For those who are looking for a very docile, companionable, affectionate and small dog, the Shih Tzu dog may be the most suitable breed. This puppy is much more than a cute little face. Because it is not a hunting dog and does not have an athletic profile, it ends up being more attached to the owner and has a very easy temperament to deal with. The Shih Tzu is also one of the best dogs for apartments and other places.compact environments and is therefore the perfect choice for those living in a big city.

But how is the coexistence with the breed and what should be the care of the Shih Tzu? If you are thinking of having a dog and want to learn everything about Shih Tzu, the moment is all yours. To help you in this mission, we have prepared a complete tutorial with what you need to know about the Shih Tzu temperament, personality, value, characteristics, care and even indications of names for Shih Tzu.Check it out!

Shih Tzu dog x-ray

• Origin : Tibet
• Group : Companion and Toy Dogs
• Coat : long, dense and can be straight or slightly wavy
• Colors : all colors are accepted
• Personality : attached, loyal, outgoing, sociable and a little stubborn
• Height : 25 to 30 cm
• Weight : 4.5 to 8 kg
• Life expectancy : 10 to 15 years

The origin story of the Shih Tzu dog breed

The Shih Tzu originated in Tibet and is considered one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Although it is not possible to determine the exact date of its appearance, there is some evidence - such as documents, paintings and other objects - that suggests that the Shih Tzu breed of dog has existed since 624 BC.

But it wasn't until the 19th century, in China, that the small and charming Shih Tzu began to gain popularity and developed the way we know it today. The puppy even quickly won the hearts of the imperial family and soon became a mascot. A few years later, in 1934, the Shih Tzu dog breed was officially recognized and also became one of the most beloved in the world.West.

Shih Tzu names can change, and it is normal for some people to refer to the puppy as "Shitzu dog", "Shitsu dog", "Shiatsu dog" and even "Chitso". Puppy is called in many ways, but the important thing is to make sure that it is pure, and not a mixture of Shih Tzu with Pinscher or any other breed. Want to know everything about the Shih Tzu puppy?So follow along with us to find out other important information about this little dog.

The characteristics of the Shih Tzu breed go beyond the small size

There are those who wonder if Shih Tzu is medium or small, but the compact size of the breed already answers that on its own. In addition to size, there are several other characteristics of the Shih Tzu dog that are considered unique - and those who live a lot with this cuteness on a daily basis are certainly already aware of it. The Shih Tzu breed has a flattened muzzle and is part of the group of dogsIt also has large, droopy ears with large, almond-shaped, slightly separated eyes. To complete the Shih Tzu's cute appearance, long, soft fur covers its entire body.

Other characteristics that draw attention to the Shih Tzu: height and weight. This is a very light dog that usually weighs between 4.5 kg and 8 kg, at most. For those who like to know how much the Shih Tzu measures, male and female height varies between 25 and 30 cm (remembering that this measurement is taken from the shoulders to the floor). In general, the average height changes according to the sex of the animal, but when it comes to the Shih Tzu.Shih Tzu, female and male height are basically the same.

Unlike breeds that have other size variations, such as the Poodle, there is no such thing as a large Shih Tzu. So don't be fooled by finding offers on the internet or in kennels for "large" Shih Tzu specimens, because the size of this puppy is a maximum of 30 centimeters. If it exceeds that, the large Shih Tzu puppy is probably not pure, but a mix with another breed. So, towho is looking for a small dog breed, Shih Tzu is the right choice!

See photos of the real-life Shih Tzu dog!

Shih Tzu coat: colors are as varied as possible

If you are wondering if there is such a thing as a white Shih Tzu, the answer is yes! Although it is more common to find specimens with other colors mixed in, it is also possible to find an all-white Shih Tzu. In fact, the appearance of the coat can vary quite a bit and, fortunately, all Shih Tzu colors are accepted and officially recognized.

See below for the most popular types of Shih Tzu:

• White Shih Tzu
• Black Shih Tzu
• Gray Shih Tzu
• Brown Shih Tzu
• Red Shih Tzu
• Caramel Shih Tzu
• Shih Tzu bicolor
• Shih Tzu tricolor

As much as solid colors are quite successful, bicolor specimens are also very prominent. To give you an idea, it is very common to find a brown and white Shih Tzu, for example. There are also other color mixtures that make the dog even more charming, such as the black and white Shih Tzu, gray and white, red and white or even gold and white.

