Shih Tzu Characteristics: The brave and loving Shih Tzu is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1969). The Shih Tzu, is characterized by its long, graceful, aristocratic appearance with a long, straight, cape-like, trailing coat and long feathering tail that curls up and over its back. Other characteristics include large, bright, round eyes; large, coated ears; square, a flat, unwrinkled muzzle and a slow, flowing gait. The temperament of the Shih Tzu can be described as Lively, Courageous, Friendly. The coat type of the Shih Tzu is described as long flowing double coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Shih Tzu demonstrated the desired traits of a Companion and Lapdog and is known by its nick name the "Tibetan Lion Dog" or "Shitzu". The origin of the Shih Tzu dog breed was in China where it was developed in the Ancient Times. Fast Facts about the Shih Tzu: The following facts provide fast information about the Shih Tzu breed. Size: Small *** Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1969) *** Nick name: "Tibetan Lion Dog" or "Shitzu" *** Origin: China *** Male Height: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 9-16 pounds (4-7 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: long flowing double coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 2-5 puppies *** Health Problems: Entropion, Kidney disorder *** Lifespan: 11-14 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes Shih Tzu Breed Group and Dog Type - Toy Dog Group (AKC:1969): The Shih Tzu is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1969). Other names for the Shih Tzu: The Shih Tzu is known by the nickname of the "Lion Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Tibetan Lion Dog, Foo Dog and the Chrysanthemum Dog. Origin of the name Shih Tzu: The name 'Shih Tzu' comes from the Chinese term 'shizigou', which translates from the Chinese words of 'shi' meaning "lion", 'zi' meaning "son or little" and 'gou' meaning "dog". Shih Tzu, a Chinese Lion Dog or Foo Dog: The "Lion Dog" aka the "Foo Dog" or Shih Tzu was one of the dogs of the Imperial Court of Peking. The Shih Tzu was one of the dogs of the Imperial Court of Peking which famous for its symbolic statues of Imperial guardian lions. The Shih Tzu Foo Dog was revered as a sacred, holy dog because it resembled the Chinese idea of a lion, which was a holy Buddhist symbol. The little dog was also deemed to be a symbolic guardian of the royal palace and its inhabitants who used them as lapdogs. Shih Tzu, the Chrysanthemum Dog: The nickname "Chrysanthemum Dog" relates to the Chrysanthemum, a beautiful, common Chinese flower. The Chrysanthemum signified a life of ease and a symbol of good luck in the home - hence the "Chrysanthemum Dog" nickname. Shih Tzu History and Origin: The country of origin of the Shih Tzu breed was in China during the Ancient Times. The Shih Tzu descends from the small, long-haired 'lion dogs' that were originally bred in Tibet whose ancestors were the ancient Inner Mongolian Dog. Tibetan lamas developed the ancient dog as a tiny replica of a lion, which is strongly associated with Buddhist religion in which a lion was used to represent Buddha. Tibetan lamas sent some of these revered, beautiful dogs as tributes to the Chinese emperors. Buddhism forbids the trade of living animals so the Shih Tzu was only given as a gift. The sacred Shih Tzu became a great favorite as a lapdog with Chinese royalty and nobility. During the late 1800's the Dowager Empress Cixi (29 November 1835 – 15 November 1908) kept breeding kennels for the Shih Tzu breed but following her death, and when China became a republic, the kennels were shut and the dogs were scattered. The political turmoil in China, the native land of the Shih Tzu, led to the decline of the Shih Tzu and by the time of the Communist revolution in 1949, the Shih Tzu had become almost extinct in China. In 1930 the first Shih Tzu were exported to the United Kingdom. Lieutenant General Sir Douglas Brownrigg and Lady Mona Brownrigg, keen dog breeders, imported two of the first Shih Tzu dogs into the UK from China and the Brownrigg's kennels produced the ancestors of many of the modern Shih Tzu breed. Lady Brownrigg formed the Tibetan Lion Dog Club and wrote the first breed standard in 1933 and named the breed the Tibetan Lion Dog, in order to distinguish it from the Chinese Lion Dog (now known as the Pekingese). The Shih Tzu breed was officially recognized in the UK in 1934 and the breed was renamed as the Shih Tzu. The majestic dogs were widely exported across Europe and to the United States following World War 2. Shih Tzu Modern History: The modern history of the Shih Tzu moved on and the breed is now used as a friendly family pet and an affectionate companion. The Shih Tzu was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1969. The 2012 comedy movie, the Seven Psychopaths starring Colin Farrell is s story about a gangster (Woody Harrelson) whose beloved Shih Tzu dog is kidnapped. Shih Tzu Height: The Shih Tzu breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 8-11 inches (20-28 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Shih Tzu Weight: The weight of this small sized dog, in a male dog is 9-16 pounds (4-7 kg). The weight of the smaller female Shih Tzu dog is slightly less than the male. Shih Tzu Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as a long flowing double coat. Shih Tzu Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Brindle, Light Brown, Blue, Dark Brown, Gold, White, Liver & White, Black & White and Liver. N.B. The word 'Blue' is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. Brindle is a brownish or tawny color. The word "liver" signifies any shade from yellow to brown. Shih Tzu Grooming - HIGH to MODERATE Grooming Needs: The Short haired Shih Tzu has moderate groom requirements whereas the longhaired Shih Tzu requires a little more (high) attention. The coat of the Shih Tzu dog grows continuously, like human hair growth, but sheds little or no hair, making this breed suitable for allergy sufferers.. The high grooming needs of the longhaired Shih Tzu is considered to be high-maintenance and requires almost daily brushing and combing. The dog grooming needs of the short haired type is not so extensive. The modest grooming needs of the short haired Shih Tzu is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements of the Shih Tzu should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the teeth, eyes, nails and ears. Shih Tzu Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 2-5 puppies. Shih Tzu puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Shih Tzu puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Shih Tzu Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of the highly popular Shih Tzu dog breed is described as Brave, Lively, Courageous, Friendly and Loving. Shih Tzu Exercise Requirements - MINIMAL Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is minimal. The Shih Tzu requires daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes every day. This small dog has a slow, flowing gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace. Shih Tzu Diet: A fully grown Shih Tzu should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Shih Tzu Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Shih Tzu breed include Entropion, Kidney disorder. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Shih Tzu dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs). Shih Tzu Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Shih Tzu breed is 11-14 years. Shih Tzu Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Shih Tzu breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Shih Tzu names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Zhang *** Tang *** Yang *** Zeng *** Huang *** Yan *** Zheng *** Jiang *** Cheng *** Zhu. Shih Tzu Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Shih Tzu girl dog. Our top choice of good female Shih Tzu names are Zhang *** Cherry *** Tang *** Jing *** Ling *** Han *** Lo *** Sunny *** Chen *** Wang. Fast Facts about the Shih Tzu: The following facts provide fast information about the Shih Tzu breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1969) *** Size: Small *** Country of Origin: China *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Shih Tzu (Shitzu) Height: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) *** Male Shih Tzu (Shitzu) Weight: 9-16 pounds (4-7 kg) *** Coat Type: long flowing double coat *** Shih Tzu Litter Size: 2-5 puppies *** Shih Tzu (Shitzu) Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Shih Tzu (Shitzu) Lifespan: 11-14 years *** | 