Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu, Tibetan dog breed developed from the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. Listed in the toy group by the American Kennel Club, the Shih Tzu, called in Chinese shih-tzu kou (“lion dog”; Pinyin shizi gou), is a longhaired, characteristically active and alert little dog standing about 10 inches (25 cm) tall at the withers (between the dog’s shoulder blades) and weighing 9 to 16 pounds (4 to 7 kg). It is longer than it is tall and is sturdily built and short-legged, with a short muzzle, hanging ears, and a heavily haired tail carried over its back. Its dense coat, which may be a variety of colours, falls over its eyes and forms a beard and whiskers on the face. The breed was developed in Tibet more than 1,000 years ago and was revealed to the outside world in the 1930s. The Shih Tzu was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969.

Care and upkeep

The Shih Tzu’s exercise needs can be met by a small yard or even an apartment if supplemented with daily walks. The breed prefers temperate weather. It may not do well in hot conditions, because of its short muzzle, and the dog’s small size makes it susceptible to the cold as well as to unwanted attention from larger dogs, wild predators, and items in the household that could fall on the dog.

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The Shih Tzu enjoys playing games and will chase balls but may not return them. Although most Shih Tzus live pampered lives of leisure, they also enjoy participating in canine sports such as obedience, agility, and trick-dog training. The Shih Tzu is one of the few breeds that can fit in a carrier purse and accompany a person around town; however, Shih Tzus have their limits as to how much time they will tolerate close confinement.

Caring for the Shih Tzu’s long coat is a challenge, requiring combing every day or two. Regular bathing and conditioning reduce tangling and matting. Although the extremely long coat of show dogs requires careful wrapping of hair in tissue paper and rubber bands, the coats of most companion Shih Tzu dogs are clipped to a more manageable length. Owners should note that in this breed the hair can grow long enough to hang in front of the eyes and reduce vision and thus should be cropped or styled in a topknot.

Like most very small breeds, the Shih Tzu is prone to patellar luxation. The condition occurs when the kneecap shifts out of alignment, causing hind-leg “skipping.” The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic breed (that is, it has a very short muzzle), which makes it susceptible to brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS). BAOS may be caused by abnormally small nostril openings, a narrow windpipe, and an excessively long soft palate in relation to the head. Most Shih Tzus have BAOS to some degree, and those with severe cases are prone to overheating and respiratory distress in hot weather or when exercising. Owners should have their dog examined by a veterinarian to determine whether BAOS could become a problem in their pet.

Temperament

The Shih Tzu has earned its place as one of the most popular toy dogs in the world. It is generally outgoing and playful, easily transitioning from playmate to sofa companion. It is bold but friendly, many Shih Tzus getting along easily with unfamiliar people, dogs, and other pets. The breed’s playfulness and size make it an ideal companion for gentle older children as well as the elderly. The Shih Tzu is fairly high-energy and exuberant. Like most ancient Asian breeds, it is slow to obey, but it can learn quickly once it decides to be cooperative. Members of this breed make for alert and adequate watchdogs, but they should not be used as protection dogs. (Generalizations about dog breeds are well established and widely accepted, but individual dogs may differ in behaviour from others of their breed.)