The Shih Tzu, known for its soft, velvety coat and friendly disposition, is a breed that has won the respect and adoration of many four-legged enthusiasts around the world. In this article we will discuss in detail the characteristics of the Shih Tzu – their description, temperament, weaknesses and strengths, health, origin and interesting facts. We heartily encourage you to read!
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Shih Tzu – description and appearance of the breed
Shih Tzu is a dog of small size, reaching about 20-28 cm in height and weighing from 4 to 7 kilograms. Characteristic of this breed is a long, silky coat, which usually comes in light colors such as white, gray, black or dark brown. Regular grooming, including bathing, combing and shearing, is necessary to keep the coat healthy and beautiful.
The Shih Tzu’s body is strong and stocky, and its paws are short and stocky. The distinctive small head, with a flat nose and large, dark eyes, creates proportions with the rest of the body. Just noteworthy are the long, drooping ears and the short, strongly curved muzzle.

Character of the Shih Tzu breed
Shih Tzu is a type of dog with a friendly and gentle disposition. Modern four-legged dogs of this breed are known for their extraordinary love of family, which translates into a willingness to spend time together. They are usually characterized by a sociable disposition and unquenchable energy. Here are some facts about the characteristics of the Shih Tzu breed:
Skills
Shih Tzu are dogs characterized by high intelligence and ease of learning. Because of their friendly and gentle nature, they are excellent companions and ideal for apartment life. They are also active and love to play, so make sure to give them time to move and play every day.
Personality
Shih Tzu dogs are often considered extremely friendly towards other animals and people. They are characterized by impeccable behavior, which especially attracts the attention of families with toddlers. In addition, due to their cheerful disposition and endless playfulness, they become ideal companions for older people who are looking for activity and pleasant company during the day.
Training and upbringing
The Shih Tzu is a breed of dog with an exceptionally intelligent mind that learns easily, however, it requires a lot of patience and consistency during the training process. It is important to additionally praise them for every achievement, because then they will be more eager to repeat positive behavior. We must be careful not to use too harsh methods during training, because Shih Tzu are extremely sensitive dogs and need a friendly approach.
Raising a Shih Tzu is a relatively easy task, as they are dogs that love to spend time with people at home. It is necessary to provide them with enough exercise and play each day to keep them in good shape both physically and mentally.

Who is the Shih Tzu breed for?
If you are looking for a gentle, sociable dog that will do great in an apartment, then Shih Tzu are the perfect choice for you. They are dogs that love to spend time with the family and do not require too much exercise. Moreover, Shih Tzu are dogs that tolerate the presence of children and other pets very well, which makes them even more attractive as companions.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Shih Tzu breed
The Shih Tzu, like any breed, has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them:
Shih Tzu disadvantages
- One of the biggest challenges with Shih Tzu is their coat, which requires regular grooming. Additionally, trimming can be quite expensive.
- Unfortunately, Shih Tzu are dogs that can have difficulty breathing, especially in warmer conditions.
- Training a Shih Tzu to do its business outside the home can be a challenge, so consider undertaking specialized training in this area.
Advantages of the Shih Tzu
- If you are looking for a sociable and friendly dog, the Shih Tzu is the perfect choice for you. They are dogs that love the company of people and work well as social dogs.
- Shih Tzu are dogs that get along very well with other pets, including cats, which makes them even more attractive as companions.
- What’s more, raising a Shih Tzu is relatively easy, and because of their size and exercise needs, they are perfect for apartment life.
Health of the Shih Tzu breed
The health of the Shih Tzu is an issue to keep in mind, as they are dogs that can have some health problems. Here is some information on Shih Tzu health:
Nutrition
If you own a Shih Tzu, you need to make sure that you provide him with a proper diet that will provide him with the necessary nutrients. It is important to remember not to overfeed these dogs, as they tend to be overweight. Therefore, the feeding should be adjusted according to the dog’s age, weight and activity level.
Grooming
Shih Tzu coat care is extremely important due to their dense, silky coat, which requires regular brushing and trimming. Brushing should be done at least once a week and trimming should be done every 6-8 weeks to ensure the coat is in good condition and to avoid curling.
In addition, taking care of the Shih Tzu’s ear hygiene is very important, as the long, drooping ears of this dog breed are prone to infections. Regular ear cleaning is necessary to prevent infections.
Accessories and equipment
Some of the accessories that will be needed for proper Shih Tzu grooming are a coat brush, comb, trimmer, claw scissors, hair and ear care products, and blankets and dog beds.

History of the Shih Tzu breed
Shih Tzu dogs originated in Tibet, and are considered one of the oldest dog breeds. They were bred by Buddhist monks and were considered sacred animals. After some time, they were donated to the imperial court in China, where they became very popular.
Origins
The Shih Tzu originated in Tibet, where Buddhist monks bred them. These adorable dogs were later given as gifts to the imperial court in China, where they instantly won the hearts of the people and became popular.
Development of the breed
Shih Tzu were bred in China for many years as companion dogs. During World War II, many dog breeds were threatened with extinction, including the Shih Tzu. Fortunately, several breeders from Europe were successful in protecting and saving the breed.
Today
Shih Tzu are very popular companion dogs, enjoying worldwide recognition. They are bred primarily as companion dogs and often participate in prestigious dog shows. More and more people are choosing to adopt Shih Tzu from shelters, helping to reduce the number of homeless animals.
Shih Tzu breed standard
The Shih Tzu breed standard specifies the standards of appearance, behavior and temperament that dogs of this breed should have. This standard is accepted by the International Kennel Federation (FCI) and is used worldwide as the basis for breeding and judging dogs at dog shows.
The Shih Tzu breed standard describes the dog as short, strong and well-built, with distinctive facial features. According to the standards of the pattern, dogs of this breed should have a smooth, silky coat that is straight and does not interfere with the dog’s movements. The coat should be uniform or in different colors.
The Shih Tzu’s head should be round, with a broad forehead and short muzzle. The eyes should be large, round and dark, and the ears should hang down and cover the ear. Dogs of this breed should have short and strong limbs, and the paws should be well-shaped and round.
The Shih Tzu breed standard also describes the character and temperament of these dogs. These dogs should be gentle, friendly and confident. They should be characterized by high intelligence and easy to train. Shih Tzu are known for their friendly nature and love to spend time with people, especially their owners.

Interesting facts about the Shih Tzu breed
- Shih Tzu are very popular among celebrities and stars.
- In China, Shih Tzu are called “Lion Dogs” because of their lion-like hairstyle.
- According to Tibetan mythology, dogs of this breed had the power to ward off evil spirits and persons.
- Shih Tzu are known for their gentle nature and friendly attitude towards children.
- These dogs are very alert and alert, which makes them good watchdogs.
- Shih Tzu often require assistance with childbirth due to their relatively large head compared to their body.
- This breed is considered one of the longest lived, they can live up to 18 years.
Summary
It’s true, Shih Tzu are wonderful social dogs who love to spend time in the company of their owners. Their loving and friendly nature makes them ideal for families with children and elderly people. However, like any breed, Shih Tzu have some health disadvantages and problems, such as respiratory problems, skin problems and dental problems. Therefore, to keep a Shih Tzu healthy, it is important to give them regular veterinary care, proper nutrition and regular grooming of their coat. They also require physical activity, although they are dogs that don’t need much exercise, but it is important to give them daily walks.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.