Shih Tzu Brindle : 7 Surprising Things to Know About This Breed

Are you looking for a dog that is low-maintenance, but still has lots of personality? The Shih Tzu Brindle color might be the perfect fit. This small, yet sturdy breed has some great qualities to offer any owner. They are affectionate and playful with their family members, obedient when trained properly, and very friendly towards children and other animals.

What is a Shih Tzu Brindle ?

Shih Tzus are lively, intelligent dogs that make excellent family pets. They are very loyal and affectionate with their owners. Brindle Shih Tzus get their name from the color of their coats; it is similar to brindle (a pattern) found on some tigers. A brindle coat can be red, black, or blue with lighter fawn white markings underneath.

1 How Does This Dog Behave?

A natural hunting instinct allows them to forage for food when it’s available, so expect your Brindle Shih Tzu to dig for food, too. This is a vivacious little dog that needs lots of exercise and play time with its family or it will become restless. They are affectionate, fun-loving companions that love to be on the move during the day and curl up at your feet at night. Brindle Shih Tzus are also great watchdogs but may bark excessively if not properly trained.

2 Training Your Brindle Shih Tzu

Brindle Shih Tzu puppies need early socialization and training for best results. They can be stubborn at times; therefore, they must understand that you’re in charge from the beginning or you’ll have a difficult time with them as an adult. They respond well to positive reinforcement and stay motivated when they know it’s in their best interest to do so.

3 Shih Tzus Brindle – Health Issues

Brindle Shih Tzus usually live to be between 12 and 15 years old, but they can develop health problems just like any other Shih Tzus. Some of the most common issues include:

– Bladder stones

– Thyroid disorders

– Heart disease

– Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

– Cataracts

– Patellar luxation

– Heart murmurs

Regular checkups with your veterinarian and overall good health will help reduce the risk of any of these issues. It is very important to keep their weight under control as it can lead to other problems such as diabetes, dysplasia, and joint disorders.

4 Brindle Shih Tzu Grooming Tips

Brindle Shih Tzus require regular brushing throughout the year. During the shedding season (spring), daily brushing is recommended. You should also brush them once or twice a week during autumn and winter months. Bathe them when necessary using a mild shampoo; more frequently if they get dirty often. Trim their nails every two weeks or so unless you prefer having natural nails.

Brindle Shih Tzus have some hair between their paw pads that can get long, so keep that in mind when giving them a nail trim. Brushing your dog’s teeth every week or two will help prevent dental problems and bad breath; not to mention, it will make your dog more willing to sit still for the process.

5 What Makes the Brindle Shih Tzu So Lovable?

Brindle Shih Tzus are very rambunctious dogs that are full of life. They are loyal and affectionate with their family members, making them great lap dogs around the house. Since they’re small in size, yet sturdy enough to run around outside all day, Brindle Shih Tzus make great little dogs for active individuals or families with children. They crave attention and love being petted by their owners or just spending time near them whether it be on your lap at home or out on a walk.

6 Which is Better, a Regular Shih Tzu or a Brindle Shih Tzu?

A regular Shih Tzu and a Brindle Shih Tzu are basically the same breed. The main difference between them is their coat markings and color, but both breeds make great pets. Regular Shih Tzus cost more than Brindle Shih Tzus, and they’re often harder to find for adoption.

7 Which Breeds Mix Well with the Brindle Shih Tzu?

Brindle Shih Tzus can get along well with other dogs as long as you introduce them properly. They are usually good around children of all ages unless they are being aggressive or playing too rough with their toys at home. Due to their high energy level, it’s best that young children not interact too much with them because they might get tired easily and knock down a young child by accident without meaning to.

Overall Brindle Shih Tzus tend to do great around other pets as long as they’re introduced properly at an early age. They’re like all dogs: If you give them ample time and patience, they’ll become best friends for life!

Are You Ready For One?

If you’ve been searching for your perfect pet or just want a companion for the family, consider adopting a Brindle Shihtzu from your local humane society or rescue. There are thousands of animals in need of homes so take your time choosing the right one that will fit into your lifestyle perfectly!

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.