As for coat types, the Shih Tzu has long, abundant strands that can have a wavy or straight look. Although it is not a breed that sheds a lot of hair, it is good to know which Shih Tzu coat care is most important, such as brushing, bathing and grooming.

The cut can be of several types, but the most popular among the owners is the so-called baby cut. As the name suggests, this type of cut makes the dog look like a baby (even if he is already an adult). There are also other types of cut for Shih Tzu that can be adhered to, just look for the one you like best.

Shih Tzu: outgoing, cheerful and sociable temperament are hallmarks of the breed

• Coexistence

Aside from the cute appearance, another characteristic of the breed that enchants the owners is its personality. Shih Tzu is cheerful, outgoing and loves to play. Therefore, this is a dog that likes children and has everything to be the best friend of the little ones. Shih Tzu dogs also love to go out for a walk and spend all their energy, although they do not have as much pique and disposition as otherspuppies - mainly because of their respiratory limitations.

Oh, and a typical characteristic of the Shih Tzu breed: the dog is super attached to its owners and always likes to be close to people. Therefore, the ideal is that it stays indoors, never isolated or separated from its owners. But make no mistake, because despite the Shih Tzu's attachment, independent personality is one of the breed's strengths. Sometimes this little dog likes to take charge of the situation,and so they can be stubborn.

Still, for Shih Tzu lovers, negative characteristics are practically nonexistent or irrelevant. Even because, despite the stubbornness, the qualities of the dog stand out much more than the defects. So much so that another positive point of the breed is that it is very sociable and usually gets along very well with humans and other animals. They hardly show problems of coexistence with human beings.dogs, cats and even less with people.

A point that does not go unnoticed is that, still on the subject of temperament, Shih Tzu hardly bark. However, he will not hesitate to use his vocal cords to warn you when there is something wrong or different. Warning: despite being a great dog, Shih Tzu breed can not be used to protect the home or take on a protective role.

• Socialization

The Shih Tzu breed tends to get along with all kinds of people, including children, strangers and other animals. It is a dog that is naturally peaceful and not very territorial. Still, socialization is welcome in the puppy stage, as it makes the dog get used to different situations and types of people more easily.

This is one of the best dog breeds for the elderly, as it is a dog that is not very active and will not require so much energy. However, the little dog can also be suitable for large families, small families, with or without children, and even for those who live alone and are looking for a dog companion - as long as all their needs are met.

• Training

If you intend to start training the breed, Shih Tzu dog requires a little more patience in the process. As this dog is a little stubborn, it can take time to learn some tricks and basic obedience commands. It is likely that you will need to repeat up to more than 40 times some command for Shih Tzu dogs to understand well, for example. Therefore, one of the care with a Shih Tzu dog is the followingTzu is that it must be trained with patience and persistence. Even if it takes a little longer than other dogs, it is important not to give up.

Another important point is to start the training with the Shih Tzu puppy. The earlier the training begins, the easier it will be for him to learn the basics without difficulty. It is also important to use positive reinforcement techniques, always rewarding the animal with treats, cuddles and praise when he does something "right". This will encourage him to repeat the good behavior. still,remember that you can always enlist the help of a trainer to make this process easier.

See other images of Shih Tzu dogs to fall in love with!

7 curiosities about the Shih Tzu breed dog

1) The name "Shih Tzu" has Chinese origins and means "lion dog".

2) The Shih Tzu dog breed was very popular during the Ming Dynasty in China and was also considered sacred by Tibetan monks.

3) Many people confuse the Lhasa Apso and the Shih Tzu. Dog breeds are indeed similar in some ways, but they do not belong to the same group and are anatomically distinct animals.

4) For the above reason, some believe that there are several types of Shih Tzu dogs, but this is not true. Dogs of the breed always follow the same pattern; the only difference that can happen between them is in relation to the colors of the Shih Tzu. Solid, bicolor and tricolor types are accepted, and there can be up to 19 color combinations in the coat.

5) The small and cuddly Shih Tzu dog is a favorite among celebrities. Some famous people who have or have had a copy of the breed are singer Beyoncé, tycoon Bill Gates and Brazilian actress Bruna Marquezine.

6) When it comes to the Shih Tzu breed, price is very much linked to the puppy's physical characteristics, such as gender and colors.

