Spotlight Breed: Shih Tzu 

Welcome to our Spotlight Breed article of the week. We are excited to feature a fun and unique dog breed from around the globe! Our spotlight breed today is the Shih Tzu. This is a very popular breed that can be extremely friendly. There is much more to learn about the Shih Tzu, so continue reading!

The Shih Tzu has a rich history dating back to over 2,000 years ago! The name Shih Tzu means “Little Lion” in Mandarin. The breed was bred in Tibet and is related to the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese breeds. They were gifted to the Chinese emperors as companion dogs and lapdogs.

You may be curious about the size of the Shih Tzu. They are considered a toy dog breed, making them the perfect dog for those looking for a smaller breed of dog to bring into the family. The breed stands at 10 inches and can vary from 8 to 16 pounds. We mentioned earlier that Shih Tzus are friendly dogs. They love to be around family and aim to please people. They are also great around other animals and children.

Shih Tzu’s can be stubborn, which can create conflicts regarding training. Ensure you have the patience, time, and dedication to training a Shih Tzu. Positive reinforcement will work wonders in their training sessions! The breed responds well to praise and does not do well if they are shouted at or treated unfairly.

We must mention that Shih Tzus needs a lot of grooming and maintenance. The breed requires regular brushing as they are long-haired. The facial hair needs daily brushing, and the eyes should be regularly wiped. We recommend that you bathe your Shih Tzu once a week.

Are you looking for an adorable and friendly dog breed? If so, the Shih Tzu may be for you! We will leave you with our favorite quote about the breed: “Shih Tzu. Personal stalker. I will follow you wherever you go…bathroom included!”