Learn More About Shih Tzu

Summary

The Shih Tzu is a small but proud dog with a luxurious, long coat and a distinctive flat muzzle. This breed belongs to FCI Group 9 of companion and companion dogs. Their body structure is compact and slightly longer than it is tall. Their ears are large and droop, often hidden beneath their long hair. A special feature of the Shih Tzu is its coat, which often grows so long that it touches the ground. Its tail is feathered and is happily carried over its back. The Shih Tzu is bred in a single line, so there is no distinction between show and performance lines.

Character

The Shih Tzu is a true king among small dogs and is often described as loving, cheerful and somewhat stubborn. His royal heritage is reflected in his proud demeanor, but beneath that regal demeanor lies a warm heart and an unbridled affection for his family. As far as use goes, the Shih Tzu is primarily a companion dog. He is not there to till fields or herd livestock, but his main purpose is to provide companionship and joy. Accordingly, he loves being around people and is often referred to as a "shadow" because he likes to follow his owner everywhere. The Shih Tzu is a relatively calm dog, but that doesn't mean he isn't playful. In fact, Shih Tzus are often very playful and enjoy interacting with toys and family members. Their temperament is generally even-tempered, and although they can be alert to strange noises or people, they are not known to be aggressive or fearful dogs. Another aspect of the Shih Tzu's character is his attachment to his family. He bonds closely with his owners and can be very people-oriented. This means that the Shih Tzu may have difficulty staying alone and it is important to teach him that it is okay to be alone sometimes. Through slow training and patience, a Shih Tzu can learn to stay alone without feeling too much stress. The Shih Tzu does not typically exhibit strong hunting or prey-catching behavior, but it can be curious and adventurous. That's why it's important to keep him on a leash when you're in an area with a lot of traffic or distractions. In terms of alertness, the Shih Tzu is quite alert to his surroundings. He will often bark to alert you to someone at the door or an unfamiliar noise. This makes him a good guard dog, but it is important to be careful that the barking does not become excessive. Finally, it is important to mention that the Shih Tzu can have a certain stubbornness in its character. This can make training a little more challenging, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, the Shih Tzu can be a well-behaved companion.

What to Expect

Shih Tzus are small, lively and friendly dogs. Unfortunately, the noses of this type of dog are also being bred to be shorter and shorter, so that they are increasingly appearing on lists of breeds affected by breeding traits.

Care

Shih Tzus are well suited as city dogs due to their small size and adaptable temperament. They get along just as well in apartments as in houses with a garden. Shih Tzus are generally child-friendly, but it is important that interactions be supervised, especially with very young children. They also get along well with cats and other pets as long as they are properly socialized.

Training & Education

Shih Tzus are intelligent and eager to learn, but sometimes they can be a bit stubborn. It's important to start training early and stay consistent. Positive reinforcement works particularly well with this breed. Shih Tzus enjoy mental stimulation and may benefit from agility training or tricks. It is important to note that this breed can be sensitive to overstimulation, so it is advisable to keep training sessions short and ensure a balance of activity and relaxation. Shih Tzus don't tend to be "ball junkies." but it's always good to bring diversity into your activities. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important skills that should be encouraged through training in this breed.

Nutrition & Grooming

A balanced diet is crucial for your Shih Tzu's health and well-being. Choose high-quality food that is tailored to the needs of small breeds. Be careful not to let your Shih Tzu become overweight, as this can put additional stress on his joints. In terms of grooming, the Shih Tzu has a long, dense coat with no undercoat. The coat requires regular care to prevent matting. It is advisable to brush the Shih Tzu daily. The climate in Germany is generally well tolerated by Shih Tzus, but they should be kept warm in extremely cold weather.