7) Both a 40-day-old Shih Tzu and a 50-day-old Shih Tzu need specific care at this stage, so it is very important to research everything about Shih Tzu puppies before having such a dog at home.

Shih Tzu puppy: how to care for and what to expect from the puppy?

A question that always crosses the mind of first-time owners is about Shih Tzu puppy care. Just like any puppy, it is necessary to promote a welcoming environment to welcome the animal home. Bed, food, toys, watering can, wet wipes, brushes: all of this is important to learn how to care for a Shih Tzu, both puppy and adult. Therefore, a tipis to prepare the dog's outfit in advance to provide everything he needs.

Here's how to care for your Shih Tzu in the first year of life:

How to care for newborn Shih Tzu - In the very first days of being a newborn, the Shih Tzu puppy still spends much of its time sleeping or suckling. Breastfeeding is crucial to ensure that the dog grows strong and develops, so the newborn Shih Tzu should not be separated from its mother for the first two months.

How to care for Shih Tzu at 40 days old - At the moment that varies between the Shih Tzu 40 days and the Shih Tzu with 50 days, the tutor should start weaning the dog. Gradually, the food should be inserted into the pet's diet.

How to care for a 45 day old Shih Tzu - After 45 days of age, the puppy can already take the first dose of vaccine and be dewormed. To complete the vaccination schedule, do not forget to talk to a veterinarian.

How to care for a 60-day-old Shih Tzu - Here, the puppy should ideally be familiar with dog food and have stopped sucking completely. Remember that the food should ideally be appropriate for the age and size of the animal.

How to care for Shih Tzu (5 months) - Puppy behaviour at this stage is already more energetic. The Shih Tzu is thirsty to know the world, and will become a great explorer. Environmental enrichment can help him expend energy.

How to care for Shih Tzu (6 months) - At around this age, it is recommended to start training the puppy. He should be trained and socialized so that he does not have behavioral problems in the future. It is also the age of the first heat, and puppy neutering is a way to prevent crossbreeding.

Around 12 months, the Shih Tzu finally reaches adulthood and stops being a puppy. Still, the animal needs physical and mental stimulation for life! Even if it is less active than most pets, offering toys, games and walks is the best way to ensure that it stays healthy.

@olivermanoell 🚁 #shihtzu #dogs ♬ original sound - Mithelly Cristina

Shih Tzu care in everyday life

• Brushing Learning how to take care of your Shih Tzu's coat is not a big deal. Because it has a very long coat, the Shih Tzu needs to be brushed daily to avoid the formation of knots and possible skin injuries.

• Bath : the breed should be bathed every two weeks or weekly, always with specific products for dogs.

• Tosa If you don't know how to take care of a Shih Tzu dog, the tip is to have it frequently shaved. Some owners choose to have their Shih Tzu shaved every 15 days to keep the coat down. The shaving of male and female Shih Tzu is usually the same.

• Teeth Shih Tzu puppies need to have their teeth brushed regularly - preferably once a week - to avoid oral problems such as tartar in dogs.

• Nails One of the ways to care for a Shih Tzu is to cut the pet's nails monthly, preventing the claws from getting too long and hurting.

• Ears Shih Tzu care : giving your pet's ears a superficial cleaning is one of the most important Shih Tzu care procedures. This prevents infections and other nuisances.

What you need to know about Shih Tzu health

Like Pugs and other small dogs, Shih Tzu have large, overexposed eyeballs. Because of this, ulcers, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), dryness and even progressive retinal atrophy (which can lead to complete blindness) are common problems for the breed. Shih Tzu puppies need weekly cleanings in the corners of their eyes, so you avoid the accumulation of dirt and debris.dirt and secretions that could cause more serious problems.

In addition, one of the characteristics of the Shih Tzu is its flattened snout. This can trigger respiratory problems, such as brachycephalic syndrome, typical of dogs with this anatomy. In addition, canine coprophagia - which is the habit of ingesting one's own feces - is also very common in Shih Tzu dogs.

In any case, veterinary follow-up is very important. In addition to assessing the general health of the animal, this is a great opportunity to keep vaccinations up to date (preferably without delay). Regular administration of dewormers and anti-parasitic drugs is also necessary. When properly cared for, the Shih Tzu usually lives between 10 and 15 years.

