Dogs, the amazing species that they are, have been developed for herding livestock, guarding our properties, and working alongside us. Modern organizations decry breeding dogs just for pets, yet there are breeds that were developed solely to be pets. The Shih Tzu is one of these breeds. Pronounced “shidzoo,” this breed is noted for its beautiful, long, and elegant coat.
A Regal History of the Shih Tzu
Chinese documentation from 1000 B.C. shows a small “under-the-table” dog. Thought to trace back to the Tibet region, dogs resembling small lions were treasured. The Shih Tzu has been preserved as a small pet dog, although the breed has undergone some changes over time.
Dogs were often given as gifts among royalty, and it’s believed that one of these gifts involved small Tibetan Lion Dogs. The Shih Tzu breed was kept as a house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty.
In 1861, when Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi came into power, she developed a small, shaggy dog purely as pampered pets. While workers performed the hands-on care and breeding, the Empress oversaw the records, ensuring that pedigrees and descriptions were maintained. She preferred parti-colored dogs with specific facial and body markings, although she also prized solid-colored dogs. She had an understanding of breeding dogs, color genetics, and mating. She rarely allowed any dogs to leave the Palace. Visitors were interested, but she valued her dogs, and while she occasionally gave gifts later, her dogs were not among them.
Following her death in 1908, many of the dogs perished in fires, or the caretakers were dismissed and may have taken special dogs with them. It’s believed the breed became extinct, except for fourteen dogs that had been sent out of the area.
As with some other breeds, American military personnel brought some of the first Shih Tzu dogs to the U.S. in the 1940s and ’50s. Because they were bred as pets for centuries, they became very popular as show dogs as well as companions. In 1969, the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.
With a regal presence, a tail curved over the back, and a background as a pet utility dog, the Shih Tzu comes in various sizes. According to the breed standard, they should ideally measure 9–10 1/2 inches in height but must not be less than 8 inches or more than 11 inches. The ideal adult weight is 9–16 pounds. Balance is important, but they should be compact and solid. For those interested in the breed as a show dog, the official standard can be found at American Kennel Club – Shih Tzu. Of course, pets need not follow this standard.
Owners say the individual dogs that make up the breed are what make them special. They are sweet, “huggable” dogs and are equally described as having an ego and a stubborn pride. Their good temperament comes from years of being selected as pampered pets, a role they still excel at today.
Small dogs mean smaller litters, with three to five pups being typical. As with all breeds, there are some health issues to consider. Some issues with umbilical hernias have been reported, and it’s advised to have hips and eyes cleared of genetic abnormalities. Juvenile renal dysplasia is a concern. Their facial structure requires extra care when bathing, as noted in this article on How Often Should I Bathe My Dog, and you should also be watchful for breathing troubles in general.
“Dry eye” is another issue with the Shih Tzu—a condition where the eyes do not produce natural tears, leading to dull or dry, blinking eyes. Some dogs are prone to eye infections or corneal ulcers, which can lead to further infection. Although relatively minor, this condition should receive attention, as serious problems may arise if left untreated.
Anyone considering this breed, whether for show or as a pet, should be prepared for regular grooming. Banding the hair on top of the head is typical for show dogs but is often done for pets as well. Prepare for regular baths, blow-drying, and careful use of shampoo and conditioner to maintain the beautiful coat the breed is known for. This coat is the first thing judges see, so it must be kept outstanding. Pet dogs don’t need to be maintained in show condition, but they still require thorough daily brushing to prevent mats from tarnishing their coat.
Some owners have adopted good bathing techniques to keep skin problems at bay, while others suggest that skin and hair issues are genetic. A mild, tearless baby shampoo is recommended, but it can sometimes be difficult to rinse out completely. Leftover shampoo can cause problems of its own. Shampoo formulated for long-haired breeds rinses out better. Use warm water and a sink or basin rather than a bathtub to keep the dog more confined.
Thoroughly wet the dog and pour the shampoo down its back. Gently work the shampoo into the coat by squeezing it in, not rubbing it. Scrubbing like you would with a short-coated dog will almost certainly result in a tangled mess. Shampoo the legs and chest, rinsing thoroughly after washing. Be sure to rinse between the toes and avoid letting shampoo collect in the folds of skin, as it can become an irritant.
If the dog is particularly dirty, you may need to repeat the process until it’s clean. Secure the dog on a counter and use a good hairdryer to gently blow-dry the hair, ensuring the coat is fully dry. This helps prevent moisture from being trapped against the skin by the undercoat, which can lead to problems.
Proper grooming is an essential part of caring for this breed. A commitment to daily grooming is necessary to keep the Shih Tzu in top condition.
The Shih Tzu: A Low-Energy Companion
Daily exercise and play are important, although the Shih Tzu isn’t as high-energy as some other breeds. They need to stay in proper condition and avoid becoming overweight. Regularly handling your pet allows you to monitor its condition. One disadvantage of long-haired dogs is that you often can’t see them losing weight until it becomes quite severe. Regular physical contact helps you notice any weight changes, which could indicate illness if nothing else has changed.
From a training perspective, owners describe the Shih Tzu as stubborn but trainable. Some owners even say they are quite smart and clever. Bred as lap dogs, their size makes them a good choice for older owners. Some can be barky, but this varies by dog and training.
Famous owners of Shih Tzus include Frank Sinatra, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Yul Brynner, and Beyoncé Knowles. The Shih Tzu has become increasingly popular over the years. In 2006 and 2007, it was ranked the 9th most popular breed by the AKC. According to AKC statistics in Salt Lake City, Utah, they are second only to the Labrador as the favorite breed. They rank as the fifth most popular breed in St. Louis, fourth in Washington, D.C., and in the top ten in several other U.S. cities.
If you are prepared for the dedication required for grooming and training, the Shih Tzu may be the perfect dog for you. They make great companions for more sedentary owners who are not interested in high-energy breeds. What could be better than a pet bred for centuries to be a pampered companion?
