Shih Tzu dog. Description, features, types, character, care and price of the Shih Tzu breed

Description and features

The main feature of the Shih Tzu breed is its bright, luxurious appearance. It is extremely difficult not to notice this creature. It is remembered by everyone who turned their gaze to it. These small dogs are very temperamental, characterized by charisma and charm.

It is a big mistake to think that a decorative dog cannot stand up for itself. Yes, most breeds in this group, for example, the Yorkshire Terrier, are absolutely harmless, but the Shih Tzu is an exception. As the people say: “Appearances are deceiving.” This is exactly the case.

Sweet on the outside, but brave and formidable on the inside - this is a description that matches the representative of the breed in question. Nothing can scare him, not even a dangerous person. The dog will rush to protect its owner in any situation. Without a doubt, he is one of the most courageous.

These small dogs are excellent watchdogs. They are vigilant and careful. They can notify owners of danger by barking. They have it loud and ringing. By the way, such a dog often makes noise, so it is unlikely to get along with a lover of silence.

He definitely won’t tolerate familiarity and nervousness. Has a developed sense of self-esteem and is moderately proud. Doesn't like bullies, boors and rude people. A bad attitude upsets the animal, so if it encounters it, it moves away.

Despite the presence of watchdog qualities, it does not show aggression towards people. He scares away strangers he doesn't like by barking. Rarely bullies anyone on his own.

Has sociable inclinations. Doesn't like loneliness. Prefers to follow the owner's heels. He feels pleasure when he is in his arms. Energetic and cheerful. The Shih Tzu is a reliable and loving pet, friend and companion. He tends to empathize. Seeks to console the owner if he is sad about something. They have a strong emotional connection with him.

They do not need physical exercise as much as, for example, a German Shepherd or a Beagle, but banal homebodying tires him. An active toy dog ​​must regularly experience new emotions in order to remain happy. She needs to interact with the outside world, communicate with her own kind, walk in nature, etc.

Breed standard

The Shih Tzu dog belongs to the small group. She has a harmoniously built body. In representatives of this breed, the sexual characteristics are significantly pronounced. This means that females are much smaller than males. The height at the withers of the former is from 22 to 27 cm, in the latter – from 28 to 33 cm. The individual weighs from 4.5 to 8 kg.

The fact that such a dog has “royal” roots is evidenced by its appearance. The Shih Tzu in the photo looks majestic, proud, in a word – presentable. According to the standard, it should not be complete. It is important that every part of his body is refined. However, it is a strong and resilient beast.

He has a slightly stretched body. The back is straight, without bends. Deep, slightly protruding sternum. The lumbar region is clearly visible, as it is convex. The tail is long, curled, lies on the back, all covered with long hair. The representative of the breed has developed muscles.

The strongest bones are in a dog's legs. She has short ones, so she is not capable of running fast. The pads on the limbs are round and fleshy. The claws are strong and dark.

The dog's small head harmonizes perfectly with his elegant physique. The most expressive part of her is her eyes. They are large and dark, reminiscent of large buttons. A distinctive feature of the breed is its wide-set eyes. On top they are covered with a small fold of skin. There are also medium-length black eyelashes above the eye sockets. The ears are large, wide, hanging down. Like the tail, they are covered with long hair along the entire length. The dog has no wrinkles on his face.

The main difference between the Shih Tzu and other decorative dogs is its straight, long hair that resembles silk to the touch. According to the standard, it should not curl or curl, but slight waviness is not a defect. This dog has a developed undercoat.

Regarding the color of the dog's fur. The standard allows any shade, from black to pure white. But, it is considered more preferable to have a representative of the breed in different shades on the body, for example, black, white, red and brown.

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Kinds

The 2 main varieties of the Shih Tzu breed – American and European. Let's consider each of them separately.

1. American type. The main difference between an “American” and a “European” is a narrow, short muzzle and a small head. His chest is much less pronounced. By nature, he is more playful and active. He quickly rushes around the house looking for interesting objects. Loves to play. The gait is smooth and graceful.
2. European type. This dog has larger dimensions. Differs from the previous one with a larger head. By nature, he is friendlier and more welcoming.

Separately, we should highlight the miniature representatives of the breed - mini Shih Tzu. Here the opinions of breeders differ. Some believe that a 3-kg baby can be considered a separate type of breed, dwarf, while others call it a defect. One way or another, the miniature decorative dog is not standardized as a separate species.

Briefly about training

Puppies of this breed should begin training as early as possible, since young puppies are not very persevering and do not have the talent to accept a command the first time. The owner needs to show patience and perseverance, only then the baby will be able to delight with his successes. To the most important commands “fu!” and “come to me!” They begin training immediately after acquiring the baby.

