Shih Tzu. Dog of the Chinese Emperors and the Tibetan Dalai Lama

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* Here is a photo of a typical representative of the Shih Tzu dog breed . You can send us photos of your animals by email, and we will post them on the website. Don't forget to send your pet's name.

Other breed names:

Shih Tsu, Shitzu

Video

* We invite you to watch a video about the Shih Tzu . In fact, in front of you is a playlist in which you can select and watch any of 20 videos about a given dog breed by simply clicking on the button in the upper right corner of the window. In addition, the material contains quite a lot of photos. By looking at them you can find out what a Shih Tzu looks like.

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This dog can evoke associations with a lion cub - its fur is very cute, but it needs to be looked after. Shih Tzus love attention but are also quiet. They make good companions, lifting the mood of their owners and not demanding too much from them. You don’t have to walk a Shih Tzu for a long time, and they also don’t need constant training.

Kinds

The 2 main varieties of the Shih Tzu breed – American and European. Let's consider each of them separately.

1. American type. The main difference between an “American” and a “European” is a narrow, short muzzle and a small head. His chest is much less pronounced. By nature, he is more playful and active. He quickly rushes around the house looking for interesting objects. Loves to play. The gait is smooth and graceful.
2. European type. This dog has larger dimensions. Differs from the previous one with a larger head. By nature, he is friendlier and more welcoming.

Separately, we should highlight the miniature representatives of the breed - mini Shih Tzu. Here the opinions of breeders differ. Some believe that a 3-kg baby can be considered a separate type of breed, dwarf, while others call it a defect. One way or another, the miniature decorative dog is not standardized as a separate species.

History of the origin of the Shih Tzu

It is not established exactly when the breed originated, but there are several versions. According to one of them, Shih Tzu were found in Tibet even before the advent of our era, according to another, they were brought there from Byzantium in the 9th century. In any case, the reliable history of these dogs began in Tibet.

Interesting fact: In the middle of the 17th century, the Chinese emperor received several Shih Tzu as a gift, and over the next few centuries, it was the Celestial Empire that became the center of their breeding. This breed has become a symbol of power. The Shih Tzu was forbidden to be taken out even from the imperial court. Only the most deserving persons could receive them as a gift.

Possession of this dog without permission was punishable by execution. Therefore, they remained the privilege of the imperial court of China and remote Tibet until the last century. The animals were brought to Europe in the 1930s. The emperor deigned to give the Norwegian ambassador one Shih Tzu, and he decided, if such an opportunity existed, to purchase several more males for breeding.

The enterprise was a success, and soon Shih Tzus began to spread throughout Europe, where their possession was also at first considered a sign of a noble and wealthy person. It should be noted that despite the antiquity of the breed, it has still changed a little over these centuries.

Although under most emperors it was considered necessary to maintain its purity, under some, attempts were made to crossbreed with dogs of other breeds to further refine its appearance. First of all, in order to get even more luxuriant fur and make the nose shorter.

However, most of these experiments seem to have failed. As it was found out through genetic research, the Shih Tzu is one of the breeds closest to wolves. This indicates its antiquity, as well as the fact that it did not appear as a result of selection. Finally, genetic proximity to natural ancestors indicates that the Shih Tzu has changed quite little over all the centuries of its existence.

A little about the history of the breed

The Shih Tzu dog breed has an interesting history, which is still completely unknown. Scientists and historians have put forward a hypothesis that the Shih Tzu breed originates in Tibet. Manuscripts and engravings from the 15th and 16th centuries depict small dogs that look very similar to her. A wonderful legend told by Buddhists says that Buddha was accompanied on all his travels by a small creature - a dog, which, in case of danger, turned into a lion and protected the traveler. Buddhists believed that that dog was of the Shih Tzu breed, for this reason it was given all kinds of honors.

There is also another unconfirmed hypothesis about the European origin of this breed, which states that it came to Tibet from Byzantium. Modern breeders testify that it appeared as a result of crossing other breeds, for example, the Pekingese with the Tibetan Mountain Dog.

It is difficult to judge how reliable this statement is, especially if you take into account that the DNA of this animal differs quite a bit from the DNA of a wild wolf. This means that there was no trace of any selection.

The most reliable facts about the existence of the Shih Tzu breed appeared in the mid-17th century. It was during that period that the Tibetan Dalai Lama gave the Chinese emperor several dogs of this breed. The Chinese ruler loved them so much that they began to be considered a symbol of power. They were given great honors; each dog had its own servants. Exporting this animal outside of China was strictly punishable.

