Little Pawz -- Shih Tzu -- Small Dogs -- Small Dog Breed Information -- Toy Dogs -- Miniature Dogs -- Dog Breeds

The Shih Tzu is a happy and attractive little house-pet which adores human company and hates to be neglected. It is extremely intelligent, arrogant, and looks forward to the long, daily grooming sessions for which time must be allocated if you decide to buy this delightful breed.

Size
Height: not more than 10 1/2 inches (26.5 cm) at the withers
Weight: 10 – 18 lbs. (4.5 – 8.2 kg)

Coat and Colour
A luxurious, long, flowing coat with an undercoat. May be slightly wavy but never curly. The coat may be parted from the root of the tail to the back of the skull. The hair on the head may be tied up to form a topknot. A bow or ribbon to be optional. Coat may be trimmed so as not to interfere with the movement of the dog. All colours are acceptable providing they have black noses, lips and eye rims. The exceptions are the livers and blues which have pigmentation that compliments that particular colour.

Exercise
Short, regular walks, and off-the-lead runs will keep your Shih Tzu happy and in great shape.

Grooming
Daily brushing with a pure bristle brush. Do not neglect this task or combing out tangles will be painful. Keep the topknot from getting into the eyes and take care that the ears are free of matted hair.

Feeding
Recommended would be 1/2 – 1 can (13.3 oz 376 g size) name-brand dog food, with a biscuit, or 1 1/2 cups dry dog food. Always provide an ample supply of fresh water for your Shih Tzu.

Origin and History
The Lhasa Apso was highly prized by the Dalai Lama of Tibet who would habitually give prized dogs to emperors of China. It is likely that the Chinese may have crossed the Lhasa Apso with the Pekingese to develop the Shih Tzu. As with the Imperial Pekingese. export of the Shih Tzu from China was forbidden, and it was not until the death of Empress Tzu-hsi in 1908 that the little shaggy dogs were smuggled out to Europe.

Celebrity Owners
Mariah Carey has two little Shih Tzu dogs named Bing and Bong. Geri Halliwell, Ginger Spice of the Spice Girls has a Shih Tzu called Harry. Elizabeth Taylor's Shih Tzu is named Sugar, while Betty White's Shih Tzu goes by Panda.