Dog Breed: Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu DogIt seems only right that I start with a short description of my own dog’s breed, the Shih Tzu.

General:
A popular family dog in the UK at the moment, this breed is friendly and not aggressive. They are cuddly, and are known as non-shedding.

Height: 11 inches
Weight: 7 – 8 lbs
Average Litter Size: 3 – 5 pups
Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years

Colour: Any colour is acceptable by the Kennel Club nowadays

Grooming: The shih tzu has two coats of fur. The top coat is non-shedding, but the inner coat sheds a little. With regular brushing, this small fur is caught in the brush.

If left, the fur of a shih tzu will grow down to the ground and requires high maintenance.

Shih Tzu Dog

Common Ailments: Problems with this breed are fewer than with many others, as it is quite a hardy breed. The most common ailments are eye and knee problems.

Temperament:
Non aggressive, good natured, good with children and pets (subject to the usual correct socalisation)

History:
Originated in Tibet, bred in China.

The dogs came to England in 1830 and to the USA around 100 years later when they were registered as the Lhasa terrier. In 1940, the American Kennel Club registered the breed as the Shih Tzu and it wasn’t until 1969 that the Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso were officially separated.

Here is a more complete shih tzu breed profile

Jan 16, 2008 | | Dog Breeds

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8 Responses to “Dog Breed: Shih Tzu”

  1. Linsey Says:
    June 26th, 2008 at 8:19 pm

    I hav a shih szu 2 they r really kewl dogs.I hav 1 w/ short hair, the long hair 1s r wierd lookin well hav a good day
    Linsey

  2. Jessica Says:
    June 30th, 2008 at 12:25 pm

    Thanks for the info, I need all I can get as I’m looking at introducing a Shih Tzu into my home. Love the top photo, too cute!

  3. lw Says:
    June 30th, 2008 at 2:16 pm

    No worries Jessica, any questions you’d like to ask about the shih tzu, just ask!

  4. ANDREA Says:
    June 30th, 2008 at 11:29 pm

    WOW…… THIS DOG LOOKS JUST LIKE MY Shih Tzu NAMED MAXIMUS…. WE LOVE MAX SO MUCH, MAX SO LAID BACK, HE’S A LOVE NOT A FIGHTER…..

  5. Beverly Says:
    July 2nd, 2008 at 9:38 pm

    The picture of the Shih Tzu puppy sleeping in your first paragraph is my dog! I don’t mind you using his picture, I am actually flattered. However, you might have asked! His name is Frankie and this picture was when he was 10 weeks old. I called it “Pink Puppy Paws” — he turned out to be a HUGE shihtzu… weighing in at 25 pounds (and not overweight)!

  6. lw Says:
    July 3rd, 2008 at 1:18 pm

    Sorry, someone sent me the photo so I didn’t know where it came from, but he is gorgeous! 25 pounds is pretty big, do you have an up-to-date photo? Would love to see him :)

  7. Emy Says:
    July 29th, 2008 at 3:01 pm

    As I Always say “shihtzurules”

  8. kendra Says:
    August 5th, 2008 at 6:43 pm

    my shih-tzu sparky will rock everyone’s socks

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