Can someone give me info on the Shih Tzu breed?

Question

My kids found a puppy from the shelter that they're interested in---a purebred Shih Tzu. Anybody have info on this breed---are they good with children? High maintenance breed?? Any health problems?
Any info you can share will be appreciated.

Thanks!☺

I am looking for info via the internet. However, I was hoping to hear from someone who is familiar with this breed as well.

Answer 1

This small sturdy dog, like the Lhasa Apso, is covered over with an abundant double coat of long hair lined with a woolly undercoat. This proud looking little dog has hair above the nose growing upward, creating a "chrysanthemum" face. The head is rounded, with a profuse beard and mustache, short hairy muzzle, and black nose (except in liver-colored dogs which have liver noses). There is a definite stop. The eyes are large, round and wide-set, dark on most dogs but lighter on liver and blue colored dogs. The pendant ears are so covered with hair that they blend right into the body coat. The teeth should form a level or undershot bite. The topline is level and the body is slightly longer than the height at the withers. Dewclaw removal is optional. The heavily plumped tail is curled over the back. Any color is acceptable, though white on the forehead and tip of the tail is preferred by most dog show judges.
Temperament
The Shih-Tzu is an alert and spunky little dog. Happy and hardy, endowed with loads of character. They are royally dignified, courageous and sometimes arrogant. This breed does well with polite, careful children. The gentle loyal Shih-Tzu makes friends easily and although obstinate can respond well to consistent patient training. A very alert watch dog, the Shih-Tzu likes to bark, but is usually quiet inside the house. They are stubborn and clever. Shihs can get snappish if they are surprised or peeved. Playful and lively, this affectionate little dog needs to be with people and are generally good with other pets. Some can be difficult to housebreak.
Height, Weight
Height: Up to 11 inches (28cm.)
Weight: 9-16 pounds (4-7kg.)
Health Problems
They tend to wheeze and snore. Some bloodlines are prone to ear, eye and respiratory problems. Spinal disc disease caused by a long back and short legs may be a problem. Their teeth need regular veterinary attention, as they tend to be lost early. These dogs gain weight easily and should not be overfed.
Living Conditions
The Shih Tzu is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is sensitive to the heat.
Exercise
The Shih Tzu is a naturally active dog but if it is allowed it will lay around in its favorite spots. They should be encouraged to get out and about to say fit. Daily walks are a good idea. Do not over feed this breed or it will quickly become fat.
Life Expectancy
About 15 years or more.
Grooming
These little dogs require a good daily grooming using a bristle brush. A topknot is usually tied with a bow so that the dog can see properly. Some owners prefer to have them trimmed to make the coat easier and less time consuming to care for. Keep the ear passages and area around the eyes clean. Shih-Tzu's have sensitive eyes that should be keep clean. There is special drops you can buy to put in them if needed. Ask your vet what to use on your dog. This breed sheds little to no hair and are good for allergy suffers if their coats are kept very well groomed. (Due the fact that they shed little skin dander.)
Origin
Documents and paintings dating from the sixteenth century show dogs resembling a small lion (which the Shih-Tzu is sometimes called). In the seventeenth century, dogs were brought from Tibet and bred in the forbidden City of Peking, probably by crossing the Tibetan Lhasa Apso and the native Pekingese. The Shih-Tzu became a favorite of the Imperial Chinese court. The breed was so revered that for many years after the Chinese began trading with the West, they refused to sell, or even give away, any of the little dogs. It was not until 1930 that the first pair was imported to England. The Shih-Tzu was recognized in Britain in 1946 and by the AKC in the United States in 1969. Today the breed is very popular, both as a companion and as a glamorous show dog.

Answer 2

The Shih-Tzu is an alert and spunky little dog. Happy and hardy, endowed with loads of character. They are royally dignified, courageous and sometimes arrogant. This breed does well with polite, careful children. The gentle loyal Shih-Tzu makes friends easily and although obstinate can respond well to consistent patient training. A very alert watch dog, the Shih-Tzu likes to bark, but is usually quiet inside the house. They are stubborn and clever. Shihs can get snappish if they are surprised or peeved. Playful and lively, this affectionate little dog needs to be with people and are generally good with other pets. Some can be difficult to housebreak.

