Shih Tzus are one of the most loved small dog breeds. Known for their beautiful, long silky hair, their cute little smooshed in noses, and their killer big dark eyes, these little dogs can totally win over the hearts of their owners.
The Shih Tzu breed originated in China. They were originally bred to be royal companions of Chinese Emperors of the Manchu Dynasty. The name Shih Tzu means “lion dog”, and was given because of the little dog’s confident and regal attitude.
Shih Tzus can make wonderful pets, but must be trained to know who is boss. Without the proper training, a Shih Tzu will quickly try to rule the house. As cute as this may seem, sometimes it can cause the Shih Tzu to become very bossy causing it to growl, snap, and sometimes even bite. Therefore, it is important to let your Shih Tzu know who is boss from the very beginning. Doing so will bring out their sweet, trustworthy, and loyal traits.
The Shih Tzu normally stands up to 11 inches tall and weighs between 9-16 pounds. They are small and sturdy with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall.
Shih Tzus come in a variety of colors. Their coats are long and silky and require regular brushing and grooming. Many times pet owners will have their Shih Tzu’s hair cut shorter so that less grooming will be required.
The life expectancy of a Shih Tzu is approximately 15 years. Health issues include: slipped stifle and spinal disc disease due to their long back and short legs, ear infections, eye problems, allergies and respiratory problems.
Taking care of your Shih Tzu’s health is very important. With the rising costs of vet visits, many people are now purchasing pet insurance. Pet insurance can actually help to defray vet costs as well as give you peace of mind knowing that your pet’s health will be covered for years to come.
GuardMyPet offers affordable dog insurance plans. We have a variety of plans to choose from based on your pet’s needs and your budget. Contact us today and we will send you a free quote on dog insurance for your Shih Tzu.
