Breed At A Glance: Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu Breed Overview

• Lifespan: 10-18 years
• Size: Small (Toy breed)
• Maintenance Level: High due to grooming needs
• Shed Level: Low
• Temperament: Active, Friendly, Affectionate
• Friendliness: High
• Coat Colours: Varied, often in shades of black, white, brown

Best For:

• Families or individuals seeking a companion dog
• Owners willing to invest time in regular grooming

Appearance:

• Compact and solid build, typically weighing 9–16 pounds
• Long, flowing hair coat, often styled or trimmed
• Distinctive flat face with an underbite and expressive eyes
• Height averages around 10 inches

Temperament:

• Pleasant, social, and enjoys being around people and other animals
• Alert but not typically used as a working dog in modern times

Care Guide:

• Grooming: High maintenance due to long hair; requires regular brushing and professional grooming
• Training: Responsive, benefits from early socialisation
• Diet & Nutrition: Balanced diet, monitoring for obesity
• Exercise: Moderate; enjoys walks and play, needs less than 30 minutes of exercise daily
• Ideal Environment: Adaptable to various living situations, preferably indoors

Health:

• Common health issues include obesity, luxating patellas, periodontal disease, hip dysplasia, eye problems, liver shunts, ear infections, glomerulonephropathy, brachycephalic syndrome

Nutritional Considerations:

• Watch for overfeeding to avoid obesity
• May benefit from supplements like omega fatty acids and dental chews

Behaviour & Training Tips:

• Naturally sociable, playful, and intelligent
• Trained easily with rewards and positive reinforcement
• Good with children and other pets when socialised early

Grooming Guide:

• Coat Care: Requires frequent grooming; weekly bathing and brushing
• Eye Care: Regular cleaning to prevent irritation
• Ear Care: Check and clean regularly to prevent infections

Considerations for Pet Parents:

• Ideal for those who enjoy a close bond with their pet and can dedicate time to grooming
• Not suitable for outdoor living due to their brachycephalic nature and grooming needs
• Good for apartment living and families with children
• Good for Allergy Sufferers: Often considered hypoallergenic due to low shedding
• Ideal Environment: Thrives in a loving, indoor environment with regular human interaction

Curious to know more? Check out our Shih Tzu guide!