Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Tibet.

MOST SUITED AS - Family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is about 25cm (9in) and the weight is 5 - 6kg (11 - 13 1/21b).

COAT
The long-haired coat is accepted in any colour, including beige, black, and red, often with white.

CARE REQUIRED
A Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. Comb the coat thoroughly every day to prevent tangles. A hair band is essential to keep the hair out of the eyes. Because the eyes are a sensitive spot for these dogs, you need to make sure they are kept clean. Use the special eye drops prepared for this purpose. Clean the ear passages regularly too. If you do not have the time to keep the coat in good condition, you will need to take the dog about every two months to be clipped, which will spare the dog a lot of misery.

CHARACTER
These are intelligent, lovable, affectionate, cheerful, and sociable dogs that are also independent and not friends to all. The Shih Tzu rarely barks.

TRAINING
If you approach this somewhat obstinate breed with plenty of patience and remain consistent at all times, it is possible to achieve a reasonable level of training.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Dogs of this breed usually get on well with other household animals and children. No matter what company they keep, they always behave with dignity.

EXERCISE
The Shih Tzu is content with short walks, their exercise requirements are not large, they were bred to sit around the emporer's palace in China and bark when people or animals approached, not to chase game!

GENERAL
The Shih Tzu coat looks best when groomed daily, but if you are wanting a pet rather than show animal you may keep their fur clipped so less grooming is required. They do not tolerate the cold, so don;t clip them unless in a warm climate, and coat must long for show animals.