The "Shih Tzu"
Appearance & Temperament
The Shih Tzu breed is lively, intelligent, and alert. AKC breed standard describes the ideal Shih Tzu as a small but sturdy and heavily-coated dog. All colors and markings are acceptable.
One of the most distinctive features of the breed is its head, which is large and round with wide-set eyes, an undershot jaw, and a square short muzzle, set no lower than the bottom of the eye rims. This head structure gives the breed its delightful warm, sweet, and affectionate expression. Because this expression is based on a complex collection of recessive genes, it is easily lost through careless breeding or cross-breeding. As a “big dog in a small package” both structurally and temperamentally, the ideal Shih Tzu weighs 9 to 16 pounds at maturity and is deceptively heavy for its size because of its heavy bones.
AKC does not recognize “imperial” or “teacup” Shih Tzus. These terms are sometimes used to describe undersized Shih Tzus that do not conform to the breed standard and consequently, may not be able to whelp normally. While any breeder may occasionally produce an undersized Shih Tzu, such puppies should be sold as pets.
Training
Training a Shih Tzu can be both an amusing and frustrating experience. Your dog will probably try to charm and kiss you into letting him have his own way, which can result in a chubby, less-than-completely-housebroken pet, that is difficult to groom. When introducing desired new behaviors, familiarize a bit at a time, be firm, and never give in while your dog is misbehaving or not responding in the desired manner. If he nips or jumps up on you, ignore him until he settles, then praise him. Because Shih Tzus are such people dogs, praises and rewards are much more effective than punishments. If you decide to socialize your Shih Tzu by taking him to puppy kindergarten or obedience classes, be sure the training methods are praise based.
Teaching your dog basic commands such as “sit,” “come,” and “stay” could one day save his life! Even if you don’t choose to show your dog, participate in performance events, or pet therapy remember that your Shih Tzu will love you just as much if you teach him to be well mannered—and you will love him more.
Health
The Shih Tzu is generally a long-lived and healthy breed. Regular grooming and annual veterinary checkups will help keep your pet in tip-top condition.
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Because of their heavy coats and short faces, Shih Tzus do not tolerate heat well and are not good swimmers.
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Shih Tzu puppies will often bubble and snort while teething, however if this problem is so severe and persistent that your dog is spending most of its time struggling for air, seek veterinary attention.
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When traveling with your pet, take along plenty of fresh water and frozen ice packs.
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You must be careful to avoid eye injuries in a breed with large eyes and no muzzle to protect them, and seek prompt veterinary attention if you suspect an eye problem.
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Shih Tzus are susceptible to one rare but serious health problem - juvenile renal dysplasia, in which the kidneys fail to develop normally. You might suspect this if your dog is not thriving, and drinking excessive amounts of water.
Shih Tzu puppies are small and may squirm out of someone’s arms, so it is best to teach children to sit on the floor when holding the puppy. Serious injuries can happen from falls. Because of the small size of the Shih Tzu, everyone can practice what we call the “puppy shuffle”—sliding your feet along the floor to avoid tripping over or stepping on a puppy that seems to always be underfoot.
Feeding
Shih Tzus are not picky eaters unless they are teething, ill, or become spoiled. Please do not feed your puppy table scraps. A good quality small-sized kibble is much healthier! For a treat, small dog biscuits are better than rawhide chews or greenies. They also love to chew on either soft plush, or hard rubber toys.
Shih Tzu puppies are generally fed two/three times a day until they are about six months old, then two meals a day until they reach their first birthday. After that, you may continue twice-daily feedings or cut back to one meal a day. Here at Mayne Haven Kennels we suggest that if possible, feed on a consistent schedule. However, keeping your puppy full sometimes can be a chore as they will take some kibble, run off to play, and come back later to eat more. So, if at all possible leave the food out - small dogs like to pick at their food and generally don’t over eat.
Grooming
Like you, Shih Tzus have hair instead of fur. If their coats are not brushed frequently and kept clean, they get tangled and matted. Mats should be removed before bathing, or they will set in like concrete and be almost impossible to remove. It is especially important to keep the face clean and mat-free. Regular hair trimming is needed around the toenails, face, belly, around the anus, and between the pads of the feet. The long, flowing coats on Shih Tzu in the show ring require much time and effort. Many pet owners prefer to scissor or clip the coat short, or take their dog to a groomer regularly to be trimmed in their preferred style.
Your puppy may look cute with a bow in its hair, but leaving the bow in while unattended is dangerous as the puppy could take it out, swallow it, and it could become lodged in the digestive tract. So if you are going to dress to impress, be smart about it!