Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
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Good With Dogs:
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Shih Tzu Breed Information

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 9 - 16 lbs

Height: 8 - 11 inches

Color(s): Any

Veronica - Shih Tzu Female

Shih Tzu

$500.00

Duke-www.littlepuppiesonline.com

Shih Tzu

$399.00

Rusty-www.littlepuppiesonline.com

Shih Tzu

$399.00

Overview

The Shih Tzu is often referred to as a "small lion". They originated in Tibet, but are most associated with China where they were highly revered as a palace pet and prized companion. The Shih Tzu is an active, happy, and affectionate breed.

Character

The Shih Tzu is small, sturdy, and intelligent. They carry themselves with a noble and proud posture befitting their aristocratic ancestry. One of their most valued characteristics is the eye, which exude warmth and a human-like quality. The Shih Tzu is the least delicate of the toy breeds.

Temperament

The Shih Tzu is first and foremost a companion. They love nothing more than being indoors with their family. This breed gets along very well with older children and other pets. They are outgoing and self-assured, keen and alert. They make excellent watchdogs. They do not do well being separated from their owners and may become destructive if left alone for extended periods of time. They are docile and quiet, but they also love to play. The Shih Tzu is spunky and can be obstinate at times. They expect to be treated as royalty and are easily spoiled.

Care

The Shih Tzu requires extensive grooming. They need brushed daily to prevent knots, tangles, and mats. They need to be bathed monthly. They are not suited for humid climates. It is important to keep their eyes and ears cleaned. Their eyes are particularly sensitive. They are prone to kidney disease and slipping kneecaps. The Shih Tzu's short muzzle makes it exceptionally prone to snoring and wheezing problems. Dental hygiene is crucial to prevent tooth loss. They tend to gain weight easily and must not be overfed.

Coat

The Shih Tzu has a long, dense, and abundant double-coat. The luxurious and profuse outer-coat often sweeps the ground, and may be slightly wavy. The under-coat is wooly and soft in texture. The long hair on top of the head is typically placed into a topknot to prevent eye irritation. The Shih Tzu coat varies widely in color. They are minimal shedders and are considered hypoallergenic.

Training

The Shih Tzu may be difficult to housetrain. The crate method works best. Although they are eager to please, and quick to learn, this breed's stubborn streak requires persistence and consistency. They do not respond to harshness or punishment. The Shih Tzu does very well in obedience training provided it is low-key and motivational.

Activity

The Shih Tzu enjoys short daily walks or vigorous indoor play sessions and games. They are very well suited for apartment or condominium dwelling. However, they love to play outside, so a small fenced yard is ideal.

Ask a Question Shih Tzu Questions & Answers

QUESTION: I have a 3 year old shih tzu i got from the dog pound 2 years ago and now he leaks pee pee he has back trouble - what can cause this and what can i do?

Anonymous - 2/2/2012 5:37:51 PM

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QUESTION: I have a female Shihtzu and she is bleeding from her back side and does'nt seem to be in heat. what can this be?

Anonymous - 2/1/2012 10:07:57 PM

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QUESTION: What does it mean when a shih tzu tucks its tail between its back legs?

Anonymous - 2/1/2012 4:25:25 PM

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Then it's quite likely that your shih tzu is just a little scared of something that's going on. There are some other signs you should look for that will indicate that your dog is scared. If these signs are not found but your dog seems like an overall happy and healthy dog then it's quite possible that it's simply a habit for your dog, and nothing to worry about.

Anonymous - 2/1/2012 11:23:48 PM

QUESTION: My shih-tzus right eye has a cold in it, and it is closed a little. What could be the problem?

Anonymous - 1/31/2012 9:12:01 PM

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QUESTION: what is the common disease for the shih tzu breed..... i have a dog and i think he suffered a stroke

Anonymous - 1/29/2012 12:32:59 AM

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QUESTION: What do you suggest if your Shih Tzu seems to be constipated?