Puppies are adorable, but the owner must understand that the little naughty one will grow up very soon, and he should not be allowed to bite household members, run on upholstered furniture and beg at the table. Early socialization of a puppy is a prerequisite for a dog’s happy life in the family, because a self-confident, friendly, well-mannered dog is pleasant to talk to.

Character

These cute-looking dogs cannot be called friendly. They have a positive attitude only if they communicate with members of their group, that is, with members of their household. Strangers are treated rather negatively. Often openly demonstrates disinterest in further communication.

Usually, when a Shih Tzu approaches a stranger to get to know him, he sniffs him for a long time, and only then determines whether to establish emotional contact with him or not. It is worth noting that bitches, in this regard, are more passive and phlegmatic. They may apathetically watch guests, humbly waiting for them to leave their home. But male dogs can bully, start conflicts, and even bite. The first ones are more gentle and affectionate.

Such dogs treat their household members cordially and love to bask in their attention and affection. They do not tolerate separation from their owner. When parting with him, they fall into apathy. They may completely lose their appetite. To prevent this, never leave your pet alone. Remember that if you leave home, one of your family members must stay with him.

This is a very jealous dog who never forgets betrayal. If you pay attention to another animal in the presence of a Shih Tzu, be prepared for the fact that next time he will not come to your call, as he will be very offended.

Such a dog is selfish, it knows its own worth, so it often behaves cockily. May offend other pets, especially cats. Wants to be the only favorite in the house. Moderately narcissistic and arrogant. However, she is not hostile towards anyone. Very rarely shows aggression. If she is dissatisfied with something, she will prefer to distance herself from the irritant than to openly attack him.

Note! This dog is not suitable for families with small children. She doesn't get along with kids because she is jealous by nature. She definitely won’t perform the functions of a house nanny.

But this pet will definitely get along with teenagers. Of course, none of them can become his master, but quite a friend. The mischievous dog will happily play and have fun with the kids. He especially likes to fetch the ball and run after people, motivating pursuit.

Puppies

Before choosing a representative of this breed, a potential owner needs to understand why he needs a dog in general. If you plan to have your pet participate in exhibition events, then you should prepare in advance for the fact that such an important task will require large cash injections, and you will also have to devote time to caring for and training your Shih Tzu. If the puppy is purchased as a pet, then it’s a little easier

In general, it does not matter for what purpose the animal is chosen, it is important to take into account certain parameters

Choosing a puppy

Healthy babies are distinguished by active and playful behavior; if the dog shows indifference and does not want to communicate, then you should take a closer look at another individual. Some animals intuitively feel incompatible with humans in temperament. When greeting the owner he likes, the puppy will try to start contacting him in a variety of ways, including sniffing, examining, and wagging his tail.

It is important to know. Shih Tzu dogs are fearless, and therefore, if the puppy begins to tuck its tail during a meeting, this can be attributed to the presence of a marriage in the dog

As for appearance, a representative of the breed must be well-groomed and attractive. There should be no damage to the skin or coat. The following deviations are also not allowed:

• curvature of limbs;
• the presence of a wobbling gait;
• dirty ears that give off an unpleasant odor;
• cloudy eyes without shine;
• everted eyelids;
• cracks and seals in the nasal cavity;
• felted wool with tangles;
• lack of appetite;
• The presence of a swollen abdomen may indicate poor nutrition or a helminthic disease.

Price

If you want to buy a young dog, then you need to familiarize yourself with the approximate cost of purebred animals:

• an undocumented Shih Tzu costs from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles, however, the potential owner risks purchasing a local pet or a sick dog;
• representatives belonging to the pet class (do not take part in exhibitions and breeding) excellent companions cost 12,000 - 25,000 rubles;
• breed class (compliance with the breed standard, suitable for breeding) will cost more than 30,000 rubles;
• a show class capable of taking prizes at exhibitions is already significantly more expensive than 45,000 - 200,000 rubles, it all depends on what qualities the puppy has and what titles its parents have.

Names for boys and girls

When choosing a nickname, owners are guided by the fact that it should be short and catchy so that the puppy can remember it as soon as possible. But not everyone believes that a simple name is suitable for a dog descended from the imperial court. Often the nickname emphasizes breed characteristics and aristocratic status.

This is what male dogs are called:

• Barberry;
• Saffron;
• Prize;
• Bumblebee;
• Korzhik;
• Gerard;
• Sevastyan;
• Oliver;
• Butch;
• Ulf.

For girls choose:

• Milash;
• Mint;
• Drop;
• Prank;
• Plush;
• Vesta;
• Milli;
• Tiffany;
• IU;
• April.

Care and maintenance

A Shih Tzu is not suitable for street keeping, like a typical apartment dog that is in great need of human care. You cannot take him outside for a long time, leave him in the sun or in the cold. It does not tolerate sudden changes in weather, so in rain or strong wind it is better to leave it at home.

