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Home » Animals

14 Cool Facts You Didn’t Know About the Shih Tzu

Published: Dec 7, 2018 by Viktoriia Didkivska · This post may contain affiliate links

There's no doubt that your Shih Tzu is the best. But do you really know your dog well? From their ancient history to their characteristics, we wrote it down for you.

Get ready to be mind blown by these 14 cool facts you didn't know about Shih Tzu.

#1 The Shih Tzu is believed to have originated on the Tibetan Plateau. The breed was more than likely developed by Tibetan monks.

shih tzu with tongue out
History 101!

#2 They are called “Dynasty Dogs”.

cute shih tzu with an orange ribbon
That's right!

#3 The Shih Tzu is not considered to pure bred until the mid-nineteenth century.

shih tzu puppy
Your bed is mine now!

;#4 The name Shih Tzu is derived from the Chinese term Shizigou. This means “lion sun dog”.

 

puppy shih tzu
But "good dog" is better

#5 The flat shape of the Shih Tzu’s face makes him susceptible to heatstroke, because the air going into the lungs isn’t cooled as efficiently as it is among longer-nosed breeds.

 

sitting in the couch shih tzu
Who is that stranger

#6 Be prepared to brush and comb the Shih Tzu coat every day.

 

siting shih tzu puppy
My beautiful fur comes with responsibility.

#7 The Shih Tzu is a great companion pet. Although temperament can vary from dog to dog, most often the Shih Tzu is an affectionate and loyal companion.

 

shih tzu asking to play with tongue out
Let's play my favorite human!

 

#8 Be consistent, and do not allow a puppy to roam the house unsupervised until he is completely trained. Crate training is helpful.

smiling shih tzu
Glad to meet you! Now, where's my treat?

#9 Its coat is one of the defining characteristics of the Shih Tzu. The hair is long and silky. It’s also fast growing and often reaches the floor

Shih tzu in a dog salon
Grooming time!

#10 While Shih Tzus are trustworthy with children, they’re not the best choice for families with toddlers because their small size puts them at risk for unintentional injury.

cute shih tzu puppy
Time to meet my fur friends please!

#11 Affection is his dominant characteristic, and your lap is his favorite destination. He is happiest when he is with his family, giving and receiving attention.

begging shih tzu
Excuse me are you going to eat that?

#12 The Shih Tzu tends to wheeze and snore, and can be prone to dental problems.

resting shih tzu in the floor
Resting for a bit

#13 Not only is this member of the Toy Group good-natured and friendly, he is highly adaptable. He is as well suited to apartments in the city as to life on a country farm.

 

looking at you shih tzu in the couch
Can I? Can I?

#14 Males and females alike stand 9 to 10 1/2 inches tall and weigh 9 to 16 pounds.

standing shih tzu in the dog salon for grooming
Don't leave me

 

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