Shih Tzu

The origin of the Shih Tzu dates back to ancient China, where it was bred for centuries as a palace dog. Its name literally means "lion dog" in Mandarin Chinese, referring to its aesthetic resemblance to the stone lions that guarded Buddhist temples. It is thought to descend from crosses between the Tibetan Lhasa Apso and ancient Chinese breeds, and was especially prized during the Ming dynasty and the subsequent Qing. Only the imperial family could own them, and gifting one was considered an extraordinary honor.

At the beginning of the 20th century, with the fall of the Empire, some specimens reached Europe via diplomats and travelers. The breed was recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1940 and has since spread around the world. Today the Shih Tzu is one of the most popular breeds in urban environments and homes of all kinds, appreciated for its balanced temperament, spectacular coat and manageable size.

The Shih Tzu is a small-sized dog with a sturdy body and a long, flowing coat that practically brushes the ground. Its head is rounded and broad, with large, expressive eyes, a very short muzzle and long, hair-covered ears. Its appearance is majestic for such a small dog. The coat, double-layered but without the dense undercoat of other breeds, sheds very little and requires careful maintenance to keep its shine and prevent matting.

Its temperament is docile, affectionate and surprisingly self-confident. It is not a nervous or anxious dog: it usually appears calm and balanced even in new or noisy environments. It adapts very well to apartment living without needing large amounts of exercise, although it enjoys its daily walks. It is a breed that learns relatively easily, although it can be stubborn at times: training based on positive reinforcement and patience yields the best results.

The Shih Tzu is especially known for its adaptability: it lives harmoniously with children, with older people, with other dogs and with cats. It does not have a strong prey drive or aggressive tendencies. It is a companion dog in the fullest sense of the word, and that makes it extraordinarily versatile for all kinds of households.

The Shih Tzu's most demanding care concern is its coat. The long hair requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting, especially behind the ears and on the belly. Many owners opt for the "puppy cut" — shorter and more manageable — to reduce maintenance time without losing the breed's charm. Visits to the groomer every 6-8 weeks are practically essential. It is also vital to clean the area around the eyes daily, where hair and discharge can accumulate and cause irritation.

The Shih Tzu needs moderate daily walks to stay active and stimulated, but it does not require the intense exercise of other breeds. As a mildly brachycephalic breed, it may have some difficulty breathing in hot or extremely humid conditions, so intense exercise on hot days should be avoided. Its diet should be high-quality, suited to its size and metabolism, and divided into two meals to aid digestion. Regular veterinary check-ups, with special attention to the eyes, ears and mouth, are essential.

Ocular problems are the most common condition in this breed. Their large, bulging eyes are prone to corneal ulcers, chronic irritations and, in more severe cases, ocular proptosis. Daily cleaning of the periocular area and regular veterinary check-ups are essential to detect any problem in time. Hair that falls over the eyes should be tied back or trimmed to avoid constant irritation.

Brachycephalic syndrome may also occur —in its mild form, since the Shih Tzu's muzzle is not as extreme as in other breeds— with snoring, panting or moderate exercise intolerance. Hip dysplasia is another condition to watch, especially in overweight animals. With quality nutrition, moderate exercise, rigorous hygiene and regular veterinary follow-up, the Shih Tzu can enjoy a long and very pleasant life.