In the first half of the 20th century, these small creatures appeared in Europe. There are several opinions on how exactly they got there. Some say that the Shih Tzu dog was given as a gift to the Norwegian ambassador, while others claim that this breed was simply brought by ship to the UK in order to make money.

Character traits

The description of the breed must begin with character. It is the character that is the most interesting feature of the Shih Tzu. These little dogs are very loyal and affectionate creatures. They have the amazing ability to understand what the owner needs. They will run and jump with great joy, playing ball in the park, or lie curled up in a cozy little ball next to their owner and watch TV. They do not show aggression even towards strangers; they become attached to their owners tightly and for a long time.

By their nature, Shih Tzu dogs are very independent and proud, they remember insults for a long time, so the attitude towards them should be reverent and affectionate. But they shouldn’t indulge in everything either, otherwise they will quickly feel like the sole masters of the house and it can be quite difficult, if not impossible, to prove the opposite.

Despite their light and cheerful disposition, these creatures have remarkable courage, indestructible psyche and sheepish stubbornness.

That is why they are always the first to recklessly rush to protect their owner. They love to live in large families and are happy to share their attention among all its members. For Shih Tzu dogs, all people living under one roof are masters.

Shih Tzu dogs get along very easily with small children; they can be true friends for teenagers, and a source of communication and positivity for older people. Shih Tzu puppies are active and playful, they do not see the difference between an adult and a child, and are ready to play as much as they want and with anyone. But when the puppy grows into an adult, it becomes more sedate and calm.

Intellectual level

Dogs of this breed have a very high level of intelligence, which, coupled with stubbornness and strong character, makes them truly unsurpassed guards. In their intelligence, they surpass even Papillon, the unsurpassed Champion in mental abilities.

It is a big misconception on the part of the owners to believe that the glamorous Shih Tzu dog is not capable of anything. These animals are incredibly attentive, they are easy to learn and even have a sense of humor.

Shih Tzus are easy to train and learn, and in childhood and adolescence perceive it as a game. If you let the upbringing of this dog take its course, it can grow up to be very willful, with a difficult character, and will bother everyone with causeless and loud barking, as well as noisy behavior. But if you start raising your pet in time, you can be sure that he will definitely grow up to be a good helper and a loyal friend.

You need to start training your Shih Tzu already in childhood, but it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the recommendations of experienced dog handlers. The teacher must strictly dominate, but at the same time be balanced, consistent and fair. There should be no attempt to break the dog’s firmness and psyche; it senses the right mentor and goes to meet him halfway.

Shih Tzu dogs understand human speech very well, so they quickly respond to it, remembering commands with lightning speed. But you shouldn’t expect them to perform circus acts; they are too proud for that. In addition, the Shih Tzu, whose character is similar to many watchdog breeds, is certainly not one, although he has almost all the skills of a watchdog. These dogs are friends and companions, and this is what you should focus on when training.

Physical activity and walking

Although dogs of this breed are not prone to obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and excess diet can cause the appearance of a thick layer of fat under the skin. Excess weight negatively affects the cardiovascular system of these fragile animals. Therefore, you should walk them every day, let them jog, and play outdoor games. This is all the more important because Shih Tzus are very active and cheerful dogs.

With a sedentary lifestyle, they accumulate a huge amount of unspent energy, which requires release. Therefore, walks in the fresh air are the best way to help a small pet not waste away in indoor conditions.

We must not forget that dogs of this breed can be quite sensitive to heat and cold, so in summer it is better to take walks in the morning or evening, when there is no scorching sun. In winter, it is better to minimize them. During walks, Shih Tzu dogs can climb to heights and jump from there. This should not be allowed under any circumstances; jumping from great heights can damage the spine.

Health

Shih Tzu dogs are distinguished by very good health and are considered long-livers in their environment. It's time to answer another frequently asked question - how long do Shih Tzus live? Of course, it’s impossible to answer unequivocally and accurately. The longevity of your pet directly depends on care and compliance with feeding rules.

On average, the life expectancy of a Shih Tzu is usually at least 15 years, but if you carefully care for and feed the dog properly, you can be sure that it will live at least 20 years, or even more. Moreover, we are not talking about painful decrepitude, on the contrary. This is exactly the case when a small dog becomes an old puppy. So, if you are asked how many years Shih Tzus live, feel free to answer – up to 20 years!

