A blonde Shih Tzu recently went viral in England because of its striking resemblance to the pop star Ed Sheeran. With his bucket-cut hairstyle, pink nose, and eerily human-like eyes, the resemblance is uncanny – though some argue he looks more like the business tycoon Richard Branson.
Shih-Tzu
Delightfully small, adorable, and affectionate – what more could you ask for in a pup?
Country of Origin
Tibet
Breed Group
Toy dog
Height
Male 9-10.5 In
Female 9-10.5 In
Weight
Male 9-16 Ib
Female 9-16 Ib
Life Span
10-16 years
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In a Nutshell
The name “Shih Tzu” means lion dog in Mandarin because they were originally bred to resemble lion statues in traditional oriental art. But don’t worry, there’s nothing ferocious about this dog breed. While lions may symbolize royalty, strength, and bravery, these little pooches are lovers, not hunters. The Shih Tzu is a distinctive-looking dog that’s bound to win the heart of anyone who comes across it. Bred solely to be companions, your Shih Tzu will be happy to spend a lifetime in your presence. However, as small and sweet as Shih Tzus may appear, they can also be quite a handful if not properly trained.
Life With a Shih-Tzu
Low (1)
High (5)
Energy level
Trainability Level
Amount of Shedding
Tendency of Barking
Exercise Needs
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Looks & Personality
The Shih Tzu is a surprisingly sturdy little dog with a small muzzle, large dark brown eyes, and a show-stopping coat. It’s also quite common and expected for this dog breed to have an underbite, which is nothing to worry about as long as they can chew their food.
This gorgeous toy dog is covered in a double coat of long, luxuriant, straight hair that goes all the way to its ears. Their long silky coat ,that can swoop all the way down to the floor, comes in a wide variety of colors and requires daily brushing. Although the breed standard requires just a slight wave in the coat, it’s not that unusual to find a curly-haired Shih Tzu. You can tie excess hair on top of their head with a ribbon.
Due to their royal ancestry, Shih Tzus are pretty content lounging indoors. As far as temperament goes, the Shih Tzu is a profoundly affectionate breed that is easily trusting of people and children. They’re generally obliging and will tend to sit on your lap a lot. All they want is a lot of love and a little reassurance.
Common Health Problems
The popularity of the breed has led to poor breeding practices, leading to generalized and lifelong diseases. Not only are Shih Tzus susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, but they're also prone to respiratory, digestive, bone, joint, and eye problems.
A tip from a vet
Obesity is a significant health problem in Shih Tzus, causing joint problems, heart disease, back pain, and metabolic disorders. Unfortunately, the fact that Shih Tzus are so earnest and adorable may work against them. They're very hard to say no to, and you might find yourself giving your pup more treats than they need.
A tip from a trainer
Affectionate, playful, and outgoing, Shih Tzus are very trainable, and they love learning new things. This is precisely why they’re a staple at dog shows. Because Shih Tzus tend to be people-pleasers, the training techniques that work best are those focused on positive reinforcement.
Did You Know
The Shih Tzu breed is more than 1000 years old, dating back to ancient China and Tibet.
They are considered hypoallergenic as they do not shed, but they do require constant grooming to prevent their fur from getting tangled.
They’re called “chrysanthemum-faced dogs” because the fur on their faces grows in every direction.
In The News
The History Behind the Breed
For centuries and throughout the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Shih Tzus were only accessible to Chinese Royalty, spending their days hidden behind palace walls on the laps of emperors. They became accessible to the general public in the 1930s and have since become a household name.
Even though Shih Tzus are commonly associated with China, they are actually thought to have originated from the cold mountains of Tibet. The leaders and monks of Tibet would send Lhasa Apso, a non-sporting dog breed, to the Chinese Royalty as gifts. These dogs were then bred with the Pekingese to create the modern-day Shih Tzu.
Famous Shih-Tzu Owners
Colin Farrell, Beyonce, Sharon Osborne, Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, Nicole Richie, Bill Gates, Betty White
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Why Get Pet Insurance For Your Shih-Tzu?
Although considered a fairly healthy breed, the Shih Tzus suffer from most of the health problems common to tiny dogs. They have a small mouth, which means their teeth are frequently misaligned or missing. Their kneecaps are often not very stable, and can get knocked out of position easily (luxating patellas), their eyes protrude and can be easily scratched or injured, and their breathing can be full of snuffles and wheezes that sometimes turn into major respiratory problems.
Your Shih-Tzu has a 1 in 3 chance of requiring emergency treatment in any given year. In fact, every pet will statistically suffer 6 significant health episodes in their lifetime. Each incident costs an average of $1,100+. Animalia Pet Insurance reimburses up to 90% of your vet bills as the unexpected is…well, expected.
When choosing pet insurance for your Shih Tzu, it’s important to consider factors such as coverage options, deductibles, premiums, and exclusions. You should also look for an insurance provider that offers high-quality customer service and easy claims processing. It’s recommended to compare multiple dog insurance providers and read customer reviews to determine which one is the best fit for you and your Shih Tzu.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shih-Tzu Pet Insurance
How long do Shih-Tzu live?
The average longevity of a Shih Tzu is 13 years, with the majority lasting between 10 and 16 years.
What are Shih-Tzu’s most common health problems and are they covered by pet insurance?
Pet insurance for a Shih Tzu can help cover the cost of medical expenses for various health issues, including:
- Dental problems: Shih Tzus are prone to dental problems, such as tartar build-up and gum disease, which can be costly to treat.
- Eye problems: Shih Tzus are also susceptible to eye problems, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness.
- Respiratory problems: Brachycephalic breeds like Shih Tzus can experience breathing difficulties and respiratory problems.
- Skin problems: Shih Tzus are prone to skin problems, such as allergies, infections, and hot spots.
- Joint problems: Shih Tzus can develop joint problems, such as arthritis, due to their small size and tendency to carry extra weight.
By having pet insurance, you can help protect yourself against the high cost of veterinary care for these and other health issues that may arise.
Can I visit any vet after enrolling my Shih-Tzu in pet insurance?
Definitely. Choose any licensed vet you and your Shih-Tzu like and feel comfortable with. There are no networks or copays. Instead, we reimburse you for covered costs as long as you use a licensed vet, including specialty and emergency clinics.