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Important things to know

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Quick Facts:

Breed Origins: China ( 1800's )

Breed usage: Lap Dog and Companion

Dog Weight: 9 - 16 Pounds

Dog Height: 8 to 11 inches to the shoulder

Average life span: 12 – 16 years

Characteristics:  As described in the ancient standard for the breed, the Shih Tzu is a small, intelligent and extremely docile dog. It is truly a companion dog that likes to be near its owner. Because the primary role of the breed is to excel as a companion and house pet, the dog's ideal temperament is outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting. The Shih Tzu's physical characteristics, such as a long coat and brachycephalic head (pushed in face), necessitate that it live as an indoor pet. They don't do well in situations in which they are separated from their owners, and they definitely do not belong in the backyard. Even as indoor dogs, though, they need to be protected from becoming overheated. Be sure that your home is well-ventilated and your dog has access to a room that is cool and protected from direct sunlight.

The Shih Tzu's broad nose makes breathing somewhat difficult, which partially explains its desire to stay indoors. While inside, this breed should never be put in a situation in which it doesn't have access to open free-flowing fresh air. With its bounty of fur, the Shih Tzu can tolerate the cold much better than it can the heat.

The current American Kennel Club Standard for the breed states in part: "The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with long flowing double coat. Befitting its noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. ..." These are characteristics Shih Tzu possess when they come into the world. How do these traits translate into a home companion? What is it like to live with this energetic and enchanting but stubborn little doggie?

Temperament:  They are a independant breed of dog, being very sociable and friendly with people. Unlike some of the other toy breeds, the shi tzu is a more placid dog, and not prone to being highly strung or quick to get agitated.

Above all, a Shih Tzu is devoted, wholly and completely, to you and your needs. Sure, sometimes he likes to play with a toy or romp around the living room, but you can't ask for a better listener, lap warmer, or sympathetic furry ear.

Your Shih Tzu can sit at your feet for hours gently snoozing, but he doesn't forget to occasionally gaze up at you in adoration. If you want a dog who does his own thing and only occasionally bothers to notice you, this breed may not be the one for you. But if you desire a pet who thinks it's all about you, then this is your dog.

You've heard of those yappy little ankle-biting lap dogs, right? Well, the Shih Tzu isn't one of them. Calm and self-possessed, the Shih Tzu watches and waits. Sure, he may bark at the delivery guy when he comes right up to the door, but he's not bred to be a watchdog.  Your Shih Tzu is too focused on you to worry about anybody else who may be walking by outside, and if somebody else comes in the house, your Shih Tzu thinks it's obvious that this new friend has arrived for the sole purpose of petting and loving him. Sure, exceptions do exist, and you'll find some dogs who bark a lot, especially among dogs who were never properly socialized. Some people talk more than others, and some Shih Tzu bark more than others. But in general, this dog isn't yippy or suspicious.

Part of being a good buddy is having a sense of humor, and your funny little Shih Tzu quickly discovers how to make you laugh. Whether he's flipping his stuffed mouse toy into the air and then spinning around to see where it landed, pretending to play fetch then darting just out of reach when you try to take back the ball, or gazing at you with an expression so serious and concerned that your bad mood dissolves completely, your Shih Tzu brightens your day and puts a smile on your face. Who can resist that?

As devoted as Shih Tzu may be, they also adapt well to new owners. Don't be offended. It isn't that your Shih Tzu doesn't worship you. It's just that he loves everybody else, too. Anyone willing to feed, pet, groom, and love a Shih Tzu becomes that dog's new best friend.  This factor in their behavior makes considering an older Shih Tzu for adoption an excellent decision. Shih Tzu don't waste away pining for a former owner and ignore you. And an older dog may already be housetrained (not a bad bonus, eh?). If you have a warm lap and a treat to share, your Shih Tzu will adapt just to his new home.

How can something so little and sweet also be so high and mighty? If your ancestors lived in the Imperial palace, you'd have a pretty healthy self-concept, too. The Shih Tzu reveals his natural arrogance in the way he stands, moves, and looks around with his flat little nose in the air. He may even look down his nose at someone he isn't quite sure deserves his attention — but probably not too often. Consider him a benevolent king.

Grooming & Exercise:  The coat of the Shih Tzu is long, soft and dense, with a good amount of undercoat. They do require a lot of daily grooming to keep their coats looking in top condition. It is best to start getting the dog used to being groomed when it is very young. Also they do require frequent bathing, sometimes as much as once a week, remember they must be dried completely. As the hair grows upwards from the bridge of the nose it is often tied up in a topknot, on top of the head. Their faces may need to be washed daily as food etc can get stuck on the hair. If the coat becomes too much they can be kept short, a groomer or the breeder is probably the best person to advise on how this is carried out.

The Shih Tzu will be as active as you wish him to be. He can obtain most of his exercise around the house and garden but can cope with, and will enjoy, quite a lot of exercise. A brisk daily walk will present interesting sights and new smells to keep his mind stimulated and will also help keep him trim. He will enter in to playing games with an infectious enthusiasm and will be happy to have the opportunity for a little free running and exploration in a secure area. It is not unknown for Shih Tzu to compete successfully in the sports of agility and obedience.

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