The eyes are a rather vulnerable area of ​​a Shih Tzu dog and therefore require daily care. They need to be wiped with cotton pads soaked in a weak solution of furatsilin. The ears are also the weak point of this dog due to the fact that it has long hair. It covers the ear opening, making it difficult for air to get inside. Sometimes the hair gets tangled and clogs the ear canal, which often leads to inflammation. To prevent this from happening, regrown hair should be trimmed with scissors and the auricle should be washed every few days and then wiped dry.

Strong teeth and gums are also an integral part of a healthy Shih Tzu. If you have problems with your teeth and your gums become inflamed, you should seek help from a veterinarian. It is also necessary to carefully monitor the animal’s diet and weight. If it is obvious that he is gaining weight and becoming lethargic, you should change your diet and add physical activity.

Size and weight

In general, the Shih Tzu standard is not so strict. I will not go into a long and tedious description of the various exact standards. There will be another, special article about this. I will tell you only about the most essential norms.

• The height of an adult should be between 23 – 28 cm
• The Shih Tzu's weight should be between 4.5 and 8.5 kg.

The Shih Tzu is small in size. As a rule, dogs that are too small or, conversely, too large are discarded. If your pet has just such a non-standard size, do not despair. This doesn't mean he's bad at all. Surely he fully possesses all the virtues inherent in the breed, which means he will be a good friend to you.

Be sure to weigh your dog periodically. Even adult Shih Tzus are prone to overeating. Unless his weight is normal, changes must be made to both the amount of food and its composition.

Shih Tzu - description of the breed

These are small dogs, they are about 25 cm in height and weigh 5-7 kg. Royal origin has left its mark on their appearance; despite their modest size, they look very noble, and even on their faces they often have a characteristic expression that can be considered arrogant - although they do not know such feelings.

The breed standards are:

• The head is quite large in comparison with the body. The muzzle is shortened, without wrinkles, with a beard and mustache;
• The eyes are quite widely spaced, round and large;
• Due to the fact that the hair on the nose grows upward, this dog in China was usually compared to a chrysanthemum. This fur does not interfere with the view;
• The nose is usually black, but if the Shih Tzu itself is brown in color, then its nose is the same. His lobe should not be located significantly below the edge of the eyelids;
• The jaws are wide, the breed is characterized by a straight bite or a slight undershot;
• The ears are large and drooping. They are overgrown with hair very abundantly - so much so that the true size of the ears themselves is difficult to estimate by eye;
• The body is strong, rectangular in shape. It is important that the length of the dog, measured from the withers to the base of the tail, exceeds its height;
• The tail is well furred;
• The limbs are quite short, their muscles are well developed. Paws are covered with hair. Smooth movements;
• The coat is not only long, but also thick and may be slightly wavy, but should not curl. The undercoat is not fluffy.

Deviations from these standards are considered faults, and when evaluating a dog, each of them is assessed depending on how severe it is and how it affects its health.

There are several defects:

• Physical, mental disabilities;
• Aggression;
• Cowardice.

Diseases of the ears and mouth

Long, floppy ears provide a more favorable environment for bacteria to grow than dogs with erect ears. Excessive hair only worsens the situation. Here it is necessary to trim the hair from the ears in a timely manner and clean them weekly.

When plaque appears on the teeth, it must be cleaned off. Otherwise, plaque forms tartar, which provokes gum inflammation and tooth loss. You need to take special care of your incisors. A visit to the veterinarian at least twice a year will help control the situation.

How to brush your dog's teeth, in which case it is better to contact a veterinarian, as well as useful tips - you can learn from our article.

Popular Shih Tzu colors

There are no color restrictions in the breed standards. This means that a Shih Tzu can be any color or combination of colors without it being a fault. The most common colors are black, white and brown. But Shih Tzus often have others, for example, variations with white and red, brindle, gray, and cream colors are common.

It is desirable that spotted dogs have a characteristic white marking on the forehead and the tip of the tail is also colored white. They often have a mark on their beard, called the Buddha's mark in China.

Interesting fact: The abundance of colors of dogs of this breed is explained by the fact that from its very appearance in China they began to actively work on breeding pets of increasingly exotic colors. The best color then was considered gold, and as even as possible. Such Shih Tzus were worthy of becoming the personal pets of emperors.

The color of these dogs meant a lot, and how they were selected was considered a secret of the imperial court. But, if earlier breeders sought to breed a Shih Tzu of a new color - both in China and at first in Europe, now everything has changed. At exhibitions, pets of one of the classic colors have an advantage.

Among these:

• White and gold with a predominance of either of these two colors;
• Black and gold and black and white;
• Bordeaux.

