The ABCs
Shih Tzu (source: PET HEALTH 101 for dogs and cats)
The Shih Tzu is a toy dog with a great personality. They can be groomed with long flowing locks or groomed with a puppy cut that shows off its sturdy little body.
Short-haired or long-haired, the Shih Tzu is nick named the “Lion Dog” with feisty toughness from its Chinese ancestry.
Despite this toughness, Shih Tzus make ideal family pets as they were originally bred as companions.
Shih Tzus are among the top 10 breeds registered in the U.S. The Shih Tzu is part of the AKC toy group.
Weight: 9-16 lbs
Height: 8-11”
Color: any color
Coat: dense long, double coat of straight or slightly wavy hair
Grooming: Weekly if clipped. Daily if kept long.
Longevity: 11-14 years and even 18 !
Shih Tzus are especially good at:
· They are playful and engaging
· They seldom demand attention
· They entertain their families
· Great with families with children or with elderly people
Watch out for with Shih Tzus :
· Tear staining from plugged tear ducts or hair scratching the cornea
· Overheating
· Hair matting and knotting
Shih Tzu Appearance
With a long, flowing coat, the Shih Tzu are elegant and mighty, yet they never appear haughty. Shih Tzu have remarkable, large, dark brown eyes and ears that hang down and are hidden by a heavy covering of hair. The little body has short legs, and a rather long back with an upright tail curled proudly over the back. The nose is flattened and dark with nostril openings (nares) that may be very small. Primarily a lap dog, Shih Tzus have a long history of being watch dogs so that they easily spring up from a relaxed pose and notify the family when they believe anything is amiss. The coat can be clipped short or worn long and pulled away from the eyes to the top of the head with a bow.
Generally calm, the Shih Tzu can be quite ferocious and deserving of its name, Lion Dog. Although trustworthy with children and other pets, they may be frightened or irritated by rambunctious children or animals. Shih Tzu learn easily and are easily housetrained.
Shih Tzu Dog Health Problems :
*Shih Tzu Hyperthermia:
Shih Tzu, like all dogs with short flat noses (brachycephalic), may have difficulty breathing and may overheat, especially in hot weather. Shih Tzu *Kidney disease:
Shih Tzu are prone to genetic kidney disease and to bladder stones. Let your veterinarian know if there is a change in the amount your dog drinks or urinates.
*Shih Tzu Tear staining tears:
Shih Tzu have several different eye problems. The tiny tear ducts may become blocked so that tears do not drain and they spill down the face coloring the hair. Hairs and eyelashes may poke inward irritating the cornea and increasing the amount of tears.
Shih Tzu Grooming :
Shih Tzu have hair that grows continuously and needs to be trimmed. This is different than some dogs that have hair that grows to a set length and is shed. The “nonshedding” Shih Tzu requires professional grooming to scissor hair away from the face, especially the eyes, or the hair can be tied up and out of the eyes with a bow. Hair should also be trimmed from the bottom area under the tail. Hair within the ear canals may trap debris and the ears should be cleaned frequently to prevent infection. Brush your dog’s teeth daily to prevent gum and dental disease common in breeds with the tiniest mouths. Nails need to be trimmed if pets do not exercise on abrasive surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt. Anal sacs may become inflamed and irritated in dogs with allergies that drag their bottoms on the floor because they itch. Veterinarians, not groomers, should handle irritated anal sacs.