Curiosities
Here We Have Some Curiosities And Information About Shih Tzu.
Where is Shih Tzu from?!
People commonly associate the Shih Tzu with China, but they actually came from China's western neighbor,
Tibet, which was a sovereign nation until the 1950s. Tibet probably sent dogs to the Chinese royalty as
gifts. The Chinese then bred them with Pekingese or Pugs to create the modern-day Shih
Tzu.
font: www.akc.org
Are Shih Tzus smart?
Shih Tzus are typically considered to be smart dogs and have even been to assist farmers and tradesmen in
the past. However, Shih Tzus can also be stubborn at times. Shih Tzu's intelligence varies from
individual
to individual, but most people agree they are pretty good problem solvers.
font: www.wildearth.com
Royalty?
One interesting fact about Shih Tzu dogs is that they were highly valued by Chinese royalty. Shih Tzus have a long history dating back over a thousand years, and they were bred and pampered by Chinese emperors and empresses. These dogs were often considered sacred and were even given as gifts to other royal families. The name "Shih Tzu" translates to "lion dog" in Mandarin, which reflects their regal and lion-like appearance. Today, Shih Tzus are beloved companion dogs known for their friendly and affectionate nature.
Shih Tzu Colors
It's important to note that the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard for Shih Tzus recognizes a variety of colors and combinations, so you may come across even more unique color variations within this breed.
Shih Tzus can come in various colors and color combinations. Here are some common color variations you might find in Shih Tzus:
Solid Colors: Shih Tzus can be seen in solid colors such as black, white, brown, liver (chocolate), or gray. These solid colors can have different shades and variations.
Two-Tone Colors: Some Shih Tzus have two-tone color patterns. For example, they may have a combination of black and white, black and tan, or brown and white. The two colors usually appear in specific areas of their coat, such as the ears, face, back, or tail.
Tri-Color: Tri-color Shih Tzus have three distinct colors in their coat. Common combinations include black, white, and tan or black, white, and gray.
Brindle: Brindle Shih Tzus have a coat pattern with a mix of dark and light colors, giving a striped or marbled appearance. The base color is usually lighter, with darker stripes running through it.
Parti-Color: Parti-color Shih Tzus have a coat that combines large patches of white with another color, such as black, brown, or tan. The patches can be evenly distributed or more randomly patterned.
They are all very cute!
Shih Tzu Characteristics
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Affection Level: High
Friendliness: High
Energy Level: Medium
Tendency to Bark: Medium
Small Size: Shih Tzus are small dogs, typically weighing between 4.5 to 7.3 kilograms (10 to 16 pounds) and standing around 20 to 28 centimeters (8 to 11 inches) in height at the shoulder.
Long, Luxurious Coat: One of the most distinctive features of Shih Tzus is their long, flowing coat. Their hair is dense, silky, and requires regular grooming to keep it clean and free from tangles.
Kid-Friendly: High
Pet-Friendly: High
Trainability: Medium
Amount of Shedding: Low
Friendly and Affectionate: Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being part of a family. They often form strong bonds with their owners and are generally good with children and other pets.
Playful and Lively: Despite their small size, Shih Tzus are lively and playful. They have a playful demeanor and enjoy interactive playtime with their owners. They can be quite entertaining and bring joy to their families.
Exercise Need: Low
Playfulness: High
Intelligence: High
Alert and Intelligent: Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs and have good alertness. They are quick to notice their surroundings and will often alert their owners to any perceived threats or changes in the environment.
Independent and Sometimes Stubborn: Shih Tzus have an independent streak and can display a touch of stubbornness at times. While they are generally eager to please their owners, they may require consistent and patient training to overcome their stubborn tendencies.