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Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small to medium-sized breed that boasts a rich history as royal companions, originally bred to be lap dogs for Chinese emperors. This charming breed is known for its affectionate nature, making them wonderful family pets who thrive on human interaction. With their friendly demeanor, Shih Tzus do well with young kids, other dogs, and even cats, creating a harmonious household atmosphere. Their playful disposition balances nicely with a calm and gentle temperament, ensuring they adapt well to various family dynamics.
Although their energy level is moderate, Shih Tzus enjoy engaging playtime and gentle walks, which makes them suitable for apartment living. Their manageable grooming needs, requiring weekly attention, along with a low shedding level, make them a relatively easy breed to care for. While they may have a tendency to bark, this trait can be mitigated through training and socialization, establishing them as well-rounded companions. With consistent reinforcement, Shih Tzus can be trained to follow basic commands, highlighting their intelligence and eagerness to please.
If you're considering welcoming a Shih Tzu into your family, you will find them to be delightful and loving companions. With their endearing personalities and ability to bond closely with their humans, they make excellent pets for first-time owners and seasoned dog lovers alike. For those in the Fort Myers area, look no further than Petland Fort Myers, Florida. This breed is ready to bring joy and companionship into your home.
Shih Tzu loosely translates to ‘Little Lion’ in Mandarin. Ironically, it was named after its looks because there is absolutely no fierceness to this adorable dog breed. From the laps of emperors in ancient China to the hearts of its present-day owners, Shih Tzus have always been leaders in the hall of fame for canine companionship. Discover more about our Shih Tzu puppies for sale below!
History
Shih Tzus originate from honorable backgrounds in China, where they were bred as palace pets. They are among the fourteen oldest dog breeds in the world, and Chinese archaeologists have dated their uncovered bones to around 8000BC. They are rumored to have initiated initially from Tibet and were introduced to Chinese monarchs by Tibetan Monks as gifts.
Other sources say the Shih Tzu is a crossbreed of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese dog breeds. China or ancient Tibet, the Shih Tzu has proven itself worthy of adoration across generations. From 618 to 995AD, the dog breed is continuously referenced in art, paintings, sculptures, and letters.
The first offshore record of Shih Tzus comes from the 19th century, where a certain woman known as Lady Brownrigg took a pair of Shih Tzus from Peking to England to start her kennel. They made their debut presence in the US in 1960 after Maureen Murdock, along with her nephew, Philip Prince, imported the breed. Since then, Shih Tzus have been officially recognized and registered in top global Dog Clubs. They come in black, grey, gold, liver, brindle, white or red coats.
Temperament
Shih Tzus are naturally friendly dogs. However, without early socialization, they can be timorous. They are at their best around family or anyone giving them love and attention. A Shih Tzu is made to love. They don’t chase small animals or guard, but this doesn’t mean they won’t bark at strangers. They will alert you as soon as they sense something is amiss. This dog can get stubborn and requires early training so they can grow to be disciplined and healthy dogs.
Environment
If you are a small apartment owner, then the Shih Tzu is perfect for you. They do not do well in outdoor kennels but enjoy playing in yards and gardens. They love the indoors and will always warm up to you or sit on your lap. They get pretty attached – and fast!
During hot seasons, their flat noses make them very prone to heatstroke. This is because their inhaled air does not cool in their lungs as fast as it would in dogs with longer muzzles. The possibility of your Shih Tzu catching heatstroke is minimal in well-ventilated and air-conditioned rooms.
Exercise
As small dogs, Shih Tzus are satisfied with daily short strolls. They don’t need a lot of exercise. Owners have reported that their Shih Tzus like to think they are birds, so don’t be startled if you see your dog audaciously leaping from sofa to sofa. Make sure your house is dog-proof as this breed is highly prone to internal injury due to its delicate size.
Grooming
No doubt, grooming a Shih Tzu is demanding. Their coats matt easily and must be daily to prevent hair knotting. If you cannot meet the grooming requirements your Shih Tzu has, you could cut the coat short. This takes away all the luxurious beauty but curtails your dog’s grooming needs.
They should be bathed at least once a week. Be careful when trimming their nails as they contain blood vessels and could hurt! You don’t want your dog running away every time you bring the clippers out. Dental care is critical in small dog breeds. Regularly, brush their teeth with a soft toothbrush and clean their ears with damp wool balls to minimize infections.
Our Shih Tzu puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country.
The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering Shih Tzu puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell.
FAQs
Yes. They only lose hair when bathed or when their coat is combed.
The Shih Tzu is an all-round friendly dog but is better with more mature children who have been taught to handle it well.
A Shih Tzu snorts and snores because of its short snout.
With treats and rewards, a Shih Tzu is fun to train. They are, however, mischievous, and the trainer needs to be firm if any training is to be done at all.
Shih Tzus are pet-friendly and very accommodating of other pets.
No. Their luxurious coat requires daily brushing, and the services of a professional groomer need to be employed if the owner can’t keep up with the demands.
Shih Tzus eat a cup of high-quality dry food daily with clean water.
Due to their brachycephalic (flat snout) features, Shih Tzus will have minor difficulty breathing in poorly-ventilated environments.
The Shih Tzu has a lifespan of ten to eighteen years.
Shih Tzus weigh eight to eighteen pounds (four to eight kilograms).
A Shih Tzu in your home is a small bit of ancient Chinese royalty. These graceful dogs will make you feel noble and will never leave your side
