Veterinary care now, pay later! - Find out more
Veterinary care now, pay later! - Find out more
23-26.7cm
4-5 - 8.1kg
12-16 years
Remarkable for their courage, animation, charming personality and distinctly arrogant bearing, the Shih Tzu is extremely entertaining to own. They are gay, active and alert, enjoy performing in front of company, and will bounce back from a reprimand with an entertaining charm that is irresistible. Stand offish with strangers, the Shih Tzu makes a very effective little watchdog, as well as being a sensitive and devoted pet for adults or families with older children.
This very popular quote published in an American Shih Tzu magazine by James E. Mumford summarises everything Shih Tzu. "A dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces of domestic cat, one part court jester, a dash of ballerina, a pinch of old man (Chinese), a bit of beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one part baby seal, a dash of teddy bear and the rest dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin"
We also recommend checking and cleaning their eyes and ears weekly.
Shih Tzu's love a daily walk or at the least a chance to run and play in the yard. Training throughout puppy hood is essential. Use a consistent approach with lots of praise and patience.
For the latest research in breed-related problems in Shih Tzu's (non-sporting) visit the University of Sydney's LIDA (Listing of Inherited Disorders in Animals) website.
Information kindly supplied by Petnet our breed selection tool of choice.