Shih Tzu Dog Breed

Shih Tzu: Things to Know

Moderate Maintenance: Shih Tzu Breed requires Moderate to high maintenance 

Moderate Shedding: In the case of long-haired breeds, regular brushing becomes essential to manage this issue effectively.

Easy to Train: Shih Tzu dogs are friendly and cute. They can be trained with patience and treats. Teach them commands like sit and stay. Keep training sessions short and fun. Positive praise helps them learn. Practice makes them better. Remember, Shih Tzus like gentle training and lots of love.

Personality: Shih Tzu dogs exude a cheerful and affectionate personality. They thrive on being the center of attention within the family.

Suitable for Novice Owners: This breed is well-suited for individuals who are new to pet parenthood.

Suitable for Children: Families with young kids consider adopting a Shih Tzu due to their small size, which is suitable for them.

Shih Tzu Breed Information

Common Nicknames

Chinese Lion Dog and Chrysanthemum Dog

Temperament

  • Affectionate
  • Alert
  • Cheerful
  • Courageous
  • Friendly
  • Gentle
  • Independent
  • Intelligent
  • Lively
  • Out-Going
  • Playful
  • Social
  • Sweet

Shedding

Minimal

Grooming

High Maintenance

Breed Type

Minimal

Size

Toy

Health

Patellar Luxation

High

Fold Dermatitis

High

Entropion

High

Distichiasis and Ectopic Cilia

High

Arachnoid Cysts

High

Characteristics

  • Affectionate
  • Alert
  • Cheerful
  • Courageous
  • Friendly
  • Gentle
  • Independent
  • Intelligent
  • Lively
  • Out-Going
  • Playful
  • Social
  • Sweet

Sensitivity Level

Medium

Barking

Occasional

Mouthiness

Considerable

Hunting Drive

High

Impulse to Wander

Medium

Other Information

Hypoallergenic

Yes

Litter Size

2-5

Weight Gain Potential

High

Drooling Tendency

Low

Shih Tzu Frequently Asked Questions

Do Shih Tzu puppies bark a lot?

Yes, Shih Tzu often bark when they see people or other dogs outside the window or even when they're out for a walk. This is a common behavior for this breed.

How often should I feed my Shih Tzu puppy?

For adult Shih Tzus, it's advisable to provide a minimum of three daily meals. However, if you have a Shih Tzu puppy, they might need as many as 4 to 6 meals per day to support their growth and nutritional needs.

What color did Shih Tzu come in?

Shih Tzus comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, gold, liver, blue, and brindle. These charming dogs display a wide spectrum of beautiful coat colors for potential pet owners to choose from.

Is KCI important for the Shih Tzu breed?

Yes, KCI is important for Shih Tzu as it is the guideline that describes its ideal characteristics, temperament, appearance, and colour.

What health issues are common in Shih Tzu puppies?

Shih Tzu can experience health issues, which may include eye conditions, ear problems, and back discomfort.

How much grooming does Shih Tzus need?

As a general guideline, it's recommended to groom Shih Tzus every 4 to 6 weeks for optimal care and maintenance of their coat and overall appearance.

What are common names for Shih Tzu?

The common names for Shih Tzu are Chinese Lion Dog and Chrysanthemum Dog.

Does Shih Tzu have a biting problem?

No, Shih Tzu doesn't have a biting problem as nipping or biting especially with young puppies is a normal behavior because dogs use both their teeth and mouth to explore their environment. This behavior goes along with chewing different things around them.

Can I give milk to my dog Shih Tzu?

No, it is generally not recommended to give adult dogs milk as most of them are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest lactose, and the sugar found in milk.

What vaccinations does my Shih Tzu puppy need?

Shih Tzu typically requires deworming shots every 3 months and the first vaccination which is given to them is 9 in 1 vaccination, starting at 6-8 weeks old and given at 3-4 week intervals. Boosters follow at 1-3 year intervals.

Are Shih Tzu hypoallergenic dog ?

Yes, Shih Tzu dogs due to their minimal shedding are occasionally called "hypoallergenic". However, it's essential to understand that no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, as allergens are still present in their skin and saliva.

How many times do they require bathing?

A Shih Tzu's fluffy, curly hair needs extra care as compared to some other dogs. To keep their skin and hair healthy and prevent any unpleasant odors, it's a good idea to give them a bath about every three weeks.

Interested in Shih Tzu?

Why Choose Planapup?

Healthy Pet

As passionate pet lovers ourselves, we deeply value the health and well-being of our pet friends. Before your precious bundle of joy arrives, they undergo a thorough health examination by a licensed veterinarian.

Vaccinated & Insured Pet

All our puppies are not only up-to-date on their vaccinations but also come with insurance coverage for a trouble-free start.

Responsible Breeders

All of our puppies are raised by responsible breeders who prioritize their pet's health and well-being above all else. We have a zero-tolerance policy for puppy mills.

Parvo test

Canine parvovirus, is a contagious and resilient virus posing a threat to the gastrointestinal health of dogs. We conduct a thorough parvovirus test before your pet joins your home to ensure health and safety.

Video Call Verification at the Time of Dispatching

Our full video call service, lets you connect with your pet before they arrive at your doorstep, which ensures that the pet you see in the video will be the same pet that arrives in your loving arms.