A huge advantage of owning such a dog is that it does not require frequent walking. She goes to the toilet 2-3 times a day. Most owners purchase a special tray for her and teach her to defecate in it. Sand or filler must be changed every day to prevent an unpleasant odor from spreading throughout the house.

This is a very clean animal that does not necessarily need to be washed frequently. It is enough to bathe him once every 3 months. After the procedure, be sure to dry the dog with a hairdryer, and then comb its silky coat along its entire length. Exhibition animals will have to pluck long hairs near the nose and ears.

You only need to groom such pets if you plan to register them at show events. In this matter, it is recommended to trust professional groomers. Owners of such animals improve their appearance in different ways, making it brighter, for example, by attaching hairpins and elastic bands to their ears. It is imperative to wash your dog’s face, clean his ears, and trim his nails regularly. His health depends on these simple care procedures.

How to care for a Shih Tzu

To make it less of a hassle for the owner, you can trim your Shih Tzu like a puppy, this will save you from daily brushing. If the dog is expected to participate in shows and exhibitions, then the coat must be kept long and silky by combing it daily. Its structure resembles human hair, so it requires careful care. When changing from a puppy's coat to an adult's one, the amount of brushing should be increased.

Care includes:

• Trimming nails, trimming fur between toes.
• Pull hair away from the eyes into a ponytail on the top of the head.
• Wash as needed, be sure to dry completely with a hairdryer.
• Make sure that no tangles form on the wool.
• Check the condition of your eyes, wipe them daily with clean cotton pads moistened with boiled water.
• Keep your nasal passages clean.

It is better to comb the dog before washing it. To keep the fur coat soft and shiny, the shampoo must be professional. Place a rug at the bottom of the bathtub or basin to prevent the dog's paws from slipping.

Nutrition

Almost all representatives of decorative breeds have one significant drawback - a weak stomach. That is why they especially need proper nutrition. To protect your pet and not give him some “extra” product, we suggest buying him premium wet food.

They are fortified and very useful. But, Shih Tzu puppies are recommended to eat natural food. To get stronger and healthier, they are recommended to eat raw meat (in small quantities), cheese, cottage cheese, fruits and vegetables. The most useful natural additive to a dog’s food is bone meal. You can even add it to wet food.

It is believed that if a puppy has been fed mother's milk for less than 1 month, it will not grow up healthy. It’s difficult to argue with this, but if for some reason he stopped doing this, dairy products will help make up for the lack of calcium in his body.

Blockage of the urinary tract

Diseases of the genitourinary tract and kidneys in dogs are common. It is possible that the strong odor of urine caused by bladder congestion was a consequence of a similar disease.

To determine if your dog is suffering from a genitourinary disorder, check to see if the hair around the dog's genitals is dry. Veterinarians examine the genitourinary tract using a catheter. Again, the dog needs to take a general urine test.

If the smell of urine is similar to the smell of meat slops, the defect is caused by a large number of bacteria.

Sediment in the urine is considered an indicator of the condition of the urinary tract. Urine may contain red and white blood cells, crystals and epithelium. A large number of crystals in the urine indicates the presence of urolithiasis.

Remember, if a dog often pees a little at a time or does not pee for a long time, there is a clear sign of inflammatory processes in the bladder or an abscess in the ureters in the pet’s body. The latter is not difficult to identify by palpating the dog’s stomach - the bladder will seem tense and can be easily palpated.

Reproduction and lifespan

Most small toy dogs live at least 15 years, and Shih Tzus are no exception. There have been representatives of the breed who live to be 18 years old! But this is rare. Full competence is required from the breeder of the breed. He must be well versed in its standardization and know at what indicators an individual is discarded.

You need to breed dogs that are no younger than 1 year and no older than 8 years. They should not be relatives of each other, otherwise the puppies may be born sick or die in the first minutes of life. The female Shih Tzu starts her first heat at about 6 months. During this period, her body is preparing to grow up, so she cannot be mated with a male dog right away. He matures earlier at about 4 months.

Puppies

Before choosing a representative of this breed, a potential owner needs to understand why he needs a dog in general. If you plan to have your pet participate in exhibition events, then you should prepare in advance for the fact that such an important task will require large cash injections, and you will also have to devote time to caring for and training your Shih Tzu. If the puppy is purchased as a pet, then it’s a little easier

In general, it does not matter for what purpose the animal is chosen, it is important to take into account certain parameters

Choosing a puppy

Healthy babies are distinguished by active and playful behavior; if the dog shows indifference and does not want to communicate, then you should take a closer look at another individual. Some animals intuitively feel incompatible with humans in temperament. When greeting the owner he likes, the puppy will try to start contacting him in a variety of ways, including sniffing, examining, and wagging his tail.

