Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a Chinese bred dog whose name literally means lion dog. The Shih Tzu has a distinctive appearance of a tiny lion thus earning the name Shih Tzu or lion dog. The Shih Tzu can also be called a chrysanthemum because their face looks much like the chrysanthemum flower. The Shih Tzu is thought to be the oldest and smallest of the Tibetan holy dogs. Shih Tzu's are an average of about eleven inches but can be as short as eight inches. Shih Tzus can weigh as much as sixteen pounds and as little as nine pounds. The Shih Tzu dog is a sturdy build and is one of the oldest dog breeds alive today.

You can recognize a Shih Tzu dog by the dog's face and fur coat. The face of a Shih Tzu is small and flat nosed. Their eyes are large and wide set on a rounded head. The fur coat of a Shih Tzu is an abundant long and flowing double coat of long hair. The fur of the Shih Tzu can be worn long or short. If the fur is worn long on the Shih Tzu it will require daily brushing to keep the fur from matting and becoming to dry. If the particular Shih Tzu is not used for kennel shows or competition it can be best to keep the fur cut short for easier maintenance. The tail of a Shih Tzu is long and will curl back on itself. With the flat noses, wide set eyes and long hair this dog has truly earned its name of lion dog or Shih Tzu.

The temperament of a Shih Tzu is a friendly, energetic and lively attitude. These dogs are great companions and because they do not shed they are in fact hypo allergenic. Shih Tzu dogs are great for families with allergies that want the companionship and responsibility of a pet. The Shih Tzu does require a lot of maintenance for their fur if their fur is kept long. You can show these dogs in competitions or just keep them as a great life companion.

A Shih Tzu dog will live on average for about fifteen years. Some of the more common health problems of the Shih Tzu can include liver problems, renal dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They can also have problems with their eyesight. Most of these health problems are age related and can be successfully treated by a veterinarian and good care. Because the Shih Tzu has a flat nose they can be very sensitive to high temperatures.

Shih Tzus need care just like any other dog. This includes regular veterinary visits with proper care and feeding. The Shih Tzu may require more care when eating because of their flat nose. Wiping the face of a Shih Tzu after eating will keep the snout and fur around the snout clean. Drinking can also pose a problem for the Shih Tzu. They can end up with water in their noses and inhibit their breathing. Because of this water problem many Shih Tzu's are trained to drink from a licker much like a hamster or gerbil.

A Shih Tzu is a pretty dog that is characterized by its long hair, curled tail and lion like face. Shih Tzus are a friendly dog and very intelligent. These dogs originated in China and are now cross bred with other dogs including a Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Pomeranian and a Maltese. The Shih Tzu is recognized as the oldest living breed of dog. A Shih Tzu is a medium sized dog that is great for families or as a single person's companion.

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