Shih Tzus 101

Name: Shih Tzu

Personality: With a name that literally translates to "Lion Dog," a shih tzu carries itself with a confident, almost cheeky bearing that its delicate appearance belies. Originally bred in China as lapdogs, shih tzus make great companions: affectionate as they are arrogant and as gentle as they are spunky. Unlike many other breeds, they can diverge wildly in how active they are, how goofy or serious their character is, or how much they like strangers.

Grooming: If a shih tzu's long and silky coat is allowed to remain intact, it will require daily combings and brushings -- one after the other, using a soft brush for the undercoat and a fine-toothed comb for the tophairs -- to avoid tangles and matting. The alternative is to opt for a "puppy clip" every few months to render the shih tzu a short-haired dog that needs less frequent brushing. Either way, shih tzus need to be shampooed once or twice a month.

The shih tzu's unique facial structure requires further upkeep. Eye mucus buildup is common and should be cleaned away. Facial fur should be kept dry so that unwanted parasites do not grow on the dog's beard and mustache areas. One way to resolve both of these issues is to teach the shih tzu to drink water from a bottle, like pet hamsters or rabbits.

Common Health Concerns: Liver problems and hip dysplasia often plague standard-sized shih tzus. Like British bulldogs, shih tzus are short-muzzled dogs, which makes them very sensitive to hot temperatures, and which can lead to breathing difficulties. A shih tzu's flat snout also poses the risk of water going up its nose, which is another reason why many experts recommend that shih tzus be bottle-trained.

Training Tips: While shih tzus are notoriously slow to potty train (which shouldn't be attempted until three months of age), obedience and command training is usually a fun, productive experience for dog. A shih tzu will welcome the mental stimulation and the time spent with you.

Best For: The home-bound and the elderly respond very well to shih tzus, as they usually can devote the necessary time to daily grooming, and can most appreciate the affection a shih tzu will deliver in return. Shih tzus generally get along well with other pets, so they often make good additions to multi-pet families.

What Shih Tzu Owners Say: Shih tzu owners are very loyal to the breed! Some of our Facebook friends described their shih tzus: "the sweetest, most endearing creature I've ever known," "the most amazing dog... a sweet, sweet boy," "I will never be able to have another breed!"

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