The Shih Tzu: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The Shih Tzu originates from Tibet. Its name means 'lion dog' and, in Tibetan culture, it is associated with the Tibetan Mastiff. Often confused with the Lhasa Apso, it is historically believed to have resulted from a cross between the Lhasa-Apso and the Pekingese. Its popularity became established in the Forbidden City of Beijing in the 19th century, to the point of being nicknamed 'the empress's pearl'. After 1912, the breed gradually reached the West, arriving in Great Britain in 1931 and then in France in 1953.

The Shih Tzu is a small, well-balanced dog, a little longer than it is tall. It has a long, silky coat, well-feathered drop ears, large round dark eyes, and a round head with a short muzzle. Its tail may be carried down or raised depending on the individual, and the coat is found notably in black, white or fawn, with or without spots.

The Shih Tzu is a cheerful, playful, very intelligent, sociable, gentle and very calm companion dog. It readily seeks the affection of its family, appreciates respectful children and generally shows no aggressiveness. However, it may sulk if it is scolded in an unfair or abrupt manner.

Rather home-loving, the Shih Tzu enjoys indoor life and adapts just as well to an apartment as to a house if its comfort is ensured. A daily walk remains necessary for it, especially since it can be predisposed to obesity, but it does not need sustained sporting activity. Sociable, it copes poorly with prolonged solitude and prefers a calm home with a regular presence.

Training a Shih Tzu requires patience, gentleness and understanding. It can be stubborn and does not like being forced, which makes playful and positive methods particularly suitable. Well guided, it learns willingly and puts its lively intelligence at the service of progressive learning.

The purchase price of a Shih Tzu varies mainly depending on the quality of selection, the reputation of the breeding kennel, the origins and the health monitoring offered. Beyond the initial price, you must also anticipate coat maintenance, food, preventive care and accessories.

The Shih Tzu is rather robust, but it is especially prone to urinary tract infections, ear infections and several eye sensitivities linked to the fragility of its eyes. Its abundant coat requires regular maintenance to limit certain irritations and, in the female, giving birth can sometimes be delicate.

The Shih Tzu needs a digestible and well-balanced diet, adapted to its small size and its moderate activity level. Protein quality, control of energy intake, and support for the skin and coat are important points.

The Shih Tzu is also known by the names 'chrysanthemum dog' and 'lion dog'. Its Chinese imperial history has strongly contributed to its refined image. In popular culture, it can notably be found with Choupette in the film Les Trois Frères and with Marie in the Animal Crossing universe.