The Shih-Tzu

If you’re looking for a smaller dog breed, the Shih-Tzu might be the perfect option for you. Originating from Tibet and China, their name means “Little Lion,” but don’t worry. They are not usually aggressive or predatory at all. Here’s everything you need to know about this beautiful breed.

General facts

These stats will give you a little insight into what you can expect from the average Shih-Tzu dog. They are categorized as companion dogs, so you won’t be getting protection from them. However, they will shower you with love and affection. They’re the perfect little buddy to hang out with. A Shih-Tzu is 9 to 10 inches at the shoulder, and they generally weigh between 9 and 16 pounds when they are fully grown. These little pooches have a relatively long life expectancy for a dog, and many live 10 to 16 years. They will require years of care, love, and affection. For more information, check out www.mdpuppiesonline.com.

Temperament

Shih-Tzus were originally bred as companion dogs, so it’s safe to say that they make a brilliant pet.  They were quite literally bred for this purpose. The main characteristic of their temperament is affection, so if you’re looking for a loving pooch, a Shih-Tzu may be for you.

Breed Specific Needs

A Shih-Tzu is a very adaptable dog and can be comfortable in lots of settings. It’s important to remember that a Shih-Tzu is most definitely a house dog and will be unhappy left outdoors in a kennel. They need warmth and home comforts to live life to its fullest. They only need short walks each day, so they can make a great addition to an elderly person’s home since they don’t need a whole lot of exercise. Just remember to properly socialize your puppy while he’s young, so he’ll get used to other dogs and people. No one wants a timid dog!

Grooming

Shih-Tzus have beautiful coats, but with great beauty, of course, comes great responsibility. You will need to keep on top of your pup’s coat to keep it clean and in good condition. Comb or brush your dog daily to avoid tangles or dreadlocks. This breed should be bathed around once a week. Many people opt to send their Shih-Tzu to a professional groomer, who will be able to wash, dry and trim your pooch’s fur more easily than you can.

They may also let you know if your pup’s claws need trimming or if excess hair needs to be plucked from the ears. Expect the fluffy puppy coat to change when your pet reaches the age of ten to twelve months. They will gain their silky adult coat around that time.

Health Concerns

Each dog breed is prone to specific health problems. The Shih-Tzu is generally healthy but is often prone to allergies, ranging from food allergies to contact allergies and inhalant allergies. For food allergies, work alongside your vet to identify causes and remove this allergen from your dog’s diet. To tackle contact allergies, try to bathe them with dog shampoos that are specially designed for pooches with sensitive skin. These are often available at your local pet store, but prescription options can often be prescribed by your vet. For inhalant allergies, you may simply have to stop bringing certain pollinating plants into your home or dust a little more often.

Eye problems are also common later in life, as the breed is likely to have large eyes in comparison to the size of their head, causing them to bulge over time. Just keep an eye on them. If you do notice any redness, itching or excessive watering of the eyes, take your little pup to the vet’s as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the problem and offer the relevant treatment.

As you can see, the Shih-Tzu is a beautiful and loveable breed of dog. This little pup could make the perfect companion! Have you ever had a Shih-Tzu? My old neighbor had 2, and they were the sweetest things! As always, adopt, don’t shop! There are plenty of Shih-Tzu’s who need good homes. Search for a Shih-Tzu rescue online if your heart is set on this breed.