What kind of dogs are shih tzus

The standards for the purity of the bloodline have been strictly upheld since. In the s, the U. It is among the most lovable of the toy breeds, and its popularity as a domestic companion and show dog continues to rise. Home Dog Breeds. Shih Tzu. Written by: PetMD Editorial. Published: September 22, Physical Characteristics The Shih Tzu is a snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure.

Personality and Temperament The Shih Tzu is bred primarily as a domestic and family companion, so its personality should be guided by friendliness, buoyancy, tolerance, and trust.

Care This breed needs exercise, but not much more than a daily walk around the neighborhood, or a run though the park. Health The Shih Tzu has a lifespan of 11 to 16 years.

Featured Image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Yes No. Share this article. What did you find helpful? What was not helpful? Say more Sign me up for the PetMD Newsletter. Submit Feedback. In , a Shih Tzu became the first of his breed to win both a champion title and an agility title.

Do you love the Shih Tzu? Find supplies for your Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu breed gear. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration.

Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Additional Resources AKC. Clubs Offering: Training Classes.

Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams. An adult Shih Tzu may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive, and demanding than a puppy.

If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that.

There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here is how to get started. Sites like Petfinder. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Shih Tzus available on Petfinder across the country. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears.

Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Shih Tzu. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. Most people who love Shih Tzus love all Shih Tzus. The American Shih Tzu Club can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family.

You can also search online for other Shih Tzu rescues in your area. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Shih Tzu home for a trial to see what the experience is like. You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup.

These include:. Wherever you acquire your Shih Tzu, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. Puppy or adult, a breeder purchase or a rescue, take your Shih Tzu to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues.

Bartonella is a type bacteria that can be transmitted to cats, dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and…. Want to give your pup yummy, low-calorie treats? Not sure about food puzzles? Our veterinarian reveals why the payoff for your pet is well worth any extra work. The friendly and inquisitive LaPerm has an easy-care coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Check out our collection of more than videos about pet training, animal behavior, dog and cat breeds and more.

Wonder which dog or cat best fits your lifestyle? Our new tool will narrow down more than breeds for you. If the video doesn't start playing momentarily, please install the latest version of Flash. Shih Tzu. Barbara O'Brien, Animal Photography. Mary Bloom. Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography. Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography. Breed Characteristics Adaptability How easily a dog deals with change.

Tendency to enjoy or tolerate other dogs. Amount and frequency of dog hair shedding. Amount of warmth or friendliness displayed. Level of daily activity needed. Preferred amount of interaction with other pets and humans. Factors such as dog size and his tendency to make noise. Amount of bathing, brushing, even professional grooming needed. Tendency to be welcoming to new people. Breed's level of vocalization. Level of health issues a breed tends to have. A dog's inclination to be protective of his home, yard or even car.

Tendency toward a tolerance for cats and a lower prey drive. A dog's thinking and problem-solving ability not trainability. Level of ease in learning something new and a willingness to try new things. Dogs that tend to be more sturdy, playful and easygoing around children and more tolerant of children's behavior.

How lighthearted and spirited a dog tends to be. If you wish to keep the long flowing coat, you must be prepared for some serious grooming time. These dogs require weekly baths with oiling of the coat to help keep matting down and daily grooming to keep any foreign objects from catching in the coat. Dogs with the correct texture of coat do not mat nearly as much as those with a soft coat. The shih tzu tends to require a large amount of personal attention each day.

They thrive on human company and can easily become spoiled. They enjoy training and learning tricks, making them the center of attention. Shih tzu should be socialized to children early on, but they enjoy people of all ages. Do not count on your shih tzu to guard the house; he would probably welcome a burglar with open paws.

The shih tzu originated in Tibet, probably back around the 7th century, and they may have simply been the smallest of the Lhasa Apsos there. Given as gifts to the Chinese emperors, the breed developed into the dog we recognize today. Fanciers speculate about crosses with Pekingese to shorten the face as well as selection for the smaller Lhasa-type dogs. The name shih tzu means "lion dog" in Chinese, which further confuses the ancestry because lion dog usually denotes the Pekingese.

The Chinese royalty kept and bred shih tzu and, when the British arrived, the breed made its way to England and then on to the United States. Unfortunately, the Communist takeover in China wiped out most of the native stock. No one disputes that these charming little dogs were intended as companion dogs. Their primary function right from the start appears to be acting as delightful company.

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