Is A Shih Tzu Puppy Right For You?

The Shih Tzu is classified by the American Kennel Club in the
Toy Group. It is one of the elegant dogs from China. The Shih
Tzu was a cherished, pampered pet of royal families in China for
over a thousand years. As the Shih Tzu developed there evolved
several sizes. The question of size has always been a very
controversial topic.

Some Shih Tzu fanciers feel the original Shih Tzu of the
Imperial Palace was the very small type ranging in weight of
anywhere from 3 to 7 pounds. At the time of this writing, year
of 2005, the size of 3 to 7 pounds is nicknamed Imperial Shih
Tzu and Teacup Shih Tzu. The American Kennel Club does not
recognize the nicknames of Imperial and Teacup for the Shih Tzu
at all. The only size the American Kennel Club and the American
Shih Tzu Club recognize as official Shih Tzu are with a set
standard weight of 9 to 16 pounds. The under 9 pounds in weight
and over 16 pounds in weight Shih Tzu are in existence and have
ancestors registered as AKC, therefore, these Shih Tzu can be
registered AKC. They are just disqualified from the show ring
because of underweight or overweight. In general, most Shih Tzu
fanciers or consumers prefer their Shih Tzu to be at least under
16 pounds.

Differences in weight is most likely due to cross breeding in
the past with smaller dogs such as the Pekingese to get a
smaller size Shih Tzu. The larger size Shih Tzu are probably
more from the lines of the Apso.

The Shih Tzu has also been nicknamed “Chrysanthemum Face.” The
hair on the face of a Shih Tzu puppy grows out in a circular
direction, making the face look like flowers.

The Shih Tzu is an alert little dog with an arrogant and
affectionate personality. Shih Tzu cherish their human
companions above all else that surrounds them. Hundreds of the
best of toys, other Shih Tzu or other animals never take the
place of their adored human companions. For this reason, Shih
Tzu do not do very well in large kennels, isolated from people.
Shih Tzu puppies are best raised in small, intimate quarters and
in the company of their best and favorite friends – us humans!
Shih Tzu puppies at one week of age can respond to their breeder
with warmth and affection. As newborns, they are very close to a
newborn human baby.

The Shih Tzu’s long flowing double coat is a standard for their
breed set by the American Kennel Club, and is extremely
beautiful to look upon. Shih Tzu are one of the few breeds that
have hair like humans instead of fur. Their coat makes for
high-maintenance grooming and must be brushed daily.

The Shih Tzu is basically a robust and healthy breed with few
serious medical problems.

A brisk walk around the block is usually sufficient enough
exercise for a Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy. They are delightful
walking partners. They enjoy every step of the way, taking in
all the scenery around them. Shih Tzu are enthusiastic and
charming little pets. They love to wag their tails and greet
everyone who crosses their path. Most Shih Tzu also travel well.
I have had several Shih Tzu who love to stick their heads out
the car windows and let the wind blow through their hair. Those
we pass just ooh and ahh at this delightful antic of the Shih
Tzu.

The Shih Tzu comes in an array of colors including gold and
white, red and white, silver and white, brindles of red,
brindles of gold, solid black, solid white, gold with black
masks, mysterious shades of blue, and beautiful shades of
“chocolate.”

For hundreds of years, Shih Tzu have been bred to serve humans
merely as a delightful companion. In pre-Revolutionary China, it
was a status symbol to own a dog that had no utilitarian
function such as hunting or guarding. The Shih Tzu were highly
prized in the Imperial Court where they lived lives of luxury.
Their temperament continues to reflect this fact. Because of
their long and intimate association with people, Shih Tzu seem
almost human.

Shih Tzu are social animals. Shih Tzu love to be petted, groomed
and played with. Their favorite spot is anywhere near their
human companions. Shih Tzu can be self-sufficient. If you are
busy, Shih Tzu are capable of amusing themselves for long
periods of time. They will throw and catch their own toys.

Shih Tzu get along well with strangers, children, adults of all
ages, and other dogs. Their small size makes them ideal for
confined quarters. Shih Tzu do not shed seasonally and are
non-allergenic because they have human-like hair rather than fur
as most other breeds.

I suppose there are negatives to owning a Shih Tzu. As the
writer of this article, however, I can’t think of any to share
with you at the moment!