Shih Tzu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Shih Tzu

A Shih Tzu in full show coat
Other names	Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog
Origin	Tibet
Traits Weight Male 4–7.25 kilograms (8.8–16.0 lb) Female 4–7.25 kilograms (8.8–16.0 lb) Height Male 20–28 centimetres (7.9–11.0 in) Female 20–28 centimetres (7.9–11.0 in) Color Gold Dark/Light Brown White Black Brindle Litter size 2-5 Life span 10-20years
Classification / standards FCI Group 9:Companion and Toy Dogs,, Section 5:Tibetan breeds #208 bjchudxghcudgxcuxjcjxghcjhxkclhjxlChjlxkcjxk standard AKC Toys standard ANKC Group 7 - Non-Sporting standard CKC Group 6 - Non-Sporting standard KC (UK) Utility standard NZKC Non-sporting standard UKC Companion Dog standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed known for its long, silky hair. These dogs usually weigh between 4 and 7.25 kilograms. They first came from China and are one of the oldest dog breeds. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Shih Tzu in 1969.

Appearance

A Tricolor (black, white, brown) Shih Tzu in show coat.

The Shih Tzu is a strong little dog. It has a short snout and big, dark eyes. They have a soft and long double coat of fur. Some Shih Tzus have very long hair, while others have shorter, curlier hair. This often depends on how their owners choose to groom them.

A Shih Tzu should not be taller than 26.7 centimeters at the shoulders. Their ideal weight is between 4.5 and 7.3 kilograms. Their floppy ears are covered with long fur. Their furry tail curls over their back. Shih Tzus can be any color. White with grey patches is often seen. A special feature of the breed is their underbite. This means their lower jaw sticks out a bit more than their upper jaw. This is a required trait for the breed.

The long, silky coat of a Shih Tzu often reaches the floor. It needs daily brushing to stop it from getting tangled. Because their hair grows fast, they need regular grooming. This can be expensive, so it's good to know before getting one. Many owners choose to clip the coat short. This makes it easier to care for. This shorter cut is often called a "puppy cut." If the face is fuller and rounder, it's called a "teddy bear cut."

Temperament

Each Shih Tzu has its own personality. But generally, the breed is loyal, loving, and outgoing. They are also cute and alert. They might be a bit protective around other dogs. It's important to train and socialize a Shih Tzu when it's young. This helps them learn basic commands. Shih Tzus can be stubborn when training.

Shih Tzus make excellent watchdogs because they are alert. However, they were not bred just for this purpose. Unlike the Lhasa Apso, which was bred to guard and is wary of strangers, the Shih Tzu loves being close to people. They often show affection to strangers. Because they are friendly, Shih Tzus usually get along well with other dogs. They also do well with children and adults. They are a good choice for single people, couples, or families with older children. They might be a little sensitive with very active or larger dog breeds. But most of the time, Shih Tzus get along well with other pets. They are generally well-behaved and fit well into families.

Coat colors and quality

Two red and white haired Shih Tzu littermates.

A Tricolor Shih Tzu with a black nose and grey ear tips.

A Shih Tzu pup. This is what they tend to look like around one to two.

The Shih Tzu comes in many colors. These include different shades of gold, white, brown, and black. Other colors are black mask gold, black and white, solid black, solid liver, liver and white, brindle, white, red and white, and grey and white. When two Shih Tzus have puppies, the puppies' coats can be like the father's, the mother's, or a mix of both. Sometimes, the coat color changes as the dog gets older.

Many dog websites say the typical fine, straight, and silky Shih Tzu coat is hypoallergenic. This means it's less likely to cause allergies. Compared to many other breeds, Shih Tzus do not shed a lot. They only lose small amounts of hair when they are bathed or brushed. It's usually a dog's dander (tiny flakes of skin) and saliva that cause most allergic reactions. While some people with allergies can tolerate certain dogs, it's not true for everyone or every breed. The Shih Tzu's coat is said to fall out only when brushed or broken. The coat can also be wavy or coarse.

Images for kids

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  A Chinese guardian lion (or "Fu"/"Foo" dog) statue. These statues are meant to guard buildings.

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  A 10-year-old male Shih Tzu with a white patch of hair on his head, called the "star of Buddha."

See also

In Spanish: Shih Tzu para niños