Overview
The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy companion dog with a long, silky coat, a short muzzle and big dark eyes. Its name echoes the Chinese word for lion, a nod to the lion-like dogs of traditional art.
Bred for centuries to keep people company, it is happiest in the middle of family life. It suits homes of many sizes, but it does need regular brushing and a gentle eye on its breathing in hot weather.
History
The breed is thought to descend from crosses between the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso, and it was a favourite at the Chinese imperial court, where it was so prized that dogs were rarely given away. Its exact roots, Tibetan or Chinese, are still debated by dog historians.
The first dogs reached England and Norway in the 1920s and 1930s, and a European standard was written in England in 1935. After World War II, returning soldiers brought dogs to the United States, and the breed has been a household favourite ever since.
Appearance
A compact, slightly longer-than-tall dog standing no more than about 27 cm at the shoulder. The head is broad and round with large dark eyes, a short square muzzle and the required underbite. Ears hang low under long hair, and the plumed tail is carried curled over the back.
The flowing double coat gives a proud, rather haughty outline, often finished with a topknot tied up out of the eyes.
Temperament
The Shih Tzu is cheerful, affectionate and sociable, greeting friends and strangers alike with a wagging tail. It loves laps, games and attention, and usually gets along well with children and other pets.
It can be a little stubborn, so training works best when kept short, rewarding and fun. It is not a big barker but will announce visitors.
Care and exercise
Brush the long coat every day or two to prevent tangles and mats, or keep it clipped in a shorter puppy cut. Wipe the face and eyes daily, and keep hair out of the eyes. Regular dental care and nail trims are important.
Exercise needs are modest: a couple of short walks and some indoor play. Avoid strenuous exercise in heat, as flat-faced dogs overheat easily.
Health
Like other short-nosed dogs, Shih Tzus can have breathing difficulties from narrow nostrils and a long soft palate, and they are prone to heat stroke. Eye problems such as ulcers, dry eye, tear staining and cataracts are common. Mitral valve disease, dental crowding and allergies can also occur.