It is these colors that are considered the most suitable for Shih Tzu, and they are more widespread than others in Europe and Asia. The situation is different in America, where even now there are frequent experiments in order to obtain a new interesting shade. To do this, sometimes they even resort to crossing with dogs of other breeds.

Breed characteristics

Character and habits of the Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu dogs are distinguished by the fact that they do not have one owner in the family. Instead, they perceive all its members equally - except that they can make an exception for small children and treat them as pets like themselves.

Shih Tzus love company. Even a sleeping pet, hearing that the owner is leaving, wakes up and tries to go with him. If this dog is left at home alone, it whines at first, hoping that the owner will return and take it with him - but he does not bark.

Shih Tzus love to cuddle and play, but do not require excessive activity from a person; they only need to be petted. Therefore, they can become good pets for older people. They are also quiet, so you can safely keep them in your apartment without causing trouble for your neighbors.

They can do without walks at all, but if the owner wants to run and play, the Shih Tzu will do it with pleasure. In general, they tend to adapt to the character of their owners, and if it differs greatly among family members, they remember the habits of everyone. But in order for this dog to behave well, it needs to be raised from childhood and shown that it needs to obey you.

If the Shih Tzu was not raised properly as a child, it will not be possible to correct the omission in adulthood. Such dogs tend to constantly show obstinacy, run around the apartment and spoil things. It turns out that some of them love to bark - and, as it turns out, they can do it very loudly.

Shih Tzus have a strong psyche and, on occasion, show courage; this sets them apart from most lap dogs. If you encounter aggressive stray dogs or hooligans, the pet will certainly try to protect you, although given its size you cannot count on success.

Interesting fact: Shih Tzus can be wary of guests they see for the first time, but they quickly relax, especially if they pay attention to them. These pets are narcissists by nature, so they really like attention, and the one who gives it immediately turns into a friend for them.

They are calm and kind in nature and get along with other pets without problems, especially cats. It is worth keeping an eye only on the cats themselves, who can show aggression towards the Shih Tzu, seeing their docile disposition. Moreover, if you often take out this dog, it may still get angry and bite the offender.

Therefore, it is worth keeping very young children away from them, and explaining to slightly older children the rules of behavior when playing with a pet. If you don’t offend him, then he will never show aggression, because the viciousness inherent in some small dogs is completely absent in this breed.

Description and features

The main feature of the Shih Tzu breed is its bright, luxurious appearance. It is extremely difficult not to notice this creature. It is remembered by everyone who turned their gaze to it. These small dogs are very temperamental, characterized by charisma and charm.

It is a big mistake to think that a decorative dog cannot stand up for itself. Yes, most breeds in this group, for example, the Yorkshire Terrier, are absolutely harmless, but the Shih Tzu is an exception. As the people say: “Appearances are deceiving.” This is exactly the case.

Sweet on the outside, but brave and formidable on the inside - this is a description that matches the representative of the breed in question. Nothing can scare him, not even a dangerous person. The dog will rush to protect its owner in any situation. Without a doubt, he is one of the most courageous.

These small dogs are excellent watchdogs. They are vigilant and careful. They can notify owners of danger by barking. They have it loud and ringing. By the way, such a dog often makes noise, so it is unlikely to get along with a lover of silence.

He definitely won’t tolerate familiarity and nervousness. Has a developed sense of self-esteem and is moderately proud. Doesn't like bullies, boors and rude people. A bad attitude upsets the animal, so if it encounters it, it moves away.

Despite the presence of watchdog qualities, it does not show aggression towards people. He scares away strangers he doesn't like by barking. Rarely bullies anyone on his own.

Has sociable inclinations. Doesn't like loneliness. Prefers to follow the owner's heels. He feels pleasure when he is in his arms. Energetic and cheerful. The Shih Tzu is a reliable and loving pet, friend and companion. He tends to empathize. Seeks to console the owner if he is sad about something. They have a strong emotional connection with him.

They do not need physical exercise as much as, for example, a German Shepherd or a Beagle, but banal homebodying tires him. An active toy dog ​​must regularly experience new emotions in order to remain happy. She needs to interact with the outside world, communicate with her own kind, walk in nature, etc.

Interesting facts about the Shih Tzu

Since the origin of the breed is lost over the centuries, it has become overgrown with myths. So, in China they say that the first Shih Tzu followed the Buddha during his wanderings. In fact, she was not a dog at all, but a lion enclosed in a small body. If Buddha was in danger, she returned to the form of a lion and dealt with the offenders. Like other legends, this one did not appear out of nowhere, but due to the fact that when a threat to the owner, the Shih Tzu actually shows much greater courage than can be expected from such a small beast.

