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Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, meaning “Lion Dog” in Chinese, is a royal toy breed originally bred for Chinese emperors. With its long flowing coat, short snout, and affectionate nature, it’s now a beloved companion known for being charming, adaptable, and people-loving.
📏 Size
• Height: 9–10.5 inches (23–27 cm)
• Weight: 4–7.5 kg (9–16.5 lbs)
• Category: Toy breed
😄 Personality
• Affectionate, friendly, and loves human attention
• Calm and gentle with children
• Not overly energetic but enjoys short bursts of play
• Can be a bit stubborn during training
• Typically quiet and less yappy than other toy breeds
🐶 Compatibility with Other Pets
• Excellent with other pets when socialized
• Gets along well with both dogs and cats
• Very tolerant and non-aggressive by nature
🧼 Care Requirements
• Grooming: High — daily brushing or regular trims to prevent tangles and matting
• Exercise: Low to moderate — short walks and indoor play are enough
• Training: Needs patience and positive reinforcement due to slight stubbornness
• Feeding: Watch portions; prone to weight gain
• Health: Prone to breathing issues (brachycephalic), dental problems, and eye conditions
⚠️ A Few Things to Note
• Can suffer in extreme heat due to short snout — keep cool and avoid heavy exercise
• Needs regular eye cleaning due to tear staining
• May develop Small Dog Syndrome if overly pampered or not given structure (see below)
Small Dog Syndrome is when small breeds become bossy or demanding due to a lack of boundaries—barking, ignoring commands, or acting out. It’s prevented with gentle training and treating them like dogs, not babies.
👤 Ideal Owner
• Someone who enjoys grooming or is open to professional grooming
• Families, seniors, or individuals looking for a loving lap dog
• Perfect for apartments and smaller homes
• Best with owners who can offer companionship and attention throughout the day