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AKC MEET THE BREED®: Shih Tzu
A compact and solid dog, the Shih Tzu long, flowing double coat is its most distinctive feature. The word Shih Tzu means - 'lion' and although this dog is sweet and playful, he is not afraid to stand up for himself! One of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC® Registration Statistics, this portable pooch has a distinctively arrogant carriage with his head well up and tail curved over the back. All colors of Shih Tzu are allowed.
A Look Back
Cherished by Chinese royals as prized house pets for over a thousand years, it is believed to have descended from crossing the Lhasa Apso or Tibetan mountain dog and Pekingese. The Shih Tzu was the house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty and was discovered by soldiers in England during World War II.
Right Breed for You?
As the sole purpose of the Shih Tzu is companion and house pet, he should be lively, alert, friendly and trusting towards all. He requires minimal exercise, but his long, luxurious coat needs daily brushing and maintenance.
- Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1969.
- Ranging in size from 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and 9 to 16 pounds.
- Companion, house pet.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Shih Tzu Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with long flowing double coat. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. Although there has always been considerable size variation, the Shih Tzu must be compact, solid, carrying good weight and substance.
Even though a toy dog, the Shih Tzu must be subject to the same requirements of soundness and structure prescribed for all breeds, and any deviation from the ideal described in the standard should be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Shih Tzu as in any other breed, regardless of whether or not such faults are specifically mentioned in the standard.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size - Ideally, height at withers is 9 to 10½ inches; but, not less than 8 inches nor more than 11 inches. Ideally, weight of mature dogs, 9 to 16 pounds. Proportion - Length between withers and root of tail is slightly longer than height at withers. The Shih Tzu must never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty. Substance - Regardless of size, the Shih Tzu is always compact, solid and carries good weight and substance.
The Shih Tzu makes a great companion. They love being indoors with family. They are outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting. They get along with children and other pets. They are great traveling pets. Shih tzu do not like being separated from their owners. They can be docile and quiet but they also love to play. They love to end the day cuddled in your lap or at the foot of your recliner!
Shih Tzu require extensive grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent knots, tangles and mats. Some Shih Tzu owners keep their dogs in a 'puppy cut' which makes them easier to care for. With either long or short hair, your Shih Tzu will be beautiful!
I prefer crate training my Shih Tzu. They are eager to learn. But they have a stubborn streak which requires persistence, consistency and patience. If started at a young age, your Shih Tzu will not feel as if it is a form of punishment, but rather as their 'space'! I have placed a couple of mine in their crates and forgotten to lock the gate and came back later and they are still sitting inside! They were comfortable. So start them young. You will be glad you did! My vet once told me, " Out of sight, in the crate." If you aren't with them and can't keep your eyes on them . . . put them in their crate . . . you have no idea what they will be into, while you are away or busy! So keep them safe and yourself with a peace of mind knowing exactly where your 'lil Shih Tzu is!'
The Shih Tzu life expectancy is 10 - 16 years!
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