In Chinese, the name of the breed sounds similar to the word “lion cub”, and together with the legend above, this led to the opinion that it was from this word that it came. But in fact, the name was given in honor of Xi Shi, the legendary Chinese beauty - according to legend, she lived in the 6th century.

Although reliable information about these dogs at the imperial court has only been available since the 17th century, there is also evidence indicating that they lived there before. For example, Marco Polo, who came to China in the 13th century, saw some “small lions” at the court of Kublai Kublai, who conquered China. He noted that these animals were affectionate and gentle - it was quite possible that they were Shih Tzus. Empress Ci Xi loved her Shih Tzus so much that she built a palace especially for them.

Due to their flattened heads, representatives of the breed really do not like hot weather. The air enters the respiratory system too quickly and remains hot, causing the dog to quickly overheat and potentially suffer heatstroke. Therefore, you can’t walk with her in the heat, and it shouldn’t be hot in the apartment either.

Drying and combing

While the wool is wet, it can be combed (but experts do not recommend combing dirty wool), starting from the ends and gradually moving up to the roots. All combs that you use to groom your pet must belong only to him: do not lend them to anyone and do not take other people’s tools yourself. Combs live on many bacteria and parasites that can infect your pet.

We advise you to read: Phalen (Papillon) Dog Breed

The final stage of water procedures is wiping and, if necessary, drying with a hairdryer. If you use a hair dryer, make sure that the air stream is not too hot and does not hit the dog's face or ears. Do not overdry the coat, as this will make it weakened and brittle. The final shine of the coat will be given by an antistatic grooming spray (such as is available, for example, in the Grown Royal range) or a fixative with silk particles from Pet Silk.

Pros and cons of the Shih Tzu

The breed has its advantages and disadvantages. To decide whether to get a Shih Tzu or any other pet, you should weigh them carefully.

Pros:

• They have a beautiful exterior and look exotic;
• Small, so they don't need a lot of space to keep them;
• There is no need to walk them every day; these pets can easily tolerate the lack of exercise;
• They have good health, so, with proper care and maintenance, they will not often get sick;
• They are smart, it is easy to train them to use a tray, they eat carefully, without scattering food around. They can be trained to perform commands and tricks;
• Quiet - only puppies bark, well-mannered adult dogs refrain from barking;
• Their character is good-natured, they treat all family members well, quickly get used to guests, and easily get along with other pets;
• They can be taken with you on trips due to their miniature size; moreover, they behave well on the road and do not bother anyone.

Minuses:

• Their fur must be carefully looked after and a lot of time devoted to it;
• They really don’t like to be left alone, and when the owners of the house do their best to attract their attention;
• Heat intolerance. Shih Tzus are not only contraindicated for walking on a hot summer day, but also the apartment where the dog lives should not be hot - even if it is left alone during the day, you need to turn on the air conditioning;
• Representatives of this breed are very prone to eating feces - much more than other domestic dogs. Therefore, they will need to be removed immediately.

A set of advantages makes them very good pets for keeping in an apartment. A Shih Tzu can easily become the favorite of the whole family, and he himself will also become attached to everyone. But you need to understand in advance that you will have to take care of this dog, especially its fur. You will need to devote at least a little time to it every day.

Maintenance, care and nutrition

The dog is small in size and is drawn to the company of people. Therefore, it may well be kept in apartment conditions. The first thing you need to do is provide her with a place to sleep.

The genetic memory of the animal (the imperial dog!) contains a love for comfort and cleanliness. Animal care includes:

• bath days 1-2 times a month with shampoo for long-haired breeds;
• combing the wool with a special brush;
• regular teeth cleaning;
• cleansing the ears and plucking out excess hairs;
• drawing up the correct diet, taking into account the characteristics of the animal.

To ensure that the mini shea always looks attractive, special attention is paid to her chic hair. Before combing, the wool is moistened, divided into strands and combed each separately.

Before going outside, the fur growing on the face can be gathered into a bun so that it does not get dirty. If you do not plan to perform at exhibitions, you can get a haircut.

Feeding

The diet depends on age, and, of course, the pet’s preferences must be taken into account. The main part of food for an adult dog should be meat: beef, offal, turkey, rabbit. You need to be careful with chicken, which sometimes causes allergies in the animal.

The table below shows a sample menu broken down by age:

The second feeding option involves purchasing high-quality dry food and canned food for dogs.

Important! During the change of teeth (4-6 months), you do not need to give your pet solid food, otherwise the bite will form with a shift.