Anonymous - 1/24/2012 6:45:47 PM

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Give your shih tzu a little olive oil over its dog food. It will help it go with out getting the runs.

Anonymous - 1/27/2012 3:15:25 PM

QUESTION: I want to breed my shih-tzu and we found her a partner but he's somewhat bigger than she is....can she be in danger during labor if her pups are to large like the daddy??

Anonymous - 1/24/2012 5:58:45 PM

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Choose a male shih-tzu that is the same size.. breeding is always an issue and you don't want to take any more chances.. I had a litter that was only 4 (compared to her normal 6) and they got big and fat and she had issues with delivery..

Anonymous - 1/30/2012 1:18:52 PM

QUESTION: Iv'e just adopt a two year old shih tzu but he is sick he always sneezing and coughing and can't breath what shall I do should I worry he is taking antibotics is he going to get better is been two weeks now and I'm so afraid my 10 year old gotten so attached to her Ijust don't want anything tragic to happend please help for advise Thank You

Anonymous - 1/22/2012 10:06:00 PM

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because of the way a shih tzu nose is and breathing is a problem it could be that their nose is to small... I have 5 shih tzu and my youngest had breathing problems, coughed ,sneezed and snored louder than my husband at 1 month.. The vet suggested nose surgery it widens the nose so they can breath.. it was well worth the money and she is so healthy now

Anonymous - 1/30/2012 1:24:27 PM

Have the vet check if it's kennel cough. Because a normal cold should have gotten better with some vitamin C in 5 days. Or maybe you need to check if someone in your household is spraying chemicals or uses bleach on the floors.

Anonymous - 1/24/2012 8:58:08 AM

I would def take your shih tzu to the vet... Are you sure it is a cough? Our Molly sneezes all the time. She was raised with a cat and doesn't bark much. She really only barks if you leave her she has bad separation anxiety but if she has to go out or wants a treat she will keep sneezing until you take her out or give her the treat.

Stacey0234 - 1/24/2012 3:35:04 AM

QUESTION: Is a 17 lb. male Shih Tzu too large to breed to an 8 1/2 lb. female? The male is almost 3 yrs old, the female is 2. Ihank you.

Anonymous - 1/21/2012 2:19:50 PM

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yes your 17lb male shih tzu is too big for a female of only 8lb

Anonymous - 1/30/2012 1:25:39 PM

QUESTION: my shih tzu runs after its tail and now we are finding parts of his tail all around the house, what can i do for that?

Anonymous - 1/20/2012 9:58:42 AM

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well what i would do would be to whenever the shih tzu tries to bite her tail, take her tail and dont let her bite it. say no or uh uh while doing it. do this whever she tries to bite her tail and she should stop.

Anonymous - 1/27/2012 2:08:31 PM

QUESTION: My Shih Tzu bites at her feet all the time. Can someone tell me why?

Anonymous - 1/16/2012 7:20:38 PM

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Yeah probably allergies.. We found out our baby girl Shih Tzu is allergic to grass and that is why she used to bite her feet!

Stacey0234 - 1/24/2012 3:33:30 AM

Your Shih Tzu probably has allergies.

Anonymous - 1/18/2012 12:56:40 PM

QUESTION: I have a 12 yr old Shih Tzu. She's never been fixed and now my daughter brought her male puppy, 9mo old over to play and they mated. How concerned should I be about my Shih Tzu's age and becoming pregnant? They mated back 7 mo ago and nothing became of it. Is she too old to have puppies now? Is it hard on her health at this age?

Anonymous - 1/15/2012 6:46:48 PM

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Dogs are considered senior once they reach 8 yrs of age. I'm not sure if your Shih Tzu could still get pregnant at her advanced age.

