The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed known for its long, flowing coat, friendly personality, and affectionate nature. They are known as a nicknamed the “chrysanthemum dog” in England in the 1930s. Here are some key characteristics and information about Shih Tzus:
Shih Tzu Breed Info –
Remember that individual dogs may vary in temperament and behavior, so it’s important to spend time with a Shih Tzu puppy and meet its parents if possible to get an idea of its personality before bringing one into your home.
| Quality | Level |
|---|---|
| AFFECTIONATE WITH FAMILY | Lovey-Dovey |
| GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN | Good With Children |
| GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS | Good With Other Dogs |
| SHEDDING LEVEL | Hair Everywhere |
| COAT GROOMING FREQUENCY | Daily |
| OPENNESS TO STRANGERS | Daily |
| WATCHDOG/PROTECTIVE NATURE | Everyone to be Best Friend |
| ADAPTABILITY LEVEL | Highly Adaptable |
| TRAINABILITY LEVEL | Easy |
| BARKING LEVEL | Very Vocal |
They are believed to have originated in Tibet and were bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty. Their name means “Lion Dog,” which is a reference to their lion-like mane. They were brought to Europe in the 20th century and have since become a popular breed worldwide.
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Physical Appearance:
Shih Tzus are a toy breed and have a distinctive appearance. They have a small, sturdy frame with a slightly elongated body. Their head is round with a short, flat muzzle, and they have expressive, large, dark eyes.
Size:
They are a small breed. They typically weigh between 9 to 16 pounds (4 to 7 kilograms) and stand about 8 to 11 inches (20 to 28 centimeters) tall at the shoulder.
Coat:
Perhaps the most prominent feature of the chrysanthemum dog is its luxurious double coat. The outer coat is long and flowing, while the undercoat is soft and dense.
The coat can come in various colors and combinations, including gold, black, white, liver, brindle, and more. Regular grooming and maintenance are essential to keep the coat clean and free from mats and tangles.
Head:
chrysanthemum dog has a round head with a short, flat muzzle. Their eyes are large, dark, and expressive, often hidden beneath the curtain of their long facial hair. They have a well-defined stop (the area where the forehead meets the muzzle) and a black nose.
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Eyes:
The Shih Tzu’s eyes are a prominent and endearing feature. They are typically large, round, and dark, with a warm and affectionate expression.
Because of their long facial hair, it’s important to keep the area around their eyes clean to prevent tear staining.
Ears:
chrysanthemum dog ears are floppy and covered in long, feathered hair. These ears hang down, adding to their adorable appearance.
Tail:
Shih Tzus have a distinctive tail that curls over their back in a gentle curve. The tail is often carried high, adding to their regal and confident demeanor.
Build:
Despite their small size, Shih Tzus has a well-balanced and solid build. They have a broad chest and a slightly elongated body.
Facial Hair:
chrysanthemum dogs are known for their facial hair, which often grows long and flows down their face. This hair can be styled in various ways, including the popular “topknot” that ties the hair on top of the head with a bow or band.
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Temperament and Personality:
Shih Tzus are known for their friendly, outgoing, and affectionate nature. They are generally good with children and make great family pets.
They are also known to get along well with other dogs and pets. Shih Tzus tend to be loyal to their owners and often form strong bonds.
Lifespan:
chrysanthemum dogs have a relatively long lifespan compared to some other small breeds. On average, they live for about 10 to 16 years, depending on their overall health and care.
Health:
Shih Tzus are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health concerns in Shih Tzus include brachycephalic (flat-faced) breathing problems, dental issues, hip dysplasia, and eye conditions. Responsible breeding practices can help reduce the risk of these health problems.
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Activity Level:
While chrysanthemum dogs are active and playful, they don’t require as much exercise as some other breeds. Short daily walks and some indoor playtime are usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy. They are well-suited to apartment living due to their small size.
Energy Level
chrysanthemum dogs have a moderate energy level, enjoying short walks and indoor play. They adapt well to apartment living and don’t require excessive exercise, making them suitable companions for families and seniors.
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Grooming:
Shih Tzus has a high-maintenance coat that requires regular grooming. Their long, flowing fur can easily become tangled and matted, so daily brushing is recommended to keep it in good condition.
Many owners also choose to have their Shih Tzus professionally groomed regularly. Additionally, they may need their eyes cleaned regularly to prevent tear staining.
