Shih Tzu

Origins and History

The Shih Tzu descends from ancient Chinese toy breeds that were favored by the Imperial court. Bred to resemble the lion, the name means “lion‑dog” in Mandarin. Development accelerated during the Tang (618‑907) and Song (960‑1279) dynasties, and the breed was refined in the 20th century after being introduced to the West by British and American travelers. The American Kennel Club recognized the Shih Tzu in 1969, placing it in the Non‑Sporting Group.

General Characteristics

• Compact, sturdy toy with a well‑balanced, square‑appearing frame.
• Affectionate, alert, and eager to please, yet occasionally independent.
• Originally a companion and lap dog for royalty; today primarily a family companion and show dog.

Physical Specifications

• Height: 9‑10.5 inches (23‑27 cm) at the withers for both males and females.
• Weight: 9‑16 pounds (4‑7 kg), proportionate to height and bone structure.

Coat and Color

• Double coat; outer coat is long, flowing, fine, and straight; undercoat is soft and dense.
• All solid colors, parti‑colors, and white with markings are accepted. Recognized colors include black, brown, gold, red, cream, blue, brindle, and any combination thereof.

Temperament Considerations

Shih Tzus are people‑oriented and thrive on companionship. Their brachycephalic head can make them prone to respiratory fatigue, so training sessions should be kept short and positive.

Training Essentials

• Early socialization with people, children, and other dogs to prevent over‑attachment and small‑dog aggression.
• Moderate daily exercise – short walks and play sessions – to maintain physical health without overexertion.
• Consistent, reward‑based methods work best; avoid harsh corrections that may cause fear.

Daily Grooming

• Brush the coat at least once a day using a slicker brush and a metal comb to prevent matting.
• Clean the face and eyes daily with a soft, damp cloth to remove tear stains.
• Check nails weekly; trim when the quick is visible.
• Dental care: brush teeth several times a week or provide dental chews.

Show Preparation

• Begin a professional grooming cycle 4‑6 weeks before the show: hand‑strip or clip to the desired length, shape the head and ears, and trim the tail to the breed‑standard length.
• Apply a light coat of conditioning spray the day before the ring to enhance shine without adding weight.
• Practice the correct gait and stance on a flat surface; the dog should move with a smooth, level walk and a proud carriage.

Common Health Issues

• Brachycephalic airway syndrome – may cause snoring, coughing, and heat intolerance.
• Ocular problems: corneal ulcers, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and entropion.
• Dental overcrowding leading to periodontal disease.
• Patellar luxation (Grade I‑II common).
• Intervertebral disc disease due to a short, deep rib cage.
• Hereditary heart disease, especially mitral valve disease.

General Care

• Exercise: 20‑30 minutes of moderate activity daily; avoid excessive heat or strenuous play.
• Nutrition: high‑quality small‑breed kibble formulated for joint and dental health; maintain a lean body condition to reduce strain on the spine.
• Lifespan: typically 10‑16 years; regular veterinary wellness exams help identify age‑related issues early.
• Screening recommendations: annual ophthalmologic exam, OFA or Penn‑Hip evaluation if breeding, cardiac auscultation, and DNA test for PRA‑PRCD.