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!
