Shih Tzu Pups Are Affectionate Additions to Every Family
As an affectionate, loyal, and trusting companion, Shih Tzu dogs were bred to be lavious lap dogs for the aristocracy. Their name means “little lion” which is both a testament to their appearance and their prestigious lineage. Featuring a lion-like, scrunched-in face, a pronounced underbite, and long-haired coat, this toy dog breed ranges from 9 to 16 pounds, making them the perfect fit to hold in your arms or on your lap. Their coloring varies widely with many combinations of white, gray, black, and brown. They love spending time with their favorite people, and will be happy to accompany you on errands or to watch television together for some down time. Shih Tzus have a gentle and calm temperament that makes them perfect companions for singles, couples, seniors, and families alike. If you are interested in bringing a Shih Tzu home today, contact Peak Legacy Ranch or start the adoption process online today.
History
Shih Tzus have a long and proud history, dating back over 2000 years, and originated in Tibet from breeds like the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso. It is thought that they were raised as temple dogs by Tibetan Monks who gave them as gifts to emperors of China. As their name suggests, they were bred to appear like “little lions” but rather than working as watch dogs, they have been cherished as companion pets for centuries. After being given to English and Dutch nobility in the early 1900s, they finally arrived in America around the 1930s, and rose to tremendous popularity by the 1960s.
Temperament
Shih Tzus make themselves comfortable on the laps of everyone with their affectionately friendly natures. Their happy-go-lucky attitude shines through while socializing, and their eagerness to please makes them a delight to train. These adorable bundles of energy are full of trust and loyalty, and truly enjoy spending time with their owners whether it’s interactive playtime or just hanging out on the couch together.
Environment
Shih Tzus were raised to accompany imperial families within their palaces, and have therefore adapted to indoor life extremely well. With their small stature, apartment living is a breeze for them, and so long as they have adequate exercise, these playful pals will be happy to accompany their favorite people anywhere they go.
Exercise
Little Shih Tzus need a moderate amount of exercise, around thirty minutes of activity a day. This can be short walks around a park or some indoor interaction that gets them up and moving around. Many Shih Tzu owners find that their furry friends love learning tricks with the right kind of training, creating a new type of playtime to burn off energy with.
Grooming
With hair that keeps on growing much like a human’s, Shih Tzu’s hypoallergenic fur can get quite long without regular haircuts. One style that Shih Tzu owners keep their coat in is a long-hair appearance that drapes down to the floor. This particular style would need daily brushing in order to prevent matting from building up. Baths are recommended at least once a week. With a shorter look, the Shih Tzu’s coat would need regular haircuts about once a month, with a bath recommended about once or twice a month for proper care. It’s also important to have regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing down to ensure your puppy pal is as healthy as can be.
