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Shih Tzu Puppies For Sale
Affectionate ~ Courageous ~ Friendly ~ Sweet
The Shih Tzu are royal dogs both in appearance and attitude. Their long luxurious coats coupled with their confident demeanor and charismatic personalities have brought on unchallenged fame among small dog breeds. Friendliness, affection, loyalty, intelligence, and gentleness are just some of the many wonderful qualities these beautiful dogs possess. The Shih Tzu dogs are kind and sweet. They love their family dearly, bond wonderfully with children, and make friends on all of their daily walks. Although their history is defined by luxury among kings, emperors, personal attenders, and great pampering, these dogs are not arrogant but rather grateful and loving companion pets. Find Shih Tzu puppies for sale at Premier Pups.
Read moreBREED INFORMATION
SHIH TZU
TemperamentAffectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Sweet |
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| Adult Weight | 9-16 lbs |
| Adult Height | 8-11 in |
| Life Expectancy | 11-14 yrs |
| Rating | 5.0 ( reviews) |
| Maintenance |
Low
High
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| Training |
Easy
Hard
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| Shedding |
Min
Max
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| Adaptability |
Easy
Hard
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| Active |
Low
High
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About the Breed
The Shih Tzu is one of the most loved companion pets of our days. This super cute dog has been around for centuries, gaining the favor of royalty from China to Europe and the United States.
Originating in Tibet, the Shih Tzu or “lion dog” is a descendent of its ancestor the Lhasa Apsos. The breed is believed to have been a gift to Chinese emperors during the 7th century. The Chinese royalty began a breeding program to breed Shih Tzus and gave them a royal name. Royal home breeders in China are responsible for furthering the breed.
When the British arrived during the 1800s, the Shih Tzu made its way to England and then on to the United States. Always intended as a lap dog and affectionate companion, the purebred Shih Tzu is one of the most popular dogs today.
Shih Tzus are members of the American Kennel Club. They received their AKC registration in 1969. They also have a kennel club that was named after them - the American Shih Tzu Club, which is also AKC registered.
Appearance and Grooming
The Shih Tzu is often slightly longer than tall with a sturdy frame, a short muzzle, and large dark eyes. It has a large tail that curls over the back and a long, silky double coat that comes in many colors including black, black and white, gray and white, or red and white. Its coat needs daily brushing and combing to avoid tangles and knots. Bathing is recommended every 4 to 6 weeks. Regular trimming should be done every 6 to 8 weeks.
Temperament
The breed has a strong personality with numerous positive traits including affection, loyalty, and extroversion. Though he has an aristocratic demeanor with a bit of a stubborn streak, the Shih Tzu doesn't tend to get into much trouble, and even when he doesn't obey very quickly.
Family and Companionship
These puppies become very attached to their new families, so they don't mind where they live as long as it is with their owners. Lovers of comfort and cuddling, Shih Tzu puppies make terrific pets for senior citizens. They can adapt easily to a small apartment or a large suburban or country home. Though, due to their size and sensitivity to the elements, they should never be left outside. They are great with children and do well with other pets.
Exercise
The Shih Tzu is happy with short walks daily as it is not extremely active. It enjoys play sessions indoors with its favorite toys or running to the door to greet visitors. It can also enjoy play sessions in the backyard. Pay careful attention to hot temperatures as it is sensitive and needs to be protected against heat.
Training and Socialization
The AKC Shih Tzu is naturally docile and friendly but needs early socialization and training as it tends to become shy at maturity if it is not properly socialized when young. Early socialization helps it to become a well-rounded dog. Training and socializing a Shih Tzu doesn't require you to have years of experience in training. All you need to do is be patient and consistent and use a reward-based system for good behavior.
At Premier Pups, our Shih Tzu puppies go through regular health checks to ensure they are happy, healthy, and ready for adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Shih Tzu originate? The Shih Tzu was originally bred in China as a lapdog companion for Chinese royalty. Its name means Lion Dog and refers to the "regal look" of the breed.
How is Shih Tzu pronounced? The Chinese pronunciation is SHIRR dza, but the Western pronunciation as most commonly recognized is SHEET-sue.
