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The Shih Tzu has a reputation for being a high-strung, high-maintenance, and high-society breed. And while there is some truth to this reputation, Shih Tzus are also loyal and delightful companion dogs.

Short History of the Breed

• "Shih Tzu" means "lion dog" in Chinese and dates back as far as 624 AD.
• The Shih Tzu is an ancient Chinese breed that was used by the Chinese aristocracy in the 19th century as a companion animal and a symbol of wealth and prestige.
• Once considered exotic and off-limits for the masses, the Shih Tzu was introduced to North America in the early 20th century but was not a recognized AKC breed until 1969.

Physical Description & Size

Shih Tzus are perfectly sized lap dogs! They are usually 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh an average of 9 to 12 pounds.

Shih Tzus are sometimes called "the chrysanthemum-faced dog" because the facial hair grows outwards in many directions like a flower. They have an exaggeratedly arrogant carriage with a turned up tail and a peppy gait.

The double coat is long, thick, luxurious, and smooth, sometimes with a slight wave. Hair on top of the head is often tied up not only to enable the dog to see and to prevent eye infections.

The Shih Tzu coat can be black and white, gray and white, red and white, and beige and white, or any combination of these colors.

Kaley, a 8-yr-old shih tzu, loves to play ball and swim!

Temperament

Shih Tzus are usually happy, outgoing, trusting, and affectionate dogs. They love kids(more of such older kids), and get along well with other animals,however they dont do well with younger children,as they have a strong sence of seif-importance and they might be jealous of little children.They usually attach themselves closely with one individual but are friendly to many. This breed can become distraught very easily by change of routine and surroundings, however, and it is healthiest to keep life as similar as possible since they do not adapt well to change.

Dog Care (exercise, grooming, diet)

The famous Shih Tzu coat of long, silky hair does, of course, require a fair amount of grooming and upkeep. Many owners will rely on the help of a professional groomer to keep their dog's coat in glossy condition.

Like other dogs in the AKC Toy group, Shih Tzus are well suited as apartment dogs and urban pets. This breed does not need much exercise, and will be happy with a daily walk around the block.

They are best suited in households without too much chaos and because they can be defensive and nippy in situations perceived as stressful or threatening.

Shih Tzus require a high-quality, regulated diet to prevent weight gain and obesity.

Health Issues, Life Expectancy

As with other pure bred dogs, there are certain health concerns common to the breed, This includes a tendency towards eye injury (because of the unique shape of the Shih Tzu's face and their protruding eyes), ear infections, thyroid disorders, and hip dysplasia.

That being said, the breed as a whole is quite healthy, and most Shih Tzus live long, healthy lives that can last 12 to 16 years or more.

AKC Group

The Shih Tzu belongs to the AKC Toy group of dogs. Other dogs in this category include the Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, and Pug.

Additional Resources

• Shih Tzu Online Community - DogBreed.org
• Yahoo! Pets
• AKC
• American Shih Tzu Club