The Shih Tzu, once a cherished lap doggy of Chinese emperors, sees no need to accept any diminution in status. It’s neither arrogant nor aggressive to assume that the world revolves around him. Despite his tendency to be spoilt, the Shih Tzu is one of the sweetest and most popular toy breeds.
However, Shih Tzus may return balls for you to throw again if you give them a command. As companion doggies, they excel at what they were meant for: to spread the love around and get it in return. They’re a doggy that likes to snuggle up to you. They’ll bark to let you know that someone is at the door, and if they want the person as long as you do, they’ll be happy to have them in the house.
Origins
In Tibet, the Shih Tzu is considered to have originated in the 7th century as the tiniest of Lhasa Apsos. The breed evolved into the doggy we know today after being given as presents to Chinese emperors. Crosses with Pekingese to shorten the face and selection for the smaller Lhasa-type doggies have been suggested by breeders. Shih Tzu means “lion dog,” which further confounds the heritage because lion doggy refers typically to the Pekingese.
When the British arrived, the Chinese royalty retained and bred Shih Tzu, and the breed found its way to England and subsequently to the United States. Unfortunately, China’s Communist rule wiped off the majority of the indigenous stock. From the start, it appears that their primary role is to provide entertaining company.
Personality
It’s well known that Shih Tzus are known for their vibrant personalities. All may have a good time. It is common for Shih Tzus to get along well with people of various ages and all kinds of animals. Shih Tzus are generally friendly and gentle doggies; just a tiny percentage are snarky.
Shih Tzus don’t chew much because of their short muzzles, but they do enjoy digging, and some of them can be noisy barkers. It doesn’t matter if it’s sitting on your lap or going for a walk in the park; they want to be with you.
Health
Due to their thick coats and short features, Shih Tzus do not tolerate heat well and are lousy swimmers. Most Shih Tzu are generally healthy, and responsible breeders examine their stock for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (a sliding kneecap), and eye anomalies such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and corneal dryness and irritation caused by poorly shutting eyelids.
It’s essential to keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms, and what matters most is being able to discern when and how urgently to seek veterinarian care. In many cases, a combination of symptoms might be a clear indicator that your Shih Tzu requires medical attention.
Grooming
Brushing a Shih Tzu with a long coat is necessary daily. Layer the hair with a good-quality wire brush and flexible pins to ensure you reach the skin. Bathe the coat every three to four weeks to keep it clean and looking its best. Remember to comb your mustache and topknot daily and use a wet cloth to clean the corners of your eyes gently.
The hair on the top of the head should be clipped short or tied up into a topknot to keep the Shih Tzu’s eyes from getting inflamed. If you don’t want to spend time grooming your doggy’s coat, a professional groomer can give it a “puppy cut” and make it seem gorgeous. Shih Tzu’s grooming routine should include nail trimming and ear washing.