The Shih Tzu is a wonderful miniature dog; abut 8 to 11 inches in height and 9 to16 pounds in weight. The Shih Tzu appear to be extremely beautiful dogs. The coat of this breeds’ dogs is double: on the inside they wear a soft and wooly fur protected on the outside by a long-haired, luxuriant coat. Because the lenght of the hair on their heads, that could cover their eyes, the owners must comb it into a top knot.

The Shih Tzu or the Small Lion (the Chinese meaning of its name), as it is popularly known, originates from Tibet. The period before the dogs of this breed arrived in China is not documented, so we don’t know much about their ancestors or related to the breeding techniques used by the monks of Tibet, the Shih Tzu dogs beeing for the first time mentioned as the favorite pets of the Emperors of the Manchu Dynasty during the 19th century, period when they flourished in China. They reached China as gifts from Tibetan monks to the emperors of that time. Their chinese name, the Shih Tzu, meaning in english the Tibetan Lions, is reffering to their resemblance to little lions, because of their brown, long-haired and luxuriant coat. The first dogs of this breed arrived in England around 1930 and they were imported in the United States after the Second World War by American soldiers. Beeing so beautiful and having a friendly attitude, these dogs were instantly accepted by both English and American people.

What Do People Love about the Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu is a people’s dog. They can only be happy if they are with someone or, at least, if people are around. They are basically dogs who need to be around someone and often become destructive and cranky if left alone for long periods of time. They are dogs to go along with everybody, either people or animals, and their temperament is calm and sweet. However, adults need to supervise small children when playing with these dogs in order that neither of them to be harmed.

Both Shih Tzu puppies and adult dogs require frequent grooming, because of their double coat. The hair has to be combed daily to keep it from tangling and matting. Though they need frequent baths, they must not be exposed to humid environment as they can fall easily sick. These dogs begin to lose their teeth starting with their 9th year.

Having short and flat faces, their breathing is troubled by wheezing sounds and they snor loudly. These dogs must not be overfed becose they are prone to obesity. Owners should not spoil them because they won’t listen to him anymore.

The Shih Tzu breed is basically stubborn and hence they could be difficult to train. House training has been a problematic aspect in many cases – and it takes a lot of perseverance to get them do what you want. Patience and not harshness makes efficient training.

As indoor dogs, they don’t need more than an apartment to live. They require only little exercise. However, they love outdoors and enjoy games. Future owners need to know much more about the Shih Tzu breed. A good place to then start is with the history and origin of the Shih Tzu.

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The Shih Tzu breed originates in Tibet, but was first documented at the Imperial Court in China, in the 19th century, during the Manchu Dynasty. They are small dogs, up to 11 inches in height and 16 pounds in weight and have two coats, one long-haired luxuriant coat covering the soft and wooly fur. Shih Tzu are indoors dogs, they can be hold in apartments and need little outdoors exercise, but a lot of game playing.