Shih Tzu Breeding

Before breeding a pet, you should think again about whether you need it. The dog itself doesn’t really need mating; on the contrary, pregnancy is stressful for its body. At the same time, puppies are sold at high prices only in well-known nurseries, and an ordinary breeder cannot count on significant profits.

Moreover, they will stay with you for a long time before they find a buyer. Prepare for the fact that you will have to care for a couple of puppies for up to six months, and spend a lot of time on this. In addition, puppies are often noisy, unlike adult Shih Tzus. But if you still decide, then the first mating should be done at 1.5-2 years. The optimal childbearing age for a dog of this breed is up to 7 years, after this point it is better to stop mating.

An important issue is the selection of a pair. There should not be a big difference in weight between a female and a male - no more than one and a half kilograms. It is best if the mating is formalized, because such puppies are easier to sell, but even if it is carried out without registration, try to find a mate for your pet without defects in appearance and hereditary diseases.

You also need to make sure that both dogs are healthy at the time of mating. To do this, a smear is taken for staphylococcus, and prevention of helminths and skin parasites is carried out. Before mating, you need to change your diet to include more vitamins, especially E - it is important for successful mating.

Pregnancy lasts 2 months or a little more. When the due date approaches, find a secluded place for childbirth; it should be shaded, warm, and without drafts. You need to put something soft in it and build a house; for this you can use a cardboard box. This is where the puppies will spend the first weeks of their lives, and it is important that they are not allowed to crawl all over the room.

A drop in body temperature by a couple of degrees indicates that labor is approaching. When this happens, you need to prepare everything for childbirth and prepare to provide assistance if necessary. If you don't have experience with this, be sure to have your veterinarian's number handy.

Eye diseases

Eye loss in Shih Tzus (proptosis, eye dislocation) is one of the most common problems in this breed. The fact is that the sides of the eyeballs are protected not by bone, but by muscles, and the orbit of the eye is a bit cramped for the eye. Therefore, the eye may fall out, remaining supported only by the muscles.

Shih Tzu's eyes fall out, reasons:

• Excessive activity of the animal.
• Any blows to the head, especially to the temple and back of the head.
• Lifting by the scruff of the neck.
• Neck compression can be avoided if you lead your dog with a harness rather than a collar.

If a loss does occur, do not panic. You need to take the dog in your arms so that it calms down and does not cause more harm to itself. Under no circumstances should you try to move the eye on your own; only surgery by a veterinarian will help. To prevent your eye from becoming inflamed before visiting a doctor, you need to moisten a sterile bandage with boiled water, cover the eyeball, and apply eye ointment around it. You can apply cold for 10 minutes.

Symptoms of other diseases that require a visit to the veterinarian:

• Increased tear production may indicate a speck, the beginning of inflammation, or a scratch on the eyeball.
• Dryness (keratoconjunctivitis) – insufficient secretion of the lacrimal glands, its damage.
• Redness, irritation.
• The appearance of spots on the cornea.
• Itching.

All these symptoms can be the causes or consequences of cataracts, retinal detachment and atrophy, distichiasis (extra row of eyelashes), entropion, eye infections. Therefore, you need to take care of your eyes daily, examine and wipe them.

Shih Tzu care

They are undemanding when it comes to walks; you can go for walks every day, or once a week. For comfort, your pet needs to build a house or purchase a bed where he will rest. But what you will have to devote a lot of time to is their fur. To keep your Shih Tzu looking good, you need to constantly brush and wash it. If you don’t take care of it, his fur will quickly mat, tangles will appear on it, and it will become dull. There will also be an odor, although with regular washing the fur of dogs of this breed is devoid of it.

You should only buy a Shih Tzu if someone in the family is willing to take care of its fur. Fortunately, there are usually people who want it, because thanks to its length, you can do different hairstyles, changing them periodically. If the enthusiasm in this regard has passed, a short haircut will help.

If the coat is particularly long, your pet should be brushed daily. Even if he has short hair, it is advisable to do this three times a week. The comb should be moistened with conditioner, and especially carefully go over the stomach, armpits, and hair behind the ears. For shine, the wool is treated with oil.

The dog is bathed once every 7-10 days; its nails should be checked at the same frequency and, if necessary, trimmed. Eye and ear care is normal, check every few days, and clean if necessary. Special attention should be paid to the teeth, since the breed is susceptible to periodontitis.

To prevent its development, you need to brush your teeth at least once every two days, and preferably daily. You should start doing this immediately after your pet arrives in the house. Then he will treat the procedure calmly, but if he is not accustomed to it as a puppy, then each brushing of his teeth will be difficult.

