Shih Tzu Dog Breed Profile

by Luke Blaise

AKC Group: Toy Group

The Shih Tzu dog is one of the most popular dog breeds in America. Originally from China, it was a sacred dog. Today it makes a great companion, but its long coat often requires daily care.

History

Much-loved by Chinese royalties and prized as house pets for more than a thousand years, it is considered to have descended from crossing the Pekingese, Tibetan mountain dog and the Lhasa Apso. The Shih Tzu was the property dog for a lot of the Ming Dynasty and had been brought back to England by soldiers during World War II.

Physical Features

A solid and compact dog, his flowing, long double coat is his most distinct attribute. Although there's always been substantial size deviation, the Shih Tzu should be small, strong, carrying good substance and weight.

The most suitable height at the withers is nine to ten and a half inches; but, no less than eight inches nor over eleven inches. Mature dog's ideal weight, nine to sixteen pounds. Length among withers and main of tail is a bit lengthier than height at withers. The dog should in no way be so higher stationed as to look gangling, or so very low stationed as to look squatty and dumpy.

Personality

The sole reason for the Shih Tzu is to be a house pet and companion, it is important that its personality be affectionate, friendly, happy, outgoing and trustworthy to all.

Common Health Problems

Toy dogs suffer breed particular problems. The Shih Tzu isn't an exception. There are lots of hereditary diseases that could present a severe health threat in this dog breed: patellar luxation, back problems and eye irregularities. If the timely and proper precautionary care is given and if the breeding stock is free from hereditary problems, then you've got a healthy Shih Tzu.

Return to: Complete AKC Dog Breed List

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