Height, Weight
Height: Up to 11 inches (28cm.)
Weight: 9-16 pounds (4-7kg.)

Health Problems
They tend to wheeze and snore. Some bloodlines are prone to ear, eye and respiratory problems. Spinal disc disease caused by a long back and short legs may be a problem. Their teeth need regular veterinary attention, as they tend to be lost early. These dogs gain weight easily and should not be overfed.

Living Conditions
The Shih Tzu is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is sensitive to the heat.

Exercise
The Shih Tzu is a naturally active dog but if it is allowed it will lay around in its favorite spots. They should be encouraged to get out and about to say fit. Daily walks are a good idea. Do not over feed this breed or it will quickly become fat.

Life Expectancy
About 15 years or more.

Answer 3

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu in show coat
Photo: Pet Profiles-Isabelle Francais


standard:







Height: 8-11 inches

Weight: 9-16 lbs

Life Span: 12-14 yrs



Overview
Shih Tzus are outgoing, happy, and affectionate companions that respond well to gentle obedience training. They love children, and get along with other animals and strangers. These small lapdogs are well suited to apartment living.

Appearance
The luxurious double coat is long, dense, and flowing, sometimes with a slight wave. Hair on top of the head is customarily tied up not only to enable the dog to see and to prevent eye infections, but also to be fashionable. All colors and markings are seen; the most common are black and white, gray and white, and tan and white. The heavily coated ears hang down, and the densely plumed tail curves well over the back.

Grooming & Exercise Needs
This breed must be brushed and combed daily to avoid severe matting. Most Shih Tzus are satisfied with a daily walk around the block and an occasional romp.

Origins
Over the centuries, depictions of this breed have appeared on Chinese carvings, embroideries, and other art objects. They were valued companions in Imperial China.

Special Alerts
It is especially important to obtain a Shih Tzu from a reputable breeder. Breed-related health concerns: congenital kidney problems, eye problems, hypertrophic pyloric gastropathy (a thickening of the junction of stomach and small intestine resulting in obstruction and vomiting), von Willebrand's disease (common disorder that causes excessive bleeding during or after surgery), atopy.


here you go hope this helps

Answer 4

I just got a shih tzu!! 2 days ago. Pure bred. Its 10 weeks old and loves us. She loves to play and run and plop on the floor.They are good with everyone so far, and hasnt barked. You have to brush the hair once in a while and mine has no health problems. I picked up some books at the library about shih tzus, I suggest you do the same if you are going to get one. Be careful with a collar though because mine sometimes cries when I put it on but doesnt move. Get at me if you wanna know eanything else.

Answer 5

Shi-tzu's are a very active breed. They love sports( atleast mine did). You can even teach them football. It's great that you can give him lots of attention, because they hate being alone. I think your cat will love him, too! I used to have a Siamese Persian cat and they got along great... but yours might not, it matters. Well i hope this was a good answer!!!

Answer 6

Hi : take a few minutes and scroll along and look at previous answers concerning your question .... their is plenty of information about Shih Tzu



Good Luck / O'WyleeDawg

Answer 7

Well they have Long,thick and smooth fur mostly the color black,white,or gray.Its weight can be 9-16 pounds.And can live to 12-14 yrs.And if your going to buy the puppies the actual is $300.00.So make sure that's the exact price when someone is selling it.

Answer 8

Good with everybody, they think they are human, very funny..always doing something stupid, healthy,..live 15 to 20 years if taken care of, Maintenance..you can sit and watch their hair go..(but they don't shed) so be prepaired for combing and visits to the groomer....Highly recommended..

Answer 9

VERY HIGH MAINTENANCE READ UP ON THEM HERE:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/shihtzu.htm

ALL I KNOW IS THAT IF YOU MIX THEM WITH A BULL DOG YOU GET BULL-SH1T. LOL SORRY I JUST HAD TO SAY THAT.

Answer 10

Why don't you check it out on a website?