Shih Tzu Information & Dog Breed Facts

If you choose to purchase the Shih Tzu, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Shih Tzu for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Shih Tzu gets to a happy place.

Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. You need to work hard if you want to impress people with these dog tricks and commands. They understand and memorize new commands in 80-100 repetitions, and obey the first command 25% of the time or better.

Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.

Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.

Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.

Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.

Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.

Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Shih Tzu dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.

Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.

Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)

Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Shih Tzu dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak. The Shih Tzu bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Shih Tzu measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Shih Tzu may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Shih Tzu being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Shih Tzu bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Shih Tzu puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Shih Tzu can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years

Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.

The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Shih Tzu weight regularly.

Shih Tzu dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.

Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. The Shih Tzu requires grooming on a daily basis.

Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer is essential. Everyday brushing of the dog's coat is necessary to reduce shedding.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath should be on a weekly schedule.

Taking good care of your Shih Tzu is time-consuming and requires excellent grooming skills. If you don't have the time and skill search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Shih Tzu could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Shih Tzu.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.

Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Shih Tzu dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.

Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you may have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from this breed.

Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.

Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.

Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.

Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Shih Tzu can be a great choice.

Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.

Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Shih Tzu is not the best breed for service purposes.

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Shih Tzu is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Shih Tzu is not the best breed for detection purposes.

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Shih Tzu is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Shih Tzu is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Reproductive cycle of the female Shih Tzu: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.