Shih Tzus Puppy Training & Care
Training a Shih Tzu, like any other dog breed, requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Shih Tzus are known for their charming personalities but can also be a bit stubborn at times. Here are some training tips and guidelines to help you train your chrysanthemum dogs effectively:
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Start Early:
Begin training your Shih Tzu as early as possible, ideally when they are puppies. Early socialization and training can help them grow into well-behaved adults.
Positive Reinforcement:
Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and toys to reward your Shih Tzu when they exhibit desired behavior. Shih Tzus responds well to positive feedback.
Consistency:
Be consistent with your commands and expectations. Use the same commands for the same behaviors and ensure that all family members use the same commands and rules.
Basic Commands:
Start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” These commands form the foundation for more advanced training.
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House Training:
Crate training can be particularly helpful for house training. Shih Tzus can be prone to accidents, so be patient and consistent when housebreaking.
Leash Training:
chrysanthemum dogs can be a bit stubborn on a leash. Use positive reinforcement and short, frequent walks to get them used to the leash.
Socialization:
Expose your chrysanthemum dog to different people, animals, and environments to ensure they are well-socialized. This helps prevent fear and aggression in new situations.
Obedience Classes:
Consider enrolling your Shih Tzu in obedience classes. These classes provide structured training and can help with socialization.
Exercise:
Shih Tzus don’t require as much exercise as some other breeds, but they still need regular physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Playtime and short walks are good options.
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Patience:
They can be a bit slow to catch on to commands, so be patient and persistent. Avoid punishment-based training methods, as they can make your dog fearful and less responsive.
Barking Control:
They can be prone to excessive barking. Train them to stop barking on command and use positive reinforcement to reward quiet behavior.
Respect Their Independence:
Shih Tzus can be independent thinkers, so respect their individual personalities and adapt your training approach as needed.
Shih Tzu Price in USA 2023
The price of a Shih Tzu puppy can vary widely depending on several factors, including the puppy’s pedigree, the reputation of the breeder, the location, and the demand for Shih Tzu puppies in your area. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,000 or more for a Shih Tzu puppy.
Here are some factors that can influence the price of a chrysanthemum puppy:
Breeder Reputation:
Reputable breeders who have a history of producing healthy, well-socialized puppies often charge higher prices. They may also have a waiting list for their puppies.
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Pedigree:
Shih Tzus with champion bloodlines and a strong pedigree tend to be more expensive than those without such lineage.
Health Screening:
Responsible breeders typically invest in health screenings for their breeding dogs to ensure they are free from genetic disorders. This can increase the cost of the puppies.
Location:
Prices can vary by region. In areas with a high demand for Shih Tzus, prices may be higher.
Color and Markings:
They come in various coat colors and patterns. Some colors or rare markings may command a higher price.
Age:
Older puppies or adult Shih Tzus may be less expensive than young puppies.
Inclusions:
Some breeders include initial vaccinations, microchipping, a health guarantee, and a puppy starter kit in the price, while others may charge extra for these services.
Show vs. Pet Quality:
Breeders may charge more for puppies that are considered “show quality” with the potential to compete in dog shows. Pet-quality puppies are usually less expensive.
Rescue or Adoption:
chrysanthemum dogs can also be adopted from shelters and rescue organizations at a lower cost than purchasing from a breeder. Adoption fees typically cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and sometimes microchipping.
Is a Shih Tzu a good house dog?
Yes, Shih Tzus are generally good house dogs. They are a relatively low-maintenance breed, requiring only moderate exercise and grooming.
They are also known for being affectionate, playful, and outgoing. Shih Tzus are also relatively small in size, making them a good choice for people who live in apartments or other smaller spaces.
Here are some of the reasons why Shih Tzus make good house dogs:
- They are affectionate and love to be around their people. Shih Tzus are known for being very affectionate and loving dogs. They enjoy spending time with their families and being cuddled.
- They are relatively low-maintenance. Shih Tzus does not require a lot of exercise. A short walk each day and some indoor playtime will be sufficient. They also do not shed very much, but their coats do need to be groomed regularly to prevent tangles and mats.
- They are good with children and other pets. Shih Tzus are generally good with children and other pets. They are playful and enjoy interacting with others.
- They are relatively small in size. Shih Tzus are typically between 9 and 16 pounds in weight and about 10 inches tall at the shoulder. This makes them a good choice for people who live in apartments or other smaller spaces.
Of course, there are also some challenges that come with owning a chrysanthemum dogs. For example, they can be prone to certain health problems, such as respiratory issues and eye problems. They can also be barkers, so it is important to train them early to be quiet.