Shih Tzu Dog Facts

Shih Tzu’s are a wonderful breed of dog that make loyal pets. The name is pronounced, “sheed-zoo” and it means lion. These little balls of fur will steal your heart. This breed is friendly, outgoing and loves to cuddle. Shih Tzu’s make an excellent companion and will follow you everywhere you go. They come in many different colors including gold, white, black, and silver.

Shih Tzu Dog Facts #1- Shih Tzu’s were bred to look like a lion
Their hair grows extremely long and looks like a lions mane. If you brush their hair regularly it will grow to the floor.

Shih Tzu Dog Facts #2- Shih Tzu’s were bred for royalty in China
Shih Tzu’s were so precious to China they refused to share them with the rest of the world. This was a breed reserved for royalty in China from 17th century until 1930.

Shih Tzu Dog Facts #3- Lhasa Apso from Tibet and Pekinese from China
These dogs were bred by Buddhist monks for royalty. They were intended to be guard dogs for the palace. They are a combination of Lhasa Apso and Pekinese.

Shih Tzu Dog Facts #4- Shih Tzu’s life span is 12-14 years.

Shih Tzu Dog Facts #5- Hereditary Disease.
Shih Tzu’s can be more susceptible to kidney disease (renal dysplasia) and kidney stones. My little guy eventually succumbed to kidney disease at 15 years of age. The last few months of his life he had to be given fluids on a regular basis to feel better. It was only then that I learned Shih Tzu’s have a higher rate of kidney issues than many other breeds. They are also one of the top ten breeds that suffer from renal dysplasia.

Shih Tzu Dog Facts #6- About 27,282 Shih Tzu’s are registered every year according to the AKC. Shi Tzu’s are in the top 10 of the most popular dogs in United States.
http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats_2006.cfm

Shih Tzu Dog Facts #7- Shih Tzu’s are one of the oldest breeds in existence.

Shih Tzu Dog Facts #8- Price Range
Registered Shih Tzu’s with champion bloodlines from breeders will usually sell for about $2500. If you find a purebred in the paper that is registered but no champion lines they will usually be about $800-$1000. Unregistered Shih Tzu’s will usually be a few hundred dollars. Occasionally, you can find one of these dogs at the pound but will have competition in adopting him.

Shih Tzu Dog Facts #9- Shih Tzu’s weigh about 10-16 lbs and are approximately 10 inches tall. They have short legs and are longer than tall.

Shih Tzu Dog Facts #10- Joined AKC Toy Group in 1969.