The Shih Tzu is known as the little Lion dog. Their origins are a bit of a mystery but are probably bred from Tibetan or Chinese-type dogs.
They are small, regal and friendly dogs. If you are looking for a companion for your family or household, this could be the perfect breed for you.
They require little exercise and would make a great flat/apartment dog. They will still enjoy a short daily walk, especially if they have no garden to run around. They are quite playful dogs, so you must ensure they get plenty of playtimes. Remember, a bored dog will usually become mischievous, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to ensure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.
They love their families and being with people. They are unsuitable for families with young children as they have their limits to being pulled around. They are very playful, so older children and those used to being around dogs will play endless games running around the garden with them. They always love to be a lap dog and will snuggle all day with you. They are a great choice for the elderly or infirm.
They love strangers, just friends they haven’t met yet! If you are looking for a good watchdog, you need to keep on looking. This breed will most likely lick them to death.
They should be fine with other dogs and cats if brought up with them. The need to chase neighbours’ cats and small animals is probably too strong to control. Ensure your outside area is well enclosed and they can’t escape when giving chase.
They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, but they are stubborn and independent. You might want to discover their motivation reward early on to make the best progress. They prefer fun and playful training rather than being harsh or forceful. They can be slow to house-train.
They are light shedders, more so around Spring and Autumn. They will need to be clipped by a professional groomer every few months or learn how to do it yourself. People might say they have hypoallergenic coats, but remember that there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. All dogs shed dander and saliva, which carry allergens.
Shih Tzu Stats
The breed’s origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is known that these little dogs were raised in palaces by eunuchs for the pleasure of the nobility. Here they sat on satin pillows and had beautiful marble courtyards to run in. Distant relatives of the Shih Tzu are the Pekingese and Tibetan-type dogs.
- Weight -4kg –8kg
- Size – 26cm – 28cm
- They live for 10-16 years