Live Life Team
The name Shih Tzu comes from the Mandarin translation of lion and so this breed is commonly known as the Lion Dog. They originated in Asia and can be found in works of art dating back to the 16th century. They quickly became a favourite of the Chinese and for a long time they would not export them to the western world. Today they can be seen worldwide both as family pets and an extremely popular show dog due to their unusual and attractive appearance.
This is a small sized breed and is categorised as a toy dog. Like many breeds, it has a double coat. A longhaired topcoat covers the woolly and warm undercoat. These coats require daily care and grooming to keep them in good condition. Traditionally the hair on the dog’s head is tied up in a topknot to prevent it trailing into the eyes. This gives it a distinctive appearance. The Shih Tzu has very sensitive eyes and so this, along with regular cleaning, helps keep them healthy. Despite the long topcoat, this dog sheds very little.
The Shih Tzu has a rounded head and a flat nose. This flat nose makes it very sensitive to temperature and care must be taken when exercising or travelling. The face has much long hair and a beard and moustache can be seen. The eyes are usually large and dark and the ears can barely be seen, as they are so hairy.
This breed is a happy and alert one. They like to be with humans and they make friends easily. The Shih Tzu must be managed firmly however, as they have a tendency to try and take over and be the leader. They can exhibit a number of behavioural issues such as snapping or growling, separation anxiety and even biting. They may also not mix well with children in some cases. Their temperament can be improved with a regular regime of exercise to allow them to burn energy.
The Shit Tzu is commonly successfully crossbred with a number of other breeds of toy dog. These include poodles, Bichon Frise, Maltese and Pomeranian. They have even been crossed with the Cavalier King Charles and the Yorkshire Terrier.
The Shih Tzu has high life expectancy on the whole. The breed is prone to a number of conditions. These include eye problems, respiratory issues and ear infections. They are also commonly diagnosed with Spinal Disc Disease and this is thought to be linked to their bone structure with its short legs but long back. These dogs are also susceptible to weight gain and can become obese if their diet is not careful managed. They also tend to lose teeth early and should have them checked regularly by a veterinarian
Apart from some issues with children, this breed can make an excellent companion for humans. It can easily adapt to smaller living spaces and a garden is not a must. As long as the dog is walked daily, it will live happily and be content.
