Lacey Goes Nuts Playing With Halloween Pumpkin Toy

Talking of bravery, your Shih Tzu has it all! Don’t believe it? You will be surprised to know how fiercely it can fight a stuffed Halloween Pumpkin toy! Once you see the aggression and effort to chew a small ball Halloween, you will be convinced that they deserve the name ‘Lion – Son’ (This is what Shih Tzu means in Chinese).

Next time you fear a ghost or spirit, just call for your Shih Tzu guard and your job will be done. Wait, there is just one thing left to mention regarding their brave fight – don’t expect this to last more than 4 to 5 minutes. Shih Tzu is extremely moody and can just lose interest in one thing pretty easily.

Even if their friend is in the room and lying quietly, your Shih Tzu will not participate in the ‘poise party.’ As a small breed, they have high energy and curious nature. If you want to know what is the next best thing they love apart from having treats id to play.

Don’t believe it? Check out this adorable video –

When discussing something as interesting as Shih Tzu personality traits, you have to know a few things about them. They are ancient Chinese breed and are accustomed to living in cold weather. You must keep this in mind.

Next, Shih Tzu is like kids, extremely moody. In one instance they will be playful, and in the very next moment, they will run away to find something more interesting. This means, you as a Shih Tzu parent have to keep up with all their tantrums and mood swings.

Shih Tzu has the best ‘, toy friend’. They will have one toy of their choice that they don’t want to part with. Make sure, most of the toys that you give are safe for your fur baby. You don’t want them to fall sick or hurt my chewing on something unhygienic.

Do you think your Shih Tzu is possessive? Yes, they are. If you ever see your Shih baby getting acting weird to see any other animal around you; the reason can very well be jealousy. They hate the idea to share you with anyone.

Impatient. By nature, they are impatiently but with you, never. They are not only energetic and curious but also impatient. Entertaining them constantly can be tough, but then again, Shih Tzu is also the king of ‘self-entertainer.’ They always manage to find ‘something’ out of ‘nothing.’

If you have a Shih Tzu, prepare for all these and more!

FAQ’s

How big are Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically proportional all over, not too short or too small, but a true miniature breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient royal bloodline.

Where does the Shih Tzu come from, and why was the breed developed?
The Shih Tzu lineage is hotly debated; however, one theory is that the Shih Tzu descended from a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso breeds. This cross breed that would eventually become Shih Tzus, were favourites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away.

The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as “Apsos”. The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were categorised again as Shih Tzu. The breed is now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

How is Shih Tzu pronounced, and what does it mean?
The most common and incorrect pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: Sh*t Zoo however, that isn’t actually how the little lion breed is supposed to be announced. According to the American Shih Tzu Club, the official and publicly confirmed pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: “Sheed-zoo."

The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as in traditional oriental art". Interestingly they are also known by another name tied to their European introduction. The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on their face grows out in all directions. They look like a flower with a nose for the centre.

For more than one Shih Tzu, do you say Shih Tzus?
The age-old question, it is Shih Tzu or Shih Tzus? When writing or saying the plural of Shih Tzu, it is a common mistake for a person to write or say Shih Tzus, as one would think this is the normal way to put the dog in their plural form, and in fact, it is so common that I wouldn’t be surprised if we have even made such a slip up in this very article. However, the correct way to say Shih Tzus is Shih Tzu, due it being an irregular noun, allowing the plural of Shih Tzu can be Shih Tzu, just like ‘fish and fish’. With two or more Shih Tzu, there does not need to be an ‘s’.

What colours do Shih Tzus come in?
The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be found in an array of colours and with a variety of markings. It's common for owners to not know for sure what colour their Shih Tzu is. Sometimes a puppy may be referred to as an unofficial colour that is not recognized by the AKC, or another kennel club, through which the pup is registered. And in other cases, there can be some confusion when the colour listed on the papers does not seem to match what is seen. In addition to this, it's common for Shih Tzu dogs to change colour as they grow and mature, meaning that your little snowball of joy may turn sooty in their old age.

How much attention does a Shih Tzu need?
Despite their small stature, Shih Tzu are relatively active dogs. Puppies can be extremely hyper and adults are most content when given opportunities to release stored-up energy and be out and about. Without regular moderate exercise, a Shih Tzu can start to feel pent up and frustrated. This can manifest as behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Aim to take your little guy or gal for a minimum of two 20 to 30-minute walks per day, along with sessions of play like fetch to meet exercise requirements for this breed. If so, this will allow your Shih Tzu to enjoy being inside at home, able to relax beside you (or at your feet) and with a calmer disposition.

Do Shih Tzu get along with other pets?
In general, the Shih Tzu gets along quite well with other dogs, large and small. Shih Tzu rarely suffer from the ‘short leg syndrome’ common in small dogs, and more often than not, are simply little bundle of love.

However, every dog has their own personality, and it will depend on how well your dog as well as the other dogs have been socialized. Overall the Shih Tzu breed is calm and very playful and enjoys a variety of canine friends. But keep in mind each dog has their unique personality and circumstances. To say they will all behave exactly the same isn’t very realistic.

How do I provide the best care for a Shih Tzu?
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch their diet, make sure they get plenty of exercise, regularly brush their teeth and coat, and call a veterinary clinic or pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual.

It is also a good idea to create a routine for your Shih Tzu to lessen their anxiety and ensure they live a happy and calm life. Build their routine care into your schedule to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. Most importantly a proper diet and exercise routine is key to the long-term health of your pet.