Diseases

On average, dogs of this breed can live from 15 to 17 years, remaining vigorous and healthy. But this does not mean that they do not tend to get sick. Typical ailments of this breed are early loss of teeth and tumors in the mouth. Problems with the spine, even paralysis, may also occur.

It would be strange to avoid problems with such a thick, luxurious coat. It is often inhabited by parasites such as fleas and ticks, but dandruff is also common. The latter is a sign that your four-legged friend lacks trace elements or that the skin care products are not suitable.

Shih Tzu after haircut

If small wounds are not noticed in time, an abscess often develops, especially when it is humid and stuffy outside. If this disease starts, you will need the help of a specialist. The ears are also susceptible to parasites. In addition, the older the dog, the higher the likelihood that he will become deaf. In addition, this breed is susceptible to inguinal hernia, kidney failure, cataracts, atopy, entropion, various types of fungi, and urolithiasis.

Shih Tzu diet

The easiest way is to give dry food. Regarding the choice of brand, it is better to consult with the breeder. Preferred food categories are “premium” and “super”, and those designed specifically for this breed - they contain the entire range of necessary vitamins and minerals.

They can be supplemented with canned food from the same manufacturer. If you choose dry food, you should not mix it with natural food - this is bad for your pet’s health. But you can refuse it altogether and feed your pet natural products. It should be remembered that the breed is prone to obesity, which means that the menu must be carefully compiled so that it contains little fat. You should not feed your dog from the table, otherwise it will become picky about food and begin to be capricious.

The pet's diet may consist of:

• Meat;
• Offal;
• Sea fish;
• Fermented milk products;
• Porridge (not from cereals);
• Vegetables.

Before giving the meat, you need to boil it a little or pour boiling water over it so that the pet does not become infected with parasites. But full cooking is not necessary - raw meat is preferable. Beef, rabbit, turkey are suitable. Pork is too fatty, and you may be allergic to chicken. In general, the diet should consist mostly of meat and fish - about 70%. The fish must be boiled and thoroughly cleaned of bones. Even a small bone can be very painful, which is why Shih Tzus are usually not given fish at all.

You should definitely include cottage cheese and fermented milk products in your menu, although milk itself should not be given to adult pets. They supplement the diet with porridge so that the dog does not refuse it by boiling it in broth. Vegetables are essential as a source of fiber, so don’t forget about them. They can be given both raw and boiled.

Important fact: It is useful to add meat and bone meal, kelp and fish oil to food; this will improve the health of your Shih Tzu. On the contrary, cereals, pasta, smoked and sweet foods are harmful to this dog.

When a puppy has just arrived at home, you need to feed it in the same way as at the breeder or in the kennel, and with the same products. Introduce new ones to the menu little by little. If he leaves something in the bowl, it's worth removing it. The puppy is fed five times a day; as it grows, the number of feedings is reduced to two. A puppy is given about 7-8% of its weight per day, an adult dog 4%.

Nutrition

Almost all representatives of decorative breeds have one significant drawback - a weak stomach. That is why they especially need proper nutrition. To protect your pet and not give him some “extra” product, we suggest buying him premium wet food.

They are fortified and very useful. But, Shih Tzu puppies are recommended to eat natural food. To get stronger and healthier, they are recommended to eat raw meat (in small quantities), cheese, cottage cheese, fruits and vegetables. The most useful natural additive to a dog’s food is bone meal. You can even add it to wet food.

It is believed that if a puppy has been fed mother's milk for less than 1 month, it will not grow up healthy. It’s difficult to argue with this, but if for some reason he stopped doing this, dairy products will help make up for the lack of calcium in his body.

Diseases and health problems

The Shih Tzu's health is quite good and if you bought a dog without genetic diseases, then it will not get sick very often. With good care, a pet can live up to 16 years, and even in old age will remain quite active.

Ailments characteristic of the breed:

• Proptosis (protrusion of the eyeball);
• Conjunctivitis;
• Losing or crooked teeth;
• Periodontal disease.

Proptosis is caused by the structure of the Shih Tzu's face. The fact is that their eye orbit is not closed, so only the masticatory muscle holds the eye, and under pressure it can fall out. Of course, this is very painful, but the eye can be returned to its place. If this happens to your pet, calm him down, lubricate the eye and take him to the vet as quickly as possible.

Because Shih Tzus have small jaws, their teeth do not always develop properly and sometimes become crooked or fall out. Therefore, if you notice any problems with them, you should immediately take your pet to a canine dentist. Regular visits to him will also help avoid the development of periodontal disease.

