Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information – Price, Lifespan, Facts, Characteristics
Shih Tzu Dog Breed Overview
The Shih Tzu Dog is a small, toy-type dog. They were originally bred in Tibet and then introduced to China when the British brought them there in the 1800s. Their name means “lion dog” or “little lion”. The Shih Tzu is also called a “Shiranian Dog” or just “Shiranian”, which was their original name when they were first seen in England. They are the ones known for their gorgeous, flowing coats and their friendly dispositions. They’re a low-shedding breed, making them perfect for those with allergies, but they do require regular grooming to maintain that lovely coat. The Shih Tzu has a life span of 15-16 years, which is usually long for a dog of its size.
Shih Tzu Dog Breed Profile At a Glance
| Dog Breed Name | Shih Tzu |
| Size | Average |
| Average Height | 9 to 10 Inches |
| Average Weight | 9 to 16 Pounds |
| Energy | Medium |
| Activity | Exercise a day |
| Origin | China, Tibet, Asia |
| Group | Toy |
| Life Span* | 10 to 16 years |
| Biography | The Shih Tzu is an Asian toy dog breed originating from Tibet. This breed is well-known for their short snout and large round eyes, as well as their ever growing coat, floppy ears, and short and stout posture. |
| Coat | Long |
| Colour | Black, White, Liver, Brindle, Liver & White, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Black & White, Blue, Gold |
| Temperament | Playful, Clever, Affectionate, Intelligent, Spunky |
| Pros | Have Gorgeous Coats |
| Affectionate with children | |
| Happy to spend time indoors | |
| Cons | Those gorgeous coats can be high maintenance |
| Prone to health issues | |
| Need a high-quality food |
Characteristics of the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, long-haired breed of dog. The Shih Tzu is classed as a toy dog breed because they are smaller than most dogs in the toy group. They are known for their distinctive appearance and curly tail .Shih Tzus have been called “the clowns of the canine world” because they are often playful and exhibit a zest for life. However, this does not mean that they cannot be serious when need be.
Shih Tzu Price
Shih Tzu dog price would range from $750 to $2,500 (Estimated).
Shih Tzu Appearance:
Shih Tzu Dog Breed Size
Shih Tzu dogs are Average in size, Males: 9 to 10 Inches, Females: 9 to 10 Inches
Shih Tzu Dog Weight
Shih Tzu Dog Standard Weight start from: Males: 9 to 16 Pounds, Females: 9 to 16 Pounds
Shih Tzu Dog Colour
Shih Tzu Dogs are found in Various combinations like Black, White, Liver, Brindle, Liver & White, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Black & White, Blue, Gold etc.
Shih Tzu Dog Coat
Shih Tzu coat is Long
Top Activities of Shih Tzus
Shih Tzu top activities are tug of war, chasing a ball, or even just hide and seek around the house etc.
Shih Tzu average life span is 10 to 16 years
Shih Tzu Dog Temperament
The temperament of Shih Tzu dogs are Playful, Clever, Affectionate, Intelligent, Spunky
Interesting Facts about Shih Tzu
- Shih Tzu dogs are believed to have originated in Tibet.
- The name “Shih Tzu” means “lion dog” in Chinese.
- Shih Tzus were once known as the “Imperial Dog of China” and were kept as pets by Chinese royalty.
- Shih Tzus are one of the oldest breeds of dogs, with a history that dates back over 2,000 years.
- Shih Tzus are known for their long lifespans.
- These dogs are very affectionate and devoted to their owners.
- Shih Tzus are considered to be one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world today.
Most Frequent Asked Questions about Shih Tzu
Q1. Do Shih Tzus recognize their owners?
Yes, Shih Tzus can absolutely recognize their owners! They are very intelligent and loyal dogs, and they form strong bonds with their owners. In addition, Shih Tzus form a strong bond with their owners over time, so they will often recognize them even if they have been away for a while.
Q2. What makes Shih Tzus happy?
Shih Tzus are loyal, affectionate, and intelligent dogs who bring a lot of joy to their owners. To keep them happy, they need a lot of love, attention, and companionship.
Q3. Is a Shih Tzu smart dog?
Yes, a Shih Tzu is a smart dog. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and playful personalities. They can learn basic commands such as sit, stay, and come quickly and easily. They are also have a playful nature, which makes them great for activities like agility, fly ball and obedience training.
Q4. Do all Shih Tzus bark a lot?
The answer to this question depends on the individual Shih Tzu. While the breed is known for being relatively quiet and laid- back, there are some Shih Tzus who bark a lot. It comes down to their individual personalities and how they are trained.
Q5. Are Shih Tzus disobedient?
Shih Tzus are generally considered to be obedient dogs. They are known for being loyal, affectionate, and easy to train. However, they can also be stubborn and strong- willed at times, especially if they don’t receive the proper training and discipline.
