Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information Including Average Size, Age and Country of Origin

Physical attributes

  1. Height: ranges from 20cm / 8 inches up to 28cm / 11 inches.
  2. Weight: ranges from 4kg / 9lbs up to 7kg / 16lbs.
  3. Typical fur colours: various colors.
  4. Eye colour: brown.
  5. Size category: small.

Health attributes

  1. Common health problems: eye problems, respiratory issues and hip dysplasia.
  2. Usual longevity: 10 to 16 years.
  3. Hypoallergenic? Yes.

Shih Tzu breed fulfilment and exercise needs

Shih Tzus are delightful little companions who don’t demand excessive exercise, making them perfect for both city dwellers and suburban families. These charming pups typically need between 45 minutes to an hour of activity daily, which can be split into shorter sessions throughout the day.

Exercise Needs: Keeping It Gentle

When it comes to physical activity, Shih Tzus prefer a gentler approach. Their exercise requirements align perfectly with their original purpose as companion dogs in ancient Chinese palaces. These royal pups weren’t bred for herding or hunting – they were destined for cuddles and companionship, a role they still excel at today!

Fulfilling Activities for Your Shih Tzu

While they’re not marathon runners, Shih Tzus still need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Trick training is an excellent way to engage their minds and strengthen the bond between pet and owner. They’re surprisingly good at learning new commands, especially when treats are involved!

Setting up indoor obstacles can provide entertainment during bad weather, while gentle agility exercises help keep them physically active without overexertion. Social visits are another fantastic way to fulfill their companionship needs – these friendly furballs typically love meeting new people and other pets.

Making Exercise Fun

The key to keeping a Shih Tzu fulfilled isn’t about intense workouts – it’s about consistent, gentle activity combined with plenty of social interaction. A morning walk, some afternoon playtime, and evening training sessions can easily meet their daily exercise needs. Remember, they’re companion dogs at heart, so including them in family activities will make them happiest!

Shih Tzu breed behavioural traits

  1. Character traits of a Shih Tzu: The Shih Tzu usually exhibits character traits that include outgoing, friendly, affectionate and alert.
  2. Shih Tzu obey scale: In percentage terms, the Shih Tzu typically scores around 5% on the obey scale.
  3. Trick repetitions required: In terms of how many times the Shih Tzu needs to learn new tricks, expect between 81 and 100 repetitions before they pick things up.
  4. Intelligence category: The Shih Tzu sites in the lowest category when it comes to intelligence.
  5. Suitability for children: If you have kids, it’s worth knowing that the Shih Tzu is highly suitable for children.

The Fascinating Background and History of Your Shih Tzu

Looking at that adorable Shih Tzu curled up on the sofa, it’s hard to imagine their regal ancestry stretches back to ancient Chinese palaces. These charming little dogs, classified in the toy group, have quite a story to tell. Their journey from imperial courts to modern living rooms is nothing short of remarkable.

The Shih Tzu’s origins can be traced back to Tibet and China, where they were treasured as companion dogs for Chinese royalty during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Their name actually means “lion dog” in Mandarin, though there’s nothing fierce about these gentle souls. The breed was so precious that for centuries, China refused to sell, trade, or give away any Shih Tzus to other countries.

While these fluffy companions weren’t bred for complex tasks or working roles, they excelled at their intended purpose – being wonderful companions. They’re classified among dogs with a lower degree of working and obedience intelligence, but that’s simply because their breeding focused on companionship rather than task performance. Their primary job has always been to shower their humans with love and affection, a role they continue to perfect to this day.

The breed’s journey to the West began in the 1930s when the first pair arrived in England. Despite their relatively recent arrival in Western households, they’ve captured hearts worldwide with their friendly personalities and distinctive appearance. Those familiar flowing locks and pushed-in faces we see today are the result of careful breeding that’s maintained their classic look through generations.

Today’s Shih Tzu remains true to their original purpose as companion dogs. They’re living proof that sometimes the most important job a dog can have is simply being there for their family, bringing joy and comfort to their human companions – just as they did for Chinese emperors centuries ago.

Typical costs for buying and owning a Shih Tzu

  1. Typical purchase price: £461. (Ranges from £217 to £948).
  2. Expected lifetime cost: £16,710.
  3. Food costs per year: £220.


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