Let's talk about the Shih Tzu, a world-famous dog. We'll explore its ancient origins and learn more about the character and physical appearance that define this breed.
Origins and History of the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small dog of Chinese origin, with roots stretching back to a time now lost in memory. It was called the lion dog, because of the distinctive way the fur frames its head, closely resembling a lion's mane. The history of the Shih Tzu can be divided into two eras: the Tibetan era and the Chinese era. In the first era there were two varieties of Shih Tzu: one with long hair on the limbs, and a second with shorter, more arched limbs. In Tibet, Shih Tzu dogs were kept as companion and guard dogs — or more precisely as sentinels — because, although very small, they are able to detect any suspicious sound and raise the alarm.
This particular quality was put to good use by pairing the small Chinese dog with mastiffs as an excellent support animal, tasked with acting as an alarm bell for the large molossus. The Chinese emperor would present a Shih Tzu as a gift to show appreciation toward a particular person, and he would give only males, as only the male of the Shih Tzu was considered sacred. Shih Tzus first arrived in Europe in 1930.
Breed Standard of the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small dog, distinguished by its floor-length coat. Its exotic beauty conceals a well-proportioned, slender build — not at all clumsy despite being low to the ground. An adult male reaches a maximum height of 28 cm at the withers, with a weight of under 8 kg. The back is long and slender, tapering slightly before the small, rounded rump. The chest is proportionally wide and deep, yet the dog's overall outline is lean and refined. The legs are short but extremely sturdy, rounded with muscle and covered by the long coat. The stance must be perfectly straight, with round, strong bones. The tail is set very high and is carried firmly curled over the back, covered in long, fringed hair.
The neck is solid and carried with a pronounced arch, in a regal pose. The head is round and particularly broad, with ample space between the eyes; the muzzle is square and flat, but without wrinkles or loose skin. The coat covering the muzzle should fall over the eyes, and the beard should be long and very full. The nose is small and dark — black or liver — and should be no more than 2.5 cm from the clearly defined stop. The eyes are round and dark, with a lively expression. The ears are set low and carried close to the head; they are not visible, as they are covered by the long coat. The coat consists of a very dense undercoat and a very abundant, wavy outer coat that is long enough to cover the feet. All colours are accepted, with a particular preference for white on the tip of the tail and on the forehead.
Caring for a Shih Tzu: Nutrition
Some care and attention must be paid to the health of the Shih Tzu; starting with the typical breathing problems that affect brachycephalic dogs, which make them sensitive to heat and strenuous exercise. In addition, there are concerns related to their delicate eyes and hair-covered ears, and a predisposition to disc herniation caused by their very small hind feet.
The Shih Tzu's diet must be of excellent quality to keep the coat in good health, and carefully portioned to prevent excessive weight gain, which is particularly harmful for this breed. The coat requires especially dedicated grooming, often with the help of a professional.
Shih Tzu Temperament
The Shih Tzu is an incredibly gentle dog, suitable for everyone and especially for families with children and elderly members. It needs very little exercise and does not tolerate heat well; it spends most of its days happily soaking up affection and, given its very small size, can be taken just about anywhere. It forms a very close bond with its family, while tending to be reserved with strangers — though never aggressive.
The Shih Tzu, despite its long coat, is a very clean dog that sheds very little, making it a good choice for people who suffer from this type of allergy. It gets along well with other animals and adapts to any type of home. However, before concluding that this Chinese breed is truly right for everyone, it is important to keep in mind the particular attention its health, diet and coat all require.
Shih Tzu Breeders and Price
The Shih Tzu is a dog that, when well cared for, can live up to 16 years. It needs attention and a great deal of love, but in return it offers unconditional affection and an almost total devotion to its family. In Italy it is fairly popular, and the price of a Shih Tzu puppy ranges between €300 and €500.
When looking to buy one, it is good practice to visit the breeder in person, to make sure that the environment in which the puppy was born and raised is healthy. In this case more than ever, it is important not to forget to take home, along with the puppy, the complete pedigree and all relevant medical certificates.
