Shih Tzu

Origin & history

The Shih Tzu is an old companion breed associated with the Chinese imperial court, almost certainly developed from Tibetan dogs such as the Lhasa Apso crossed with flat-faced Chinese breeds like the Pekingese. For generations these little dogs lived as palace pets and were rarely seen outside court circles. The name is usually translated as lion dog, a reference to the lion in Buddhist imagery rather than to the dog's size. A small number reached Britain in the 1930s, and breeding programmes there and in Europe built the modern breed from that limited stock. The Shih Tzu spread widely after the Second World War and is now one of the most popular toy breeds worldwide, including in Australia, kept almost entirely as a family companion.

Temperament

The Shih Tzu is an affectionate, easy-going companion that wants to be with its people. It is generally good with children, friendly towards other dogs and accepting of cats and other pets, and it greets visitors as friends rather than intruders, so it offers little as a watchdog beyond a bark at the door. Bred purely for company, it does not like being left alone for long and can become unhappy or anxious in an empty house. It is reasonably trainable but has an independent, sometimes stubborn streak, and house-training in particular can take patience. Short, kind, reward-based sessions work best. Its needs are simple: company, gentle daily exercise, regular grooming and a cool place to rest. Given those, it is a relaxed and devoted housemate.

Appearance

The Shih Tzu is a small, solid, slightly long-bodied dog, usually standing around 20 to 28 cm at the shoulder and weighing about 4 to 7.5 kg. The head is broad and round with a short muzzle, large dark eyes and a warm, open expression. The long, dense double coat is the breed's signature, flowing to the ground when grown out, and the hair on the head is often tied up to keep it clear of the eyes. Almost any colour is accepted, including gold, white, black, brindle and various combinations, often with a white blaze and tail tip. The tail is well-feathered and carried in a curve over the back.

Suitability

The Shih Tzu is a true indoor companion and one of the more apartment-friendly small breeds, well suited to flats, units and houses alike. It fits relaxed and active owners as long as exercise stays gentle, and its forgiving nature makes it a reasonable choice for first-time owners willing to commit to the grooming. It is happiest with company and copes poorly with long days home alone, so it is best where someone is around for much of the day. Older, considerate children suit it better than boisterous toddlers. The Australian climate is the main caution: as a flat-faced breed it overheats easily, so it needs air-conditioning or a cool room in summer, walks in the cool of the morning or evening, and never to be left in a hot car or yard.

Health

Shih Tzus typically live around 12 to 16 years. As a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed, they can suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, with noisy breathing and poor heat and exercise tolerance, made worse by excess weight. The large, prominent eyes are vulnerable to corneal ulcers and injury, and the breed can be affected by progressive retinal atrophy. Crowded teeth in a small jaw mean dental disease is common, so regular dental care matters. Patellar luxation and some middle-ear and spinal issues also occur. A good breeder selects for more open nostrils and a reasonable muzzle length rather than the most extreme flat faces, eye-tests their breeding dogs, and is open about airway and eye health in their lines. Keeping a Shih Tzu lean and cool does a great deal for its long-term comfort.