Today, we’re diving deep into the part wonderful and part whimsical world of the Shih Tzu breed. These little fluffballs are like a mix of elegance and goofiness, wrapped up in a cloud of fur.
So, let’s introduce you to the ultimate truth about the Shih Tzu breed, with a sprinkle of humour, of course!
The 10 Nuggets of Wisdom about the Shih Tzu Breed
- They’re royalty in disguise: Shih Tzus may be small, but they sure act like they’re the emperors of the doggie kingdom. You must bow down to their majestic presence!
- Bad hair day? Never heard of it: These pups have fur so fabulous, it puts Robert Plant to shame. Brushing their luxurious coat is like being in a spa – fur real!
- Pro lap warmers: Shih Tzus are expert lap warmers. They take their job very seriously and will snuggle up with you as if they were auditioning for the role of your heat pad.
- Sassy attitude: Don’t let their adorable looks fool you. Shih Tzus can have a sassy side, and they’ll make sure you know it. They’ve got the confidence of a runway model!
- Tail up, nose high: Ever seen a Shih Tzu walking with their tail up in the air? It’s like they’re saying, “I own this place!” Confidence level: 9999!
- “I’ll take the couch, thanks”: Exercise is essential, but Shih Tzus might have a secret motto – “Why run when you can nap?” Follow your Shih Tzu to find the comfiest spot in your home.
- A touch of stubbornness: Training a Shih Tzu can be a tad challenging because they like to do things their way. Treats and belly rubs are their weak spots – use them wisely!
- Doggo DJs: Shih Tzus are known for their bark. In fact, they might think they’re professional DJs, remixing the sounds of doorbells and passing cars.
- Fashionistas at heart: These pups love to dress up. From cute bows to fancy bandanas, they always want to look their best. Fashion-forward and fabulous!
- “You’re home! Let’s party!”: Coming back home to a Shih Tzu is like being a superstar returning from a world tour. The excitement and enthusiasm are next-level!
The 10 Traits that Define the Shih Tzu Breed
Now that we’ve had our dose of fun facts, let’s get serious (not too serious, though) and explore the key traits that define the Shih Tzu breed.
1. The Ideal body weight and size of a Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are compact and sturdy little dogs. They usually weigh between 9 to 16 pounds and stand around 9 to 10.5 inches tall at the shoulder. They may be small, but they’ve got huge personalities!
They are brachycephalic. So always ensure they do not become overweight. Becoming too heavy can cause breathing problems in pups and dogs or the Shih Tzu breed.
Find a good veterinarian near you using the Vetic App. The app will help you find the Vetic Pet Clinic nearest to your home.
2. The Perfect Diet for the Shih Tzu Breed
When it comes to food, Shih Tzus enjoy a balanced diet just like the rest of us. They need a generous touch of vitamins, essential amino acids and good fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) to maintain that fabulous coat.
The Royal Canin Shih Tzu puppy and adult food are specially formulated to keep their fur shining and their tummies happy. It’s like fine dining for our furry friends!
3. Friendliness Level of Shih Tzu dogs
Shih Tzus are incredibly friendly and affectionate. They love being around their human pals, and their charm can melt even the coldest hearts.
Here’s a challenge – Got a friend who claims to dislike dogs? Introduce them to a Shih Tzu pup. We have never seen these furballs fail at converting people to dog-loverism.
4. Affection Towards Humans
These little fluffballs are experts at forming strong bonds with their humans. They crave attention and will follow you around like a loyal shadow. Forget being alone in the bathroom, kitchen or panty, forever!
Scared of ghosts? Afraid of spooky noises when your home’s empty? Need some unconditional love? A Shih Tzu is your answer!
5. Acceptance of the Shih Tzu Breed Towards Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzus may have a touch of diva behaviour, but they usually get along well with other dog breeds. They’re the social butterflies of the dog world, making friends wherever they go!
In reality, Shih Tzu’s do not really care about the personal space of other dogs as long as they feel they can be great friends.
6. The Grooming Necessities of a Shih Tzu Breed Dogs
Remember that fabulous coat we talked about? Well, it requires some grooming magic to stay fabulous.
Regular brushing and occasional trips to the groomer are a must to keep them looking like royalty. You will need at least one visit to the professional groomers near you every 21 days for proper cleaning, deShedding and trimming.
The Vetic Pet Clinic Dog Grooming offers trained groomers and international pet products highly suitable for the Shih Tzu breed (all ages).
7. Watch Dog Qualities of a Shih Tzu
Okay! So you will be surprised by the amount of courage and vigilance this tiny dog packs.
Shih Tzus might not be huge guard dogs, but they’ve got excellent watchdog qualities. They’ll alert you to any suspicious activity with their signature bark – a true “paw-lice” officer!
8. The Energy Level of a Shih Tzu Breed Dog
While they love a good playtime, Shih Tzus are generally low-energy dogs. Additionally, they have a flat-face, so you should never exercise them too much, especially when it’s hot.
A short walk or some indoor play is usually enough to keep them content. Couch potato goals achieved!
9. The Trainability of a Shih Tzu
Let’s be real; Shih Tzus can be a bit stubborn during training. But don’t worry, with patience, positive reinforcement, and some tasty treats, they’ll eventually catch on.
Although a small toy breed, they have huge personalities. They will test your patience, but they are smart lil pooches. They catch up with other puppers in terms of training pretty easily.
10. The Common Health Problems of the Shih Tzu Breed
Shih Tzus are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they may have some specific health concerns.
According to AKC, the most common health concerns that plague adults of the Shih Tzu breed are –
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation (Slipped Kneecap)
- Eye Anomalies
Keeping up with regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet can help ensure they lead a long and happy life. Visit the Vetic clinic closest to your location, for example, the Vetic Pet Clinic Thane or Vetic Pet Clinic Domlur for a quick yet comprehensive health check.
Should You Get a Shih Tzu Breed Pup?
In conclusion, Shih Tzus are awesome! They are the most perfect dogs ever. They’re affectionate, friendly and oh-so-cute. If you’re looking for a furbaby that will bring joy, laughter and unconditional love into your life, adopting a Shih Tzu might be the best decision you’ll ever make. Just be prepared for a lifetime of snuggles and hilarious moments with your little fur-baby!