Shih Tzu
The Shih-Tzu is a small and very hairy. The long coat is extremely woolly and it is lined for even more warmth with a soft undercoat. The coat is often white although most other colours are common too. The head is round and the black nose points slightly upwards. The muzzle is short and furry and the Shih-Tzu also has a beard. With large, round eyes and extremely furry ears that are almost completely covered and therefore almost totally obscured form view, this little dog is very loveable to say the least. The tail is very fluffy and curls over the back. It is carried fairly high too.
Temperament : |
The Shih-Tzu is very active and alert. It is full of character and responds best to firm but constant and even gentle training. Patience is a must however. A great watchdog, this little dog barks readily. It is quiet inside the home though. They are also highly affectionate and friendly animals and tend to get on well with most other pets, especially if they have become accustomed to them. |
Health issues : |
They may suffer from respiratory diseases and as a consequence, snore. They are also quite one to ear and eye problems. Overeating is common as their appetites are large so be careful how much food they are given. Their teeth also decay quickly and need to be looked after meticulously. |
Exercise : |
They can be quite lazy animals so encourage them to exercise and they will be able to maintain better levels of fitness than if left to sleep and lay around. Daily walks and runs in the park are ideal. |
Life expectancy : |
They tend to live for around fifteen years. |
Grooming : |
These little dogs require daily grooming. Care and attention is necessary to ensure that they look their best. It is best to use a bristle brush when grooming these dogs. They shed very little, if any hair and so are fairly easy to keep clean and groom. |
