2007-01-16 09:46:04 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
small dogs tend to live longer than large dogs.
1 - 20 lbs = 12 - 14 years
2007-01-16 09:49:41 · answer #1 · answered by mistresscris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The shih tzu has racked up a number of honors recently. The breed won the Eukanuba Tournament of Champions in October 2001, and was one of the top 10 breeds for the year 2006. Click here for the complete story on Top Dog Breeds of 2006.
History and Origin
Based on their presence in various Chinese paintings and tapestries, it is thought that the shih tzu has been in existence since 624 AD. Despite many theories about the origin of the breed, it is not disputed that the shih tzu was part of the ancient Chinese court. The dogs were bred and selected with great care. From this foundation, along with the help of Russian refugee Madame de Breuil, the dogs of today were developed.
In the 1930s the interest in the breed had spread to England. During World War II, U.S. military personnel stationed in England fell in love with the breed. When returning home, the shih tzu accompanied them, thus introducing the breed to the United States.
Appearance
The shih tzu has a short nose and slightly pushed in face. The hair coat is naturally long and dense and requires daily care. The hair of the face is typically tied on top of the head as a topknot. To reduce the need for daily brushing, some people have the coats trimmed in a short terrier-like trim. Shih tzus can be any color or combination of colors.
Size
Standing only 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing 9 to 16 pounds, the shih tzu is a small but tough little dog.
Personality
The shih tzu is bred to be a pet and nothing else. The breed is strong and sturdy, the least delicate of the toy breeds. They have the appearance of being proud and arrogant but are actually gentle and very playful.
Home & Family Relations
The shih tzu is a friendly dog that adapts to any family situation but is definitely an indoor dog. They can easily withstand the rough treatment, and even the occasional dress-up of children and make excellent children's companions. The breed is also loyal and gentle enough to be a great choice for a companion for the elderly.
Training
Basic obedience is recommended to help develop a content and pleasant member of the family. The shih tzu is not typically trained for specific jobs and does best as just a loving pet.
Special Concerns
With a long hair coat, the shih tzu needs grooming to prevent mats.
Health Concerns
Cataracts cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.
Atopy is a disease associated with allergies.
Urolithiasis is a urinary tract disorder characterized by the development of bladder stones.
Corneal ulcers are common in the shih tzu due to the protrusion of the eyes.
Intervertebral Disk Disease is a disorder that affects the spinal disks resulting in pain, difficulty walking and possibly paralysis.
Kidney disease associated with a lack of development of the kidney has been found to be inherited in the shih tzu.
The life span of the shih tzu is 14 to 16 years.
We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.
2007-01-16 09:59:37 · answer #2 · answered by themysteriousmami24 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
About 15 years or more
here is some more info for you ...
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.
Description...
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.
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.
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.)
Height, Weight...
Height: Up to 11 inches (28cm.)
Weight: 9-16 pounds (4-7kg.)
2007-01-16 09:48:36 · answer #3 · answered by Indigo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I do not know if its average or not, but I have 2 Shih-Tzus and they are now 12 and 10 years old.....I hope that helped you....
2007-01-16 09:54:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the average life span of a shih tzu is 14-16 years, that is if they are healthy ,, i do alto of research on shih tzu's i have one he is 8 weeks old they are very good dogs....
2007-01-16 09:50:31 · answer #5 · answered by denise 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Mine is 15 and still acts like a puppy. But of course she is spayed, always current on vaccines & htwm prevention, & groomed well. If you don't take care of them, they won't live that long.
2007-01-16 15:07:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It matters how good you take care of them. Take bad care of them they will be lucky to live 10 and if taken good care of maybe around 15
2007-01-16 09:53:00 · answer #7 · answered by Girl with da answers 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The same as most toy breeds, about 15 years.
2007-01-16 09:52:18 · answer #8 · answered by empresspekes 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