Considered to be one of the most elegant and cute dog breeds among the toy group, the Shih Tzu is of Chinese descent since there are wonderful early registries that talk about its direct ancestors, the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. As it usually happened with purebred dogs, the Shih Tzu was considered to be of divine origin and hence only powerful people could enjoy its company. They were so loved by the Chinese aristocracy that this people became very jealous of other owners and didn't want to sell them at all, making the breed almost extinct. Finally, these dogs were exported to the Western World and reached America by the second half of the twentieth century. The CKC, the FCI, the AKC, the UKC, the KCGB many others recognize it as an official breed.
The Shih Tzu is among some of the smallest dog breeds of all. Average measurements for this breed are no more than 11 inches of height and 9 to 16 pounds of weight. Its appearance is determined by its plush like look given by its abundant and wooly coat. This coat covers the entire body of the animal and it is especially abundant on the face where it sometimes has to be separated from the eyes and ears. Colors for this coat are really varied. The body of the Shih Tzu is small and squared shaped, with short and wide legs, a broad and somewhat flat face and a strong muzzle. The ears are pendant and fully covered with hair while the eyes are round and dark.
The temperament of the Shih Tzu is quite energetic and happy. These are gentle and loving animals that immediately establish deep bonds of affection and love towards their masters. They are also really intelligent and smart so training your Shih Tzu will always be an enjoyable experience. This dog loves human company and can easily get depressed if left alone for too long. The Shih Tzu is really great with children and can even get along well with other pets, especially if properly socialized. As most small dogs, the Shih Tzu also features a mind of its own so you will need to train it and become its undivided leader. Sometimes, these dogs may become stubborn and mischievous if they are allowed to confuse roles.
As it happens with most flat faced dogs, the Shih Tzu may sometimes suffer from respiratory problems. Extremely cold or hot weathers are not recommended for them since they can not adapt to them properly. These dogs will be fantastic for an apartment due to their small size and to their capacity to enjoy exercise indoors. They are also considered to be great companions for older people. The life expectancy for this breed is usually around fifteen years or more depending on the quality of life you provide it with. Finally, take into account that keeping this dog's coat clean and groomed will not only make it look beautiful but also healthy and relaxed.