Breed Group: Toy Height: 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder Weight: 9 to 16 pounds Life Span: 10 to 18 years
All tiny dogs are cute, sure. But the Shih Tzu is one of the most charming toy breeds around. With their big eyes and little faces, these adorable dogs won over the royal family in ancient China, where they lived in the emperor’s palace and served as pampered lap pups. Fast-forward a thousand years, and you’ll still find them warming laps and hearts thanks to that playful, outgoing Shih Tzu temperament.
Shih Tzus are small in size but big on personality, and they make wonderful companions. The Shih Tzu temperament is outgoing and friendly. Shih Tzus will shower you with affection and make visitors feel welcome, too. Although Shih Tzu barking isn’t usually excessive in well-bred, well-trained pups, some Shih Tzus can bark enough to be a problem—and the barking sometimes means they’re bored. These active and curious dogs may want more out of life than just sitting on your lap, so consider teaching your Shih Tzu tricks or even competing with them in agility!
Shih Tzus usually are great with children, but because of their small and cute size, children may treat them like stuffed toys and accidentally injure them. That means it’s very important to monitor interactions to ensure everyone stays safe. The same applies any time your Shih Tzu is playing with a larger dog. And, like other short-snouted (brachycephalic) breeds, Shih Tzus don’t tolerate excessive heat very well.
A well-bred Shih Tzu can be a wonderful addition to your home, but poorly bred Shih Tzus can have major health and temperament issues. If you’re buying a Shih Tzu puppy, be sure to choose your Shih Tzu breeder carefully.
Shih Tzu Cons: They are difficult to house break, require frequent brushing and combing and may sport a mildly arrogant attitude.
Shih Tzu Pros: They shed less than many breeds, they are polite towards strangers and they delight in simply being with you.
Learn more about the Shih Tzu breed here.
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