Shih Tzu Dog Facts

Well, if you want history living in your own house then Shih Tzu is the dog breed you want. Recent studies confirmed that they are one of the oldest breeds around, also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog (because of its face resembling that of a flower) or the Snow Lion dog (as old Tibetan monks used to call them holy dogs that used to guard the Imperial palace back in the day).

Like all toy dog breeds they have a positive, lively attitude and a lot of intelligence is to be found in their eyes. The most important attribute is the long flowing double-coat, which can be cut down like a summer coat or left long as compulsory for conformation shows. What is more interesting is that the Shih Tzu doesn’t actually have a fur but hair just like humans, which they loose gradually while being groomed.

Because of their lively attitude they make great watch dogs. However, poorly trained dogs from this breed can be noisy, rambunctious and stubborn. The only purpose of the Shih Tzu is not that of a house pet as they should instead be happy, outgoing, affectionate and trusting towards all.

The official breed standard stands about 9-10 inches tall and weighs between 9-15 pounds. The life span ranges from 11 to 15 years although some variation can exist depending on the care they receive and on their fitness and also health. The main problems known to the breed range from renal dysplasia to hip-dysplasia and they might also beget some eye problems.

As to the perfect family for him, it should be a household with older children or only adults mainly because the Shih Tzu is used to being the king of the family and being treated as one. If you don’t know why to purchase one, its gentle nature should be enough to steer you along that direction but it can also be quite snappy when being treated poorly by children.

As was pointed out earlier, Shih Tzu has a great history with the first evidence of its existence being from during the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 A.D.). It is also known that the Shih Tzu was a house pet during most of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 A.D.) being highly favored by the royal house. Unfortunately by the time the communism came to China the Shih Tzu breed was close to extinction for even today most of the breed can be traced to fourteen dogs (seven female and seven male dogs).