Interesting fact: Dogs suffer from fleas due to their long fur. They can break up quickly, so you need to check the coat after every walk. When ticks are active, such checks are especially important because such long fur attracts them too.

In addition, wounds under the fur may go unnoticed, so you should look for them too. If found, wash them with salted water. If the wound looks inflamed and does not heal, it is better to go to the veterinarian. There is another problem associated with fur - the pet swallows lumps of it. Their accumulation is very dangerous; the Shih Tzu may begin to choke or develop intestinal problems.

They love to jump on and off furniture, but at the same time their back is vulnerable; due to their long body and short legs, it can be damaged if the jump is unsuccessful. Spinal injuries are very dangerous and can lead to paralysis.

In order for your pet to avoid them, you need to carefully arrange the furniture in such a way as to minimize the risks, because it will not be possible to wean him from jumping. When your Shih Tzu reaches old age, it is better to start carrying him up stairs, because even jumping on them will become dangerous. This should be taken seriously; paralysis is one of the most common ailments in these dogs.

Health

In order for your pet to always feel good, you need to visit the veterinarian twice a year for preventative care. Shih Tzu diseases identified at an early stage are much easier to treat. Shih Tzus have several diseases that occur most frequently.

Their predisposition is associated with the physiological structure of the face. Dog breeds such as Shih Tzu, Pekingese and Pugs are classified as brachycephalic. A large skull and a short upturned face often provoke problems with the eyes and breathing. The owner needs to study their symptoms in order to react in time.

How to care for a dog

A Shih Tzu pet must be not only healthy, but also beautiful. Therefore, maintaining the breed appearance of the animal is an important task. And since one of the main advantages is the long, silky coat, caring for it sometimes brings owners a lot of problems. The pros and cons of the breed lie precisely in the condition of the coat and its length, this is how the thoroughbred of each individual is determined.

The downside is daily and not always simple manipulations, but the upside is the beauty and healthy shine of the coat.

To achieve this, the hair should be thoroughly moistened with conditioner or water, applying it with a spray. The greatest attention should be paid to the axillary areas, the area behind the ears and the fur on the belly. Then the coat should be thoroughly combed using a massage comb or a comb with large, sparse teeth. Movements should be very careful, the hand moves from top to bottom, from roots to ends.

To avoid terrible infectious diseases, be sure to follow the vaccination schedule according to age. This is extremely important! Only then will it be practically guaranteed not to worry about the life and health of your dog.

Between the ears, on the back of the head and around the muzzle, the Shih Tzu has very long hair, so almost all owners collect it in a cute, funny ponytail on the top of the head. This is done so that it does not get into your eyes and does not get dirty while eating.

Sometimes owners of dogs of this breed are not too concerned about the appearance of their pet, and do not want to spend time and effort on caring for the coat, so they cut their hair rather short. But you should know that in this case it is better to contact a dog grooming specialist rather than carry out the procedure yourself. And although this does not eliminate the need for brushing and bathing, it does make grooming much easier.

Shih Tzu's eyes require very careful treatment. Because they are slightly protruding, they can be easily injured by bathing, brushing, or getting caught in hair. To avoid such troubles, all procedures should be carried out very carefully, carefully monitoring the condition of the eyes. Daily care includes dry eye cleaning, which can be done using a small amount of boric acid powder.

Shih Tzu dogs should have their nails trimmed at least once every two weeks. This procedure can be combined with bathing and trimming the fur on the paws. In addition, you need to inspect the paw pads more often, because various small objects can get stuck between your pets’ toes. If not cleaned, they can damage the paws. Every time after bathing, dogs' ears should be dried internally. This can be done using cotton pads or swabs.

Conditions of detention

The breed is intended for keeping at home. It is necessary to allocate a separate area for your pet where his sleeping place will be located - a lounger or a house. When choosing a comfortable space, you should pay attention to the distance from sources of heating (radiators, radiators) and cold. The dog should not experience discomfort from drafts or overheating. You should also avoid walk-through areas (corridor, kitchen).

From the moment a puppy appears in the house, he is shown a feeder and a drinking bowl. It is best to use ceramic or metal bowls. Food is poured in accordance with the feeding schedule and removed after finishing the meal. Drinking water must be available at all times.

To walk your dog, you will need accessories such as a collar and a leash with adjustable length. The muzzle is used in rare cases. The Shih Tzu's thick coat needs protection from dirt and rain. The animal should have clothes for walking in wet weather - overalls or raincoats.