What is the size of Shih Tzus? An adult measures between 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder in height and weighs between 9 to 16 lbs., however some Shih Tzu’s have been known to be even smaller, in the 5 to 9 lb. range.
What is the average lifespan of a Shih Tzu? The average life expectancy is between 10 to 16 years.
Does the Shih Tzu shed? This breed is known to shed very minimally if at all.
Are Shih Tzus easy to train? These little ones can be quite stubborn, but that doesn’t mean that they are difficult to train. Training and socialization at a very early age will reap the best results. Practicing consistency throughout training is a must.
Are Shih Tzus good with other dogs? Yes, and cats too! They love the company of other animals and are known to make new friends quickly. They are not aggressive in nature and have no problem sharing their toys, their space or their food.
Do Shih Tzus bark a lot? Let’s just say, that Shih Tzu’s have a very vocal way of expressing themselves! They will bark when they want attention, to alert their owner of strangers or just when something seems amiss…which in their eyes can be fairly often.
How much exercise does the Shih Tzu need? Because of their tiny size they don’t require much. A short 10-15 minute daily stroll with some indoor active play will be plenty to keep these little ones fit and healthy.
What colors do Shih Tzus come in? They are available in many different colors and color combinations. The most common include, black, white, brindle, gold, liver, red and silver.
What are the most common health issues for the Shih Tzus? The most common health concerns are hypothyroidism, juvenile cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, corneal dryness, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia & brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome.
Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic? No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but the Shih Tzu dog has minimal to no shedding which makes them an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies.
Do ShihTzus make for good watch dogs? They certainly do. Their vocal nature makes them the right dog to do the job when it comes to alerting their owners of strangers or anything out of place.
Are Shih Tzus better in pairs? These little ones definitely enjoy the company of others and the companionship of other pets. Having a pair of Shih Tzu can help to boost their mental and physical health, and enhance their quality of life.
Which is better a male or female Shih Tzu? This is completely personal preference as they both make wonderful companions. Females tend to be a bit sweeter than the males, BUT males are more affectionate and more adoring to their owners than females.
Shih Tzu Reviews
Shih Tzu Breed Info
The Shih Tzu is a small, playful, and affectionate dog breed that originated in China. They are known for their long, silky coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its beauty. The breed's name "Shih Tzu" means "lion dog" in Chinese, and they were traditionally kept as lapdogs for Chinese royalty.Â
Shih Tzus are a great choice for people who live in apartments or have a small living space, as they are a small breed and don't require much room to move around. They are also great for families with children, as they are patient and friendly with kids.Â
Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them a popular choice for therapy dogs. They are also intelligent and easily trained, which makes them good candidates for obedience and agility training.Â
In addition to their adorable appearance and friendly personalities, Shih Tzus are also known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners. They form strong bonds with their families and are known to be very protective of them. They are playful and energetic, which makes them a great companion for all ages.
They are also very adaptable to different living environments, making them a great pet for both city and country dwellers. Shih Tzus are truly a joy to have as a pet and they are sure to bring a smile to your face every day. Their affectionate nature and loyalty make them a beloved companion that you will cherish for years to come.Â
To learn more about breeds that are easy to care for, check out our blog on the Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home.
Compare the Shih Tzu to Similar Breeds listed below
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PREMIER HEALTH STANDARDS
Tracking the Health & Care of Our Puppies
On-Site Nose-to-Tail Veterinarian Inspections
Shih Tzu Breeders
Like people, the most critical moments in a puppy's life starts in the beginning. It truly takes a special breeder to assist with nourishing and raising an Shih Tzu puppy properly. Only the nation's best Shih Tzu breeders can provide the best quality of life. Here at Premier Pups, we work hand-in-hand with our breeders. Providing a safe, natural, comfortable, and healthy environment for the nursing mother and her baby is essential.
The footage produced in our videos is 100% real. We directly take un-staged, unedited, and only authentic scenes at our breeder locations. We only align ourselves with Shih Tzu breeders whose standards are much higher than the rest. We spend consistent on-site time with our selected breeders and can undoubtedly say that our puppies come from a caring environment.
