1. What is their history? What were they bred to do?
Dogs of this breed who compete in AKC competitions are members of the Toy Group and are great companions & house pets. Cherished by Chinese royals as prized house pets for over a thousand years, it is believed that Shih Tzus descended from crossing the Lhasa Apso or Tibetan mountain dog and the Pekingese. The Shih Tzu was the house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty and was developed as a distinctive breed by the Dowager Empress Cixi, who reduced their size and cherished their distinctive markings and colors that matched the gowns of the ladies of the court. The Chinese characters for Shih Tzu mean “lion” and for this reason, these pups are often called “little lions” or “lion dogs.” They are also called “chrysanthemum-faced dogs” because the hair grows about their face in all directions. When the Communist Revolution occurred in China, the breed almost became extinct. Every Shih Tzu today can be traced to fourteen dogs that were imported to England at this time. Breeding of the Shih Tzu began in 1930 and they were officially recognized by the AKC in 1969. Today, the Shih Tzu’s sole purpose is to be a companion … just as it was in the Chinese royal court long ago.
2. How long will they live and what are standard/typical health issues?
Shih Tzus can live15 years or more if they’re taken care of! They have fair general health, but also have a high potential for weight gain so make sure you’re watching your pup’s diet! You must be careful to avoid eye injuries because they have large eyes and no muzzle to protect them.
Renal Dysplasia -- Renal dysplasia is an abnormal development and functioning of one or both kidneys. The disease usually progresses in three stages. Stage one is the silent destruction and loss of nephrons (the functional units in the kidney, consisting of a glomerulus and its associated tubule). Stage two occurs when approximately 30% of functioning nephrons remain and clinical symptoms like excessive thirst and volume of urine, weight loss, lack of vigor, and intermittent loss of appetite become obvious. In the final stage, vomiting, weakness, dehydration, and severe debilitation are added to second stage symptoms, and death from renal failure is the eventual outcome.
Trichiasis -- Trichiasis causes eyelashes to be misdirected into the eye, causing eye irritation. It can be easily corrected with medication or, in some cases, with a surgical procedure.
Portacaval Shunt (liver shunt) – A portacaval shunt is a liver shunt. That is, the embryonic blood vessel within the liver does not go away, allowing blood to bypass the liver processing. This results in neurological and other problems. Typical treatment expense is up to $4,000 -- depending on severity.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) -- KCS is known as “dry eye syndrome” in humans – it is a decreased production of tears, causing dry eye and damage to the cornea. Symptoms include eye redness, a yellow or greenish discharge, ulceration of the cornea, and blood vessels on the cornea. Tear replacers are the typical treatment. Dogs suffering from cherry eye should have the condition corrected to help prevent this disease.
Otitis Externa -- Otitis externa is an external ear canal infection or inflammation. Typical treatment expense is up to $4,000 depending on severity and frequency.
3. What is their overall temperament?
Shih Tzus are lively, alert, friendly, and trusting towards all. They love to be pampered and are extremely affectionate with their family. They are playful, very dog friendly, and almost always friendly toward strangers. They are sometimes kid friendly, though of course socializing your pup at a young age will help him be comfortable around most people later in life.
4. How easy are they to train?
Training a Shih Tzu can be both an amusing and a frustrating experience. Your pup will probably try to charm and kiss you into letting him have his own way. Because Shih Tzus are such people dogs, praise and rewards are always more effective than punishment when training. Introduce desired new behaviors a little at a time, be firm, and never give in while your dog is misbehaving (no matter how cute he is being!). If he nips or jumps up on you, ignore him until he settles down, then praise him. Teaching your dog basic commands such as “sit,” “come,” and “stay” could one day save his life. Shih Tzus have a high prey drive, so if you are working on training somewhere that a cat (or rabbit, squirrel, etc.) might wander by, be ready for your pup to decide training is over and the chase is on!
5. Are they good with kids and pets?
Shih Tzus love people and other dogs, and their docile personality makes them good companions for children. Keep in mind that they are small dogs, and children should be supervised when they play with your Shih Tzu. Everyone can practice the “puppy shuffle:” sliding your feet along the floor to avoid stepping on a puppy that always seems to be underfoot!
6. How big will they be?
The Shih Tzu is a small breed ranging in size from 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and just 9 to 16 pounds! There is no such thing as an AKC-recognized “imperial” or “teacup” Shih Tzu, but that doesn’t mean they won’t make great pets! Just don’t fall for it when someone tries to tell you they have AKC papers for their litter of teacup Shih Tzus.
7. How much grooming do they need?
If you’re looking for a dog with minimal upkeep, the Shih Tzu is not the dog for you! Like you and me, the Shih Tzu has hair instead of fur! If their coats are not brushed frequently and kept clean, they tangle and mat. Mats should be removed before bathing … unless you want them to set in like concrete! It is especially important to keep the face clean and mat-free. Shih-Tzu’s have sensitive eyes and there are special drops you can buy to put in them if needed. Ask your vet what to use on your dog. Toenails and the hair on the belly, around the anus, and between the pads of the feet need regular trimming as well. The long, flowing coats on Shih Tzus in the show ring require much time and effort. Many pet owners prefer to scissor or clip the coat short, or take their dog to a groomer regularly to be trimmed in the latest style. Shih Tzus shed minimally, but that doesn’t make up for all the brushing and trimming they require! When kept in a long coat, a topknot is usually tied to keep the hair out of the dog’s eyes. Cute bows are encouraged!
8. How much exercise do they need?
The Shih Tzu enjoys short daily walks or vigorous indoor play sessions and games. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. Shih Tzus are very well suited for apartment or condominium dwelling. They love to play outside, so a small fenced yard is ideal.
9. Who should own this dog?
Shih Tzus almost always adapt well to apartment living. They are good dogs for novice owners and have a moderate sensitivity level (not quite easygoing, but won’t hold everything against you). They don’t tolerate being alone particularly well and don’t tolerate cold weather well, either. They tolerate hot weather very poorly, so try to keep them inside as much as possible during the hottest months of the year.
They are the perfect dog for: Anybody anywhere so long as they have the time to give them a daily walk, play with them daily, and can keep them in the house/apt./etc. where the temperature is regulated.
10. Where can I get one?
If you are interested in purchasing a Shih Tzu, we recommend that you contact the AKC parent club, the American Shih Tzu Club, Inc. Their website is http://www.americanshihtzuclub.org/ and you can contact Bonnie Prato at shihtzuorg@yahoo.com for breeder referral. If you are interested in rescuing a Shih Tzu, there are several rescues available. Check out the American Shih Tzu Club, Inc. Rescue Contacts to get you started!