Shih Tzu food: care with feeding is necessary

To buy a good Shih Tzu food, small size should be taken into account and feeding should be regulated. The adult Shih Tzu usually eats between 100 g and 150 g of food per day. But to ensure that the amount is really right, take a look at the information on the back of the food packaging. Also check that the food you choose is appropriate for the size of the Shih Tzu.animal, as there are food options aimed at small, medium or large dogs.

To learn how to take care of a Shih Tzu puppy, the diet of the puppy needs special attention. The Shih Tzu puppy needs to be fed a specific food for puppies and should be fed more often (about 4 or 5 times a day), in smaller portions. After the first 6 months, the Shih Tzu can already be fed twice a day (morning and evening), but the change to dog food is not necessary.adults does not occur until around 12 months.

Oh, and don't forget: to calculate the right amount of food, remember that it is essential to take into account the weight of the pet. The Shih Tzu mini (or Shih Tzu number 1), for example, should receive a smaller amount of food. If you have doubts, you can always consult a veterinarian.

Shih Tzu: how much does it cost? Price and other important information

It is impossible not to fall in love with the Shih Tzu. Breed is one of the popular among Brazilians, and what is not lacking are tutors interested in acquiring a puppy or a puppy of the breed to call their own. But how much does a Shih Tzu cost, after all? Several factors can influence the final value, but to acquire a Shih Tzu, price usually stays in the range of R$ 1500 to R$ 4500.

Genetics, as well as physical characteristics of the Shih Tzu puppy, are taken into account at these times, as well as age. In the case of a Shih Tzu puppy, the price tends to be higher than that of an adult male Shih Tzu, for example. The sex and colors of the puppy also impact this, so females are always more expensive than males. If the puppy has a colorconsidered "rare", may also cost a little more than colors that are considered "common".

For those who are interested in buying a Shih Tzu, don't forget that it is important to choose a reliable dog kennel to avoid problems. Look for a place with good conditions and that is well rated by other customers. If possible, make a few visits to make sure they treat the animals well. Also, don't forget that the breed demands other expenses that will last for the entire life of the dog.your life, so it is good to be sure of the choice.

6 questions and answers about the Shih Tzu

1) What is the value of the original Shih Tzu?

The value of a Shih Tzu puppy usually varies between R$ 1,500 and R$ 4,500. The price may vary from kennel to kennel, but for those looking for a pure dog the recommendation is to request the pedigree at the time of purchase. This document proves that the dog is, in fact, "original", as it contains important information about the pet's family tree (parents and ancestors). It is worth remembering that it is much easier to catchthe dog's pedigree when it is still a puppy.

2) What care should we take with a Shih Tzu?

Living with a Shih Tzu is not a lot of work. The care is basically the same as the tutor would have with any other dog such as: brushing hair, bathing, grooming, brushing teeth, cutting nails, feeding, taking for walks and taking care of physiological needs. Attention should be paid to the level of physical exercise, since this is a brachycephalic breed and it gets tiredAlso, you can't let puppy vaccinations get delayed!

3) How long does a Shih Tzu live on average?

The average life expectancy of a Shih Tzu dog is 10 to 16 years. The care the dog receives, as well as its health conditions, are some points that influence the animal's longevity. One tip is to perform frequent check-ups - especially if it is already an elderly dog -, offer a quality premium or super premium diet and always provide physical and mental stimulation.mentally to the puppy.

4) What does the Shih Tzu like most?

The Shih Tzu is that dog that loves laps, cuddle sessions and lots of attention. He has an extremely docile personality and is an excellent companion dog. On the other hand, one of the negative characteristics of the breed is that he can't stand to be left alone for long. So before adopting such a dog, it is good to make sure that you will be able to cope with the pet's need for attention.

5) What can't you give to your Shih Tzu puppy?

Knowing what your dog can and can't eat makes all the difference in raising any breed. Some things you can't give your Shih Tzu are: chocolate, grapes (fresh or raisins), cow's milk, avocado, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic and any food with these ingredients. These are potentially toxic foods for dogs that should be avoided at all costs. When in doubt, always consult a veterinarianbefore increasing your pet's diet.

6) Is it okay to leave the Shih Tzu alone?

Even being independent, the breed tolerates few hours without company. Therefore, the ideal is not to leave the Shih Tzu dog alone for too long, whether puppy or adult. He is very attached to his guardian and will miss having someone around. The ideal is to offer an enriched environment for him to be distracted and, at the same time, not to spend too much time outside the home.