Anonymous - 1/24/2012 9:01:13 AM

First of all WAS she in heat? If not then no concern and get her spayed IMMEDIATLEY!. Female dogs continue their heat cycles ALL their lives...She is Far to old to have a litter, it would be like your 95 year old Grandma having a baby. She could be facing a c section, unhealthy puppies or death herself, as she is just beyond the age to whelp a litter. Take her to a Spay and Neuter Clinic and have her checked out, if you need to save money, but please do it right away and gt her spayed...You are only putting your dogs life in jeopardy...A Shih tzu Breeder

alibellerson - 1/22/2012 10:25:33 AM

QUESTION: my 6yr old puppy mill rescue will not stop eating her own poop or that of our other dog i have tried all the pills we have even tried pumpkin nothing seems to work w

Anonymous - 1/15/2012 12:10:25 PM

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Try putting soy in her food for eating she might need the salt or lacking somthing in her food. you could try healthy treats like carrots apples cabbage greenbeans ect... no grapes or onions.. I have suggested this to many because they are simple foods you eat might be just what your little one needs

Anonymous - 1/30/2012 1:30:25 PM

QUESTION: We have an 8 mo old male shih tzu that shakes his head vigorously and scratches at his ears. Vet said no problem with ears but he cries too - anyone have ideas sometimes appears pain is from back leg

Anonymous - 1/14/2012 2:40:26 PM

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My vet specifically told me that the hair inside their ears have to be pulled out not cut but pulled, theres a high chance of ear infections with the hair still there, the vet or groomer will do it for you!

Anonymous - 1/18/2012 2:59:07 AM

QUESTION: I just adopted a 9 month old Shih Tzu. I was told it was a female but my daughter thinks it might be a male because she thinks she sees a twinkie. It's too little to tell. I know this is probably a dumb question but how can we tell for sure besides going to the vet.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 5:11:16 PM

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Well the female has nipples and a lot of them so thats 1 way you will be able to tell. Just turn her over on her back and look on her belly area and you will see them

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 8:49:23 PM

The male Shih Tzu pups winkies are like in the middle of their bellies, the female parts are between legs which look like a male, if you get what I mean.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 6:28:39 PM

QUESTION: when do shih tzu's come into heat and how long does it last - i have a 6 month old.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 10:45:51 AM

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Ususally between the age of 8 months to 1year old. Shih Tzu's get it twice a year and it last for 1month each time.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 8:46:27 PM

QUESTION: We have 2 year old shihtzu x bichion and we are considering letting her have 1 litter, as friends and family would like a mini Tilly. Could anyone give me some advise on what breed I should mate her with ? Shih tzu or bichion ? thanks in advance.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 5:26:10 AM

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QUESTION: How can I tell when my Shih Tzu is in heat?

Anonymous - 1/10/2012 8:28:43 PM

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Your Shih Tzu will start to discharge first than her private area will get very swollen and you will eventually see blood.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 8:44:05 PM

Your shih tzu will bleed, you will notice little drops of blood on your tile, floor, anywhere that she is at really.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 8:58:58 AM

QUESTION: help we recently adopted a 3 yr old shih tzu hes missing his family badly what will i do?

Anonymous - 1/10/2012 7:54:55 AM

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You & your family need to spend lots of time with your dog. He'll eventually realize that you're his new family now.

Anonymous - 1/11/2012 7:28:10 AM

QUESTION: I have an 8 month old female shorkie (yorkie/shih tzu mixed) she got her period a lil over a month ago but around her nipples it feels like lumps..I know for a fact that she's not pregnant because she wasn't around any male dogs...so why is her nipples so hard and she has lumps around her nipples

Anonymous - 1/10/2012 6:32:59 AM

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No the lumps weren't there before they didn't appear until she got her peiod.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 8:40:39 PM

Were the lumps there before? You are supposed to examine your dog by massage monthly to see if they have any lumps- lumps are not usually good and should be checked by a vet. Dogs get cancer too.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 9:00:47 AM

QUESTION: What is the life expectancy of a shih tzu?

