Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information
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11 to 12 years
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Expensive *
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Star
Superstar
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Rare
Easy to get
Introduction
With their beautiful flowing hair and upturned nose, Shih Tzus wear the air of snobbish royalty. Reality, however, is far from appearance: Chinese lion dog are amongst the most affectionate, playful, devoted dogs that ever existed. Even the most sceptical canine observer cannot ignore this breed’s charms for long. They love nothing more than to adore their family and make new friends wherever they go. They also easily adapt to most places, being equally comfortable in a small apartment and a big house with a yard. While originally bred to be companion animals to Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus quickly won the hearts of everyone they met and today, continue to be amongst the most popular breeds for families.
History
Recent studies have revealed that the Shih Tzu is likely to be amongst the 14 oldest dog breeds in the world. It is believed that Shih Tzus were bred by Tibetan monks to later be given to Chinese royalty as gifts. Another theory attributes the existence of the Shih Tzu to the Chinese practice of crossing Lhasa Apsos and Pekingese. In the 13th century, Marco Polo reported that Kubla Khan, the Mongolian Emperor, kept several Shih Tzu-like dogs that were used to keep hunting lions calm. Regardless, it is clear that the breed was always meant to be a companion dog, and this is something they continue to be, to this day. In the 1860s, Shih Tzus became popular when a royal concubine became the Empress of China. Under her order, anyone caught harming the palace dogs was to be put to death. Empress T’zu Hsi loved animals and, when the Dalai Lama gave her a pair of Shih Tzus, her love for the breed began. She proceeded to carry out extensive breeding programmes and, after her death in the early 1900s, many royal families continued to compete to breed Shih Tzus with the finest characteristics. In 1928, the first Shih Tzus made their way to England and they formed the beginning of the England Shih Tzu kennel.
Unique Aspects
Shih Tzus are known to be amongst the purest breeds in the world. During the British invasion of China, the breed almost went extinct. Thanks to a handful of dogs and responsible, if competitive, breeding practices, the breed today is a very healthy one. In spite of their long beautiful hair, Shih Tzus are known to shed very little. They make great companions for people with allergies who love animals and can’t live with several of the shedding breeds. The flat nose of this breed makes them susceptible to heat stroke, so plenty of care should be taken in the summer months and warmer climes. Families that live with Shih Tzus must ensure adequate cool spots and air-conditioned rooms, for the unbearably warm months. Because of the shape of their noses, Shih Tzus also wheeze and snore a lot. While most dog breeds are prone to coprophagia (the habit of eating their own faeces or that of other animals), Shih Tzus are especially drawn towards this. The best way to handle this is to nip it in the bud and train the habit out of the dog at a young age.
Fun Trivia
Legend has it that the Buddha travelled with a tiny dog that fits the description of a Shih Tzu. One day, a band of thieves accosted the Buddha. The little dog transformed into a ferocious lion and scared the thieves away, thus saving the Buddha’s life. The lion immediately transformed into the tiny dog again. The Buddha picked up the dog and kissed him on his head, leaving a white mark that several Shih Tzus possess to this day.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group: Toy Dogs
Height: 9-11 Inches
Weight: 4-7 Kg
Life Span: 11 to 12 years
Pros
- Perfect for apartments and condominiums
- One of the purest breed in the world, with the safest breeding practices
- Do not shed much, makes them perfect for people with allergies
Cons
- Grooming requires a lot of time and may need professional help
- Not an easy breed to train, requiring regular and persistence training
- Do not fare well in hot climates
