner.

It is a poor match for people who dislike brushing or want an athletic dog, and it is not ideal for hot climates. The Lhasa Apso is more independent and watchful, the Havanese is livelier, and the Pekingese is more dignified. The Maltese has a similar silky coat in a smaller size.