Anonymous - 1/8/2012 11:41:54 PM

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Approximately 16 years

alibellerson - 1/22/2012 10:28:54 AM

QUESTION: My shih tzu is very small and she doesnt like dogs. If she has puppies will it be dangerous? Also will she like the puppies and not try to hurt them?

Anonymous - 1/8/2012 1:31:54 PM

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QUESTION: I just got my Shih Tzu January 5, He is about 8 weeks. I work afternoons. I just got him a cage should I not leave any food in his cage before I go to work? Im trying to get him to use it on the paper, He was doing good the first day now he is using it on my carpert in the house cause he doesnt have his shots yet to go outside.

Anonymous - 1/8/2012 5:42:41 AM

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QUESTION: why are pit bulls so aggressive?

Anonymous - 1/6/2012 10:00:43 PM

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Pit Bulls aren't necessarily aggressive by nature. Most Pitbulls become very aggressive due to thier owners making them that way. They are made mean thinking they make a better guard dog. When in fact they need to intimidate and not actually attack to be a good guard dog. This is a popular misbelief that some dog breeds are very aggressive ALL dog breeds with the wrong training can be aggressive.

Anonymous - 1/18/2012 2:13:08 PM

QUESTION: My Shih Tzu female just had her puppies 2 days ago and today she keeps trying to take one of her puppies under the bed is that normal or something I should worry about?

Anonymous - 1/6/2012 11:58:11 AM

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Are there a lot of people picking them up and holding them? The mom dog may be telling you she feels vulnerable. It is normal for them to "nest". I made a corner in each of the living rooms and bedroom a secluded area for my mom dog. I used a miniature swimming pool and put a sleeping bag for cushioning in the bottom and covered it with a sheet. Daisy could get in and out easily and the babies were tucked away safely.

Anonymous - 1/8/2012 9:10:09 AM

QUESTION: What is the best environment for shih tzu dogs?

Anonymous - 1/5/2012 5:06:30 AM

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Shih tzu are very social dogs. So lots of people & a few more dogs is good.

Anonymous - 1/6/2012 9:38:52 AM

QUESTION: what can i give my 8 week old shit tzu to drink?

Anonymous - 1/4/2012 3:55:18 PM

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Distilled water is better than mineral water because it will prevent tear stains.

Anonymous - 1/6/2012 9:36:47 AM

QUESTION: BELLA IS MY BABY AND HER FEW MONTHS OF PLAYING WITH STUFFED ANIMALS THINKING THEY WERE HER BABIES MADE ME SAD SO I BOUGHT BEST SO SHE WOULD HAVE A FRIND AND MAYBE REAL PUPPIES AND HE BECAME HER BEST FRIEND BUT IT HAS BEEN 4 MONTHS AND SHE IS NOT PREGNANT - IS SOME THING WRONG ?

Anonymous - 1/1/2012 5:32:11 PM

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Has she ever gone into Heat?....They only go into heat every 6 months or so

alibellerson - 1/22/2012 10:31:20 AM

QUESTION: I HAVE 2 SHIH TZUS BELLA AND BEST. BELLA IS MY BABY, I GOT BEST TO KEEP HER COMPANY BECAUSE I AM NOT WITH HER ALOT ANY MORE AND DIDNT WANT HER TO GET LONLY AND SHE LOVES HIM AND PLAYING WITH HIM AND HE HAS A BLAST WHEN IT IS JUST THE TWO OF THEM BUT SHE SEEMS TO GET LONLY WHEN I LEAVE - IS BELLA GETING LONELY ?

Anonymous - 1/1/2012 5:25:34 PM

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QUESTION: When is a shih tzu fully grown?

Anonymous - 1/1/2012 2:09:51 PM

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If you are looking for Shih Tzu puppies for sale from reputable Shih Tzu breeders or to adopt a Shih Tzu from a Shih Tzu rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Shih Tzu puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Shih Tzu puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.

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