	dogs \| horses \| alpacas \| llamas
	List Your Puppies

Info Center

Learn about a dog breed > Dog breeds > Shih_Tzu Puppy Breed Information

General Info

Name:	Shih_Tzu
Average Maximum Height:	8-11in
Average Maximum Weight:	8-15lb
Colors:	any color
Coat:	This small sturdy dog, like the Lhasa Apso, is covered over with a coat that is Long, dense, not curly with a good undercoat. This proud looking little dog has hair above the nose growing upward, creating a "chrysanthemum" face.
Grooming Required:	High
Good with Children:	Yes
Good with Pets:	Yes
Best Kept:	Indoors
Activity Level (1 low; 10 high):	3
Trainability:	Low
Originates From:	China
Origin Date:	1600s
Original Use:	Emperor's court dog
Current Use:	Companion
Other Names:	Chrysanthemum Dog
Life Expectancy:	12-14yrs
AKC Recognition:	Yes
Year Recognized:	1969
Class:	Toy

Extended Info


	Quick Links
	Shih_Tzu puppies for sale Shih_Tzu breeders

	Common Traits
	Prone to kidney disorder

	History
	Shih Tzus may have originated from a cross between the Tibetan Mountain Dog and the Pekingese. They were imported to England in the 1930's. They made their way to United States after WWII by military officers going home.

	Miscellaneous
	Litter Size: 2-4 In 1994, the Shih Tzu was the 12th most popular dog of AKC's 139 breeds with more than 37 thousand new individual registrations. Shih Tzu are intelligent, and can be trained for obedience competition and for good manners around the home. They can be stubborn, so persistence and consistency are definite plusses in training methods. Punishment makes this dog shut down, so training should also be low-key and motivational.

Sources

Dogs - Horses - Alpacas - Llamas