Size

The height of both genders of the Shitzu breed reaches around 23-27 centimeters. As for other physical data, their length ranges from 38-44 centimeters.

Weight

Individual Shitzu weight cases vary according to genetics, diet, and health. Nevertheless, as a rule, adult representatives of the breed weigh from 4.1 to 7.3 kilograms.

Lifespan

A Shih Tzu’s lifespan ranges from 10 to 16 years and is roughly equivalent to 56-80 years of human existence. But still, remember, these figures are only conditional, and the life expectancy of your important family members greatly depends on their healthy lifestyle and harmonious living environment.

Fur

Shib Tzu can be found in black, white, golden, brown, silver, and red colors. The soft fur of these important family members, despite its length, is less prone to shedding. Nevertheless, it still needs daily brushing and a bath every three to four weeks. To avoid eye irritation, it’s recommended to trim or tie the Shih Tzu’s hair short.

Funny and intelligent Shih Tzu was specially bred for companionship with people. It’s especially fond of children. In terms of activity and exercise needs, the Shih Tzu is a low-maintenance companion animal.

While most dogs prefer exploring the yard or going for a walk in the fresh air, nothing makes a Shih Tzu happier than curling up on your lap. Despite such an affectionate nature, Shitzus can be a challenge to train due to their tendency to be stubborn. You will be able to accomplish the desired result only with consistent training and constant encouragement. But, keep in mind, due to their short nose and brachycephalic facial structures, taking the Shih Tzu for a walk on hot days is never a good idea.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia refers to partial or complete loss of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia can cause bone wear and tear and pain associated with this process. If hip dysplasia is diagnosed at an early stage, you can easily correct the problem. In other cases, surgery may be needed to reposition the bones.

Genetics is an important factor provoking the development of the disease. However, maintaining a healthy weight and daily walks will help your companion animal reduce stress on the joints and improve the strength of the muscles around the pelvis.

Dislocation of the kneecap

Dislocation of the kneecap is a hereditary problem. To avoid the discomfort caused by this problem, it’s necessary to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. A balanced intake of lean meats, eggs, high-quality protein, calcium, and phosphorus will help your important family members develop muscles properly.

Corrective surgery may be necessary to correct severe cases of knee cap dislocation. However, regular veterinary check-ups will detect early signs of disease and allow you to take appropriate measures at an early stage of the problem.

Cataract

Cataracts cause a gradual deterioration of the companion animal’s vision. At this time, the crystal, which is transparent in a healthy eye, acquires a grayish or milky color. Cataracts, as a rule, are caused by an infectious disease or birth trauma during the mother’s pregnancy. 

Although the management of congenital diseases is often beyond our control, eating foods rich in vitamins C and E can greatly improve the eye health of your important family member. As a competent parent, remember that regular veterinary check-ups and protecting the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun are prerequisites for effective disease management.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy causes gradual degeneration of the retina and loss of vision. The mentioned disease is passed on to companion animals by inheritance. Regular eye exams and a diet rich in antioxidants can help maintain retinal health. Before purchasing an important family member, carefully research their genetics and make sure that your future companion does not have a genetic predisposition to vision problems.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Insufficient intake of water can cause dry eyes. Difficulty producing tears leads to eye irritation and vision problems. The climate is often seen as a provoking circumstance for eye problems. For instance, if you plan to spend the summer with your beloved friend at the seaside, it’s advisable to take special care and keep your companion animal out of the heat as much as possible.

Pay particular attention to early symptoms of eye disease, such as redness and tearing. It’s advisable to visit a veterinarian as soon as these symptoms appear. As a competent parent, keep in mind that daily eye care and regular cleaning of the eyes with hygiene products specially designed for dogs are essential for the prevention of diseases.

Brachycephaly

Just like the Bulldog and the Boxer, the Shih Tzu is brachycephalic, meaning it has a short nose and narrow nostrils. That’s why these important members of the family are prone to breathing difficulties and snoring as the temperature rises. Their breathing problem worsens with weight gain as well. Therefore, eating healthy food and monitoring weight are of particular importance for preventing the problem.

Due to the brachycephalic structure of the skull, it’s especially dangerous to leave the Shih Tzu indoors for a long time. Also, avoid walking in the sun. High air temperature and direct sunlight cause a large amount of mucus to accumulate in the nasal cavity of our companion animals and cause breathing difficulties.

Intervertebral Hernia

An intervertebral hernia is an inflammatory disease that causes deformation of the intervertebral disc, rupture of the fibrous ring, and protrusion of the vertebral body. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Veterinarians employ anti-inflammatory drugs to treat mild cases, and surgery to manage severe cases.

Small dogs like the Shih Tzu have a fast metabolism, which means they burn energy at a high rate, but because of their small stomachs, they need to feed often in small amounts. That’s why, when feeding these important family members, it’s advisable to give preference to food specially formulated for small breeds.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the recommended food for your Shih Tzu. These include the companion animal’s age, lifestyle, activity level, physiological state, and health. Since food provides the energy necessary for the dog’s vital functions, the formula should contain nutrients in balanced amounts. For instance, in terms of energy, proteins, minerals, and vitamins, a puppy’s nutritional needs are much higher than an adult dog’s.

As hard as it may be, try to resist the temptation to treat your Shih Tzu to leftovers or other human treats. Certain foods, including chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic, are poisonous to dogs. Also avoid foods containing fat, sugar, and salt.

Monitor your Shih Tzu’s weight and body condition regularly. Overweight dogs are at risk for many health problems, including joint disease and diabetes. Based on cooperation with a nutritionist, adjust their diet and, if necessary, increase the intensity of physical activity. Remember, a nutritionist can offer personalized nutritional recommendations and detect any nutrition-related problems at an early stage.

Just like Pugs, Shih Tzus are also part of Chinese history. According to records, these important family members were created by Tibetan monks for Chinese emperors. This imperial breed is the result of crossbreeding a Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese.

Shitzu means “lion” in Chinese. In the original version of the breed standard, the description of this important member of the family even begins with the mention of the king of animals. According to the standard, the Shih Tzu has the head of a lion, the face of an owl, the eyes of a dragon, a tongue like a peony leaf, teeth like grains of rice, ears like palm leaves, the tail of a phoenix, and the movement characteristic of a goldfish.

Some representatives of the breed are decorated with a white spot known as the “Buddha Star” on their foreheads. According to legend, Buddha was traveling with his companion Shih Tzu when robbers tried to attack him. At that moment, the tiny dog ​​turned into a lion, leaving the robbers with no choice but to escape. The grateful Buddha kissed the dog and symbolically left a mark on its forehead.