Shih Tzu: Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Care, Traits & More

5 Things You May Not Know About the Charming Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a charming companion breed that has captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world with their lively personalities, adorable faces, and beautiful coats. Originally bred to be lap dogs for Chinese royalty, these "little lion dogs" may be small in stature but are full of character. Whether you are already a proud Shih Tzu owner or are considering adding one to your family, here are five fascinating facts you may not know about this ancient and beloved breed.

1. One of the Oldest Dog Breeds in Existence

With a history that dates back over 1000 years, the Shih Tzu is believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds. While their exact origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery, most experts agree that the breed was developed in China, possibly from Lhasa Apso or Pekingese ancestry, as a companion dog for Chinese royalty and nobility during the Ming Dynasty.

According to legend, the Shih Tzu was a gift from the Tibetan Dalai Lama to Chinese emperors and was considered a sacred animal, being kept in luxurious palace quarters and pampered by royal caretakers. The "chrysanthemum-faced" dogs, as they were called due to their round wide-set eyes and flattened faces, were believed to bring good luck and were never sold but only given as precious gifts.

It wasn‘t until the 1930s that the first Shih Tzus were imported to Europe, and after World War II, the breed was brought to the United States where they quickly gained popularity as companion animals. Today, the Shih Tzu consistently ranks among the most popular breeds in America according to AKC registration statistics.

2. Their Coats Require Commitment

One of the Shih Tzu‘s most distinctive features is their long, silky coat which is said to resemble that of a lion‘s mane around their faces. While undeniably beautiful, the Shih Tzu coat is also very high maintenance, requiring daily brushing and combing to prevent matting and tangling. Frequent baths, at least every three weeks, are also necessary to keep the coat clean and healthy.

Many pet Shih Tzu owners opt to have their dog‘s coats trimmed short in a "puppy cut" to make daily maintenance easier. However, show Shih Tzus are required to have long, flowing floor-length coats. Preparing a Shih Tzu for the show ring is a time-consuming affair involving hours of brushing, bathing, and trimming. Regular trips to the grooming salon every 4-6 weeks are a must for pet Shih Tzus to keep their coats looking tidy.

In addition to daily brushing and regular baths, Shih Tzus also need their facial hair trimmed around the eyes to prevent irritation, and the hair in their ears plucked to allow air flow and prevent infections. Dental hygiene is also very important for this breed, requiring frequent tooth brushing. While the Shih Tzu coat is gorgeous, potential owners need to consider if they have the time and budget to properly care for it before bringing one of these dogs home.

3. Playful Personalities and Loving Lap Dogs

The Shih Tzu was bred to be a companion animal and does not do well when left alone for long periods of time. These affectionate little dogs bond very closely with their owners and love nothing more than being by their side on the couch or curled up on a warm lap. They crave attention and interaction with their favorite humans.

While the Shih Tzu may have been developed as a pampered palace pet, they are also lively and playful dogs that enjoy a good romp and game of fetch or tug-of-war, especially as puppies and younger adults. A fun-loving and friendly breed by nature, Shih Tzus typically get along well with children and other dogs, making them an excellent family pet.

Despite their small size, Shih Tzu‘s have a lot of personality and confidence. They are generally outgoing and happy to meet new people. However, without proper training and socialization when young, they can become suspicious of strangers or develop aggressive tendencies toward other dogs. Enrolling in puppy training classes is recommended for Shih Tzu owners.

Although the Shih Tzu only requires a moderate amount of exercise and is well-suited for apartment living, they still need daily activity in the form of short walks and interactive playtime to stay physically and mentally stimulated. A bored Shih Tzu with pent up energy is more likely to engage in destructive behaviors or excessive barking. Puzzle toys, teaching tricks, and dog sports like agility or rally can help keep clever Shih Tzus occupied.

4. Health Issues to Be Aware Of

Like many purebred dogs, the Shih Tzu is prone to certain genetic health problems. As a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, respiratory issues are common in Shih Tzus, especially in hot humid weather. Stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils) and an elongated soft palate can cause snoring, snorting, and difficulty breathing. Keeping Shih Tzus at a healthy lean weight and limiting exercise in warm temperatures is important.

Due to their large protruding eyes, Shih Tzus are also prone to various eye problems including corneal ulcers, dry eye, progressive retinal atrophy, and eyelash and eyelid disorders. Daily cleaning around the eyes and routine vet checks are critical for this breed. Dental disease and gum overgrowth is another issue often seen in Shih Tzus that can be prevented with regular tooth brushing and dental cleanings.

Orthopedic problems like patellar luxation, intervertebral disc disease and hip dysplasia can impact the Shih Tzu breed as well. Responsible breeders will screen for these conditions in their breeding stock. According to a small 2022 research study, allergies were the number one cited cause of death in Shih Tzus, followed by kidney/genitourinary disease and liver conditions.

The average lifespan for a Shih Tzu is 10 to 18 years old, which is relatively long for a dog. Many Shih Tzus maintain a puppylike demeanor well into their senior years. Owning a Shih Tzu is a long-term commitment for most people.

5. Stubborn Streaks and Training Challenges

The Shih Tzu is an intelligent breed that typically responds well to positive reinforcement training methods using food rewards or favorite toys. However, they can also have a stubborn streak and an independent nature which can make training more challenging, especially house training. Shih Tzu puppies are notoriously difficult to potty train and it can take several months and a lot of consistency and patience to get them fully house broken.

Many Shih Tzus are also prone to "small dog syndrome" and may try to challenge their owners for dominance, becoming demanding and not listening to commands. It‘s important to establish leadership and not let your Shih Tzu boss you around, no matter how cute they are! Obedience training starting at a young age, with clear rules and boundaries, is essential for this breed.

Despite their small stature, Shih Tzus have a surprising amount of energy and can excel at dog sports like agility, rally and even obedience with the right training and motivation. They are also popular therapy dogs thanks to their gentle and intuitive nature. Getting your Shih Tzu involved in advanced training and social activities can help burn off extra energy and keep their clever minds stimulated.

Is a Shih Tzu the Right Dog For You?

There‘s no denying the Shih Tzu has an endearing charm and is a wonderful companion animal. They are a great fit for many different types of families or individuals looking for a small affectionate lapdog to dote on. However, the Shih Tzu‘s long, high-maintenance coat and risk for certain health issues mean they require a significant commitment in terms of time and money to care for properly over their long lifespan.

If you work long hours or are away from home frequently, a Shih Tzu is probably not the ideal breed for your lifestyle. Their lively, outgoing personalities also mean a lot of attention and interaction is required to keep them happy. But if you are able to be with your dog for a good part of the day and enjoy lots of cuddle time on the couch, a Shih Tzu could be your perfect companion.

When looking for a Shih Tzu puppy, be sure to research breeders carefully and verify the parents have undergone recommended health screenings. Meeting the puppy‘s parents and seeing the living conditions can give you a good sense of their temperament and how they are raised. If you would prefer to adopt, there are many wonderful Shih Tzus available in rescues and shelters. Often times the dog‘s personality, energy level and any health or behavior issues are assessed in foster homes prior to adoption.

Ultimately, choosing to bring any dog into your life should be a carefully considered decision, and the Shih Tzu breed has some specific needs that may not be a good match for everyone. But for those willing to make the commitment, the loyal and loving Shih Tzu can make an exceptionally devoted companion that brings great joy and amusement into your home for many years to come with their happy-go-lucky attitudes and endearing good looks. The Shih Tzu proves that big personalities can come in small packages!