Shih Tzu

What is a Shih Tzu?

A small Tibetan-origin companion dog of 4-7kg, developed in the Chinese imperial court. It has no working history at all - it was bred to sit with people, and it has been selected for exactly that for several hundred years.

History and origins

Tibetan dogs given to Chinese emperors were crossed with Pekingese and Pugs in the Forbidden City. The breed nearly disappeared after 1949; the entire modern population descends from around fourteen dogs. It reached Britain in the 1930s and was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1946.

Appearance and size

20-27cm, solid and slightly longer than tall. A long double coat that reaches the floor when unclipped, a short muzzle, large round eyes and a distinctive upward-growing nose hair. Any colour; gold and white, black and white, brindle and liver are common.

Temperament and personality

Friendly, dignified and cheerful. They are not needy in the way many toy breeds are, and they are not yappy by nature. They enjoy company but tolerate being a normal dog rather than a permanent lap occupant.

Intelligence and trainability

Bright but not eager to please in the gundog sense - they weigh up whether it is worth it. Short, positive sessions work. House training is slow and often the biggest frustration for new owners; be patient and consistent, and expect several months.

Children and other pets

Very good with sensible children and sociable with other dogs and cats. Their eyes are prominent and easily injured, so rough handling is a genuine risk.

Health problems

• Brachycephalic airway problems - less severe than the French Bulldog but present. Avoid heat, avoid over-exertion, and buy from a breeder selecting for open nostrils and a longer muzzle.
• Eyes - corneal ulcers, dry eye, proptosis. Any squint or pawing at the face is same-day vet.
• Dental disease - crowded, undershot jaw; brush daily.
• Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia - grades and scores on the parents.
• Ear infections - hairy canals, check weekly.
• Renal dysplasia occurs in the breed; ask the breeder about it directly.

Daily care routine

Two short walks, avoiding heat. Face wiped daily - the folds and the area under the eyes collect moisture and food. Teeth brushed. Eyes checked.

Grooming and coat care

The main commitment. A full coat needs daily brushing to the skin and a topknot to keep hair out of the eyes. Most pet owners keep a puppy clip, trimmed every six to eight weeks at £40-£60, which is entirely reasonable and much kinder than an unmaintained long coat.

Exercise needs

30-45 minutes a day, split, on the flat, in cool parts of the day. They enjoy pottering more than striding.

Feeding and diet

Two small measured meals, £15-£30 a month. A flat-faced dog benefits from a shallow, wide bowl. Weight gain is common and worsens the breathing.

Price

£700-£1,600 from tested parents. "Imperial" and "teacup" are sales terms, not types, and undersized dogs have more problems. Setup £250-£450; ongoing £60-£110 a month including grooming.

Buying advice

Look at the parents' faces: open nostrils, a visible muzzle, no noisy breathing at rest. Ask for eye certificates and patella grades. Ask what the coat routine has been - a litter raised with handling and brushing from three weeks is far easier to groom later.