Även om namnet betyder "lilla lejon" på mandarin, är den lekfulla Shih Tzu långt ifrån en fighter. Ursprungligen uppfödda för kungligheter i Kina, dessa söta hundar är födda sällskap vars syfte i livet är att älska och bli älskad.
Läs vidare för att lära dig mer om Shih Tzus temperament, historia, träning, vårdkrav och ta reda på om denna kungliga ras är rätt val för din familj.
Innehållsförteckning
Proffstips: Om du funderar på en ny, fyrbent familjemedlem bör du överväga värdet av husdjursförsäkring - oavsett vilken ras du tar med dig hem. Även om det finns flera hälsotillstånd genetiskt kopplade till Shih Tzus, kan olyckor hända när som helst, var som helst, vilket leder till oväntade veterinärräkningar som kan kosta upp till 5 000 USD utan täckningsskydd.
I genomsnitt är vikten på en fullvuxen Shih Tzu mellan nio och 16 pund, med en höjd på åtta till 11 tum . Detta innebär att rasen faller i kategorin leksaksstorlek, som är mindre än medelstora, stora och jättestora hundraser.
Trogen rasens arv går de med en kunglig gång, präglad av en iögonfallande, uppkrupen svans och lyxigt hår. Vilken pälsfärg som helst är acceptabel för Shih Tzu-rasstandarder, men ett mörkt pigment är vanligtvis att föredra på näsan och runt ögonen.
Shih Tzus är brachycephalic hundar , vilket är en term som används för att beskriva hundar med en betydligt förkortad näsa och överkäke. Detta tillstånd skapar flera avgörande egenskaper hos rasen, inklusive deras runda huvud, framträdande ögon, korta nospartier och märkbart underbett.
Shih Tzus are known for their happy, lively temperament . They’re very friendly and usually get along well with children and other pets. They enjoy being in the company of their humans, whether that means taking a hike in the park or simply sitting on their lap.
Shih Tzus are not big on chewing due to their short muzzles, but many enjoy digging and some might be prone to nuisance barking.
The life expectancy of Shih Tzu dogs ranges from 12 to 16 years old , with an average age of 14 years. Most members of the breed will live into their early teens and are considered senior dogs at nine to 10 years old. Generally speaking, small-sized breeds tend to live longer than larger dogs, and Shih Tzus get to enjoy one of the longest lifespans in the canine world.
Fun Fact:The oldest Shih Tzu on record was named Smokey and lived to be 23 years old!
Although the temperament of a Shih Tzu is often friendly and docile, they still benefit from obedience training and early socialization. As with all dogs, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcements are helpful when training your pup.
Shih Tzus can be difficult to housebreak and may need indoor supervision for some time. Experts also recommend crate training, which can be especially helpful when you travel.
Because they were bred as lapdog companions, Shih Tzus only require minimal exercise — a short, daily walk or some indoor playtime should be enough to satisfy their need for physical activity.
Shih Tzus have a double coat that requires a fair amount of grooming, especially at long lengths. With long hair, even one day without brushing can turn their coat into a tangled mess. Perhaps that explains why most long-haired Shih Tzus are seen in the show ring, and owners typically prefer their pets to sport a lower-maintenance short clip. A shorter coat also helps prevent heat stroke in dogs by helping them stay cool.
These dogs need weekly baths but make sure to comb out any tangles before bathing and blow-dry the coat afterward to keep your pet from getting chilled. The nails should be trimmed every one to two weeks and the teeth should be brushed daily with a vet-approved pet toothpaste. Don’t forget about the eyes, as well. Wash the area around the eyes using a wet cotton ball, dog eye wipes, or a soft washcloth to minimize staining.
Potential pet parents sometimes ask if Shih Tzus are “hypoallergenic” , non-shedding dogs if someone in the household suffers from allergies. While it’s true that people are less likely to have allergic reactions to this breed , it’s important to know that they’re not entirely allergen-free.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of several breeds that have human-like hair, rather than fur. And, just like humans, they will shed their hair every day. The difference is that the long strands of shed hair get caught within the coat, then brushed out with grooming. Therefore, the dander on Shih Tzus that typically triggers allergic reactions in people stays trapped , rather than released in the environment then falling onto the ground, furniture, or clothing.
This is true of most mature breed members, but as younger pups develop, pet parents often wonder "Why is my Shih Tzu puppy shedding so much?" Around nine to 12 months of age, the Shih Tzu coat evolves from a puppy stage with short, thin hair into a thicker adult coat. During this three-week period, Shih Tzus shed very profusely due to the increased volume of hair and require more thorough brushing.
As small breed dogs, Shih Tzus only need up to one cup of dry dog food a day , divided into two or three meals. Because they’re not high-energy dogs, these tiny pups are prone to weight gain, so be sure to limit the number of treats you offer. Your veterinarian will recommend the proper meal and snack portions for your pet at each stage of development based on their unique needs and medical history.
You can nourish your pet’s luxurious coat from the inside out through a protein-rich diet balanced with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids . Quality nutrition will also help optimize muscle and joint health, as well as their overall wellbeing.
Don’t forget to keep your dog’s bowl filled with fresh water throughout the day; Shih Tzu dogs have higher heat sensitivity than other breeds, so they might be more thirsty than usual.
Shih Tzus love apartment living and could be a great choice for pet parents who are limited in space. They require little exercise but be especially careful with physical activity in hot, humid weather. Brachycephalic dog breeds are more prone to heat stroke because their shortened muzzle inhibits their ability to cool themselves off efficiently.
As born lapdogs, Shih Tzus typically need a lot of attention. They thrive on human company and enjoy training because it makes them the center of attention. When these needs are unmet, you might find them to act out through excessive barking or destructive behavior around the house.
Shih Tzus are great with children and will readily extend their affection to strangers. However, don’t count on your pet Shih Tzu to guard the home; they’d probably give intruders a very warm welcome.
Due to their undershot jaw, Shih Tzus frequently experience oral health problems such as misaligned or missing teeth. In some cases, they may not lose their baby teeth before their permanent teeth come in, which might require a vet visit for extraction.
Their prominent eyes also make Shih Tzus more prone to issues such as cataracts, retinal detachment, corneal dryness, and progressive retinal atrophy. They’re a generally healthy dog breed, but as with any other breed, there are certain health conditions owners should be aware of, such as:
Proffstips: Shih Tzu health insurance is designed to provide a financial safety net should your pet ever encounter a hereditary condition, common illness, or accidental injury. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your canine companion has access to the gold-standard veterinary care they deserve, with less stress placed on your personal finances.
Historically, Shih Tzus were bred as house pets and in the 14th century, they made their way into Chinese royalty. The Chinese royals did not allow Shih Tzus to be traded outside of the nobility until 1930 when the first members of the breed were brought to Europe. The breed arrived in the States after WWII and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969.
Organizations like American Shih Tzu Club and Shih Tzu Rescue can inform you about rescue opportunities and provide breeder referrals. You can also check local animal shelters and see if there are any Shih Tzu rescues in your area.
If you are interested in dog breeds similar to Shih Tzus, consider checking out the Maltese, Lhasa Apso, Bolognese, and Silky Terrier. There are also many popular Shih Tzu mixed breeds, such as the:
Whether you’re buying a Shih Tzu puppy or rescuing an adult, be sure to take your pet to your vet as soon as possible. Your vet will be able to spot any issues and will work with you to set up a preventive pet care regimen and a nutrition plan that suits your pet’s needs.