It is important to know. Shih Tzu dogs are fearless, and therefore if the puppy begins to tuck its tail during a meeting, this can be attributed to the presence of a defect in the dog.. As for appearance, a representative of the breed must be well-groomed and attractive

There should be no damage to the skin or coat. The following deviations are also not allowed:

As for appearance, a representative of the breed must be well-groomed and attractive. There should be no damage to the skin or coat. The following deviations are also not allowed:

• curvature of limbs;
• the presence of a wobbling gait;
• dirty ears that give off an unpleasant odor;
• cloudy eyes without shine;
• everted eyelids;
• cracks and seals in the nasal cavity;
• felted wool with tangles;
• lack of appetite;
• The presence of a swollen abdomen may indicate poor nutrition or a helminthic disease.

Price

If you want to buy a young dog, then you need to familiarize yourself with the approximate cost of purebred animals:

• an undocumented Shih Tzu costs from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles, however, the potential owner risks purchasing a local pet or a sick dog;
• representatives belonging to the pet class (do not take part in exhibitions and breeding) excellent companions cost 12,000 - 25,000 rubles;
• breed class (compliance with the breed standard, suitable for breeding) will cost more than 30,000 rubles;
• a show class capable of taking prizes at exhibitions is already significantly more expensive than 45,000 - 200,000 rubles, it all depends on what qualities the puppy has and what titles its parents have.

Names for boys and girls

When choosing a nickname, owners are guided by the fact that it should be short and catchy so that the puppy can remember it as soon as possible. But not everyone believes that a simple name is suitable for a dog descended from the imperial court. Often the nickname emphasizes breed characteristics and aristocratic status.

This is what male dogs are called:

• Barberry;
• Saffron;
• Prize;
• Bumblebee;
• Korzhik;
• Gerard;
• Sevastyan;
• Oliver;
• Butch;
• Ulf.

For girls choose:

• Milash;
• Mint;
• Drop;
• Prank;
• Plush;
• Vesta;
• Milli;
• Tiffany;
• IU;
• April.

Price

These gorgeous dogs are widespread throughout the CIS, including Russia. Their cost is low, but if you want to make money from your pet, be prepared to pay a lot of money for it.

So, the price of a Shih Tzu is from 5 to 25 thousand rubles. This variation in price is due to the large number of mestizos. High-breed individuals with a passport and pedigree are sold from 25 to 30 thousand rubles. We recommend working with trusted breeders, preferably representing nurseries.

Education and training

This dog has a difficult character. She is proud, narcissistic and stubborn. That is why it is important to start training and socializing her from an early age, no later than 3 months. It is important to turn the learning process into a game, so that the naturally lazy animal does not try to “shirk” from classes.

Therefore, before teaching him anything, we advise you to play, for example, show him a plush toy and throw it forward, asking him to bring it. When the animal is in a good mood, the chances that it will successfully learn the lesson are higher.

Shih Tzus are prone to overindulgence and destructive behavior. Most of their owners correct this, but some indulge. Remember, if you keep such a dog at home, do not allow pranks, even small ones. She should not spoil household items, chew wallpaper or beg for treats.

If you notice that she is doing any of the above, scold her and remove her from the room. You should not feel sorry for the spoiled representative of the breed. He must grow up disciplined and respect all household members. The next point is its relationship with other living creatures. The dog should not be allowed to become a “household bully.”

If, in the struggle for the owner’s attention, she offends a cat, rat or other dog, pay attention to this. Never pet an aggressive Shih Tzu, as this will give him permission to become angry and mistrustful. Don't let him snap at your guests. Offer to sit next to you. Always reward your dog for obedience.

The best method of praise is to give him a treat, such as a dog biscuit. You can allow a representative of the breed to sleep next to you only if he does not kick other people and animals out of his sleeping place. We must not allow him to develop possessive feelings and intentions.

Possible diseases and ways to solve them

The health of these mischievous and presentable dogs is excellent. They are hardy, nimble and very active. They get sick rarely, but with poor care and feeding they get sick regularly. For example, if you feed an adult representative of the breed honey, chocolate or other sweets, there is a high chance that he will develop a food allergy.

In this case, he will experience nausea, vomiting, bowel dysfunction and weakness. Sometimes allergy symptoms pose a threat to the animal's life. Therefore, it is better to always feed him wet or dry food. Don't skimp on his diet!

Shih Tzus do not have any specific genetic diseases, however, fleas regularly appear in their long fur. We will have to fight them systematically. Firstly, if you have already discovered these “unexpected guests” on your pet’s body, go to the pet store for medicine. When giving it to your dog, be sure to follow the instructions for the drug.

It would also be a good idea to give her anti-worm tablets, for example, Pirantel, once a year. And lastly, don’t forget about basic skincare procedures. A dog that is systematically cared for will live a happy and long life.