The Shih Tzu is a small and
vigorous dog. It has a Wide and rounded head. Its nose is small, squared and
black. Its hanging ears are quite long they are all covered with hair. It has
big, rounded and dark eyes. Its chest is wide and deep. The Shih-Tzu ´s legs are
strong and short. The tail is tall, very populated with tall hair. The
peculiarity of this dog is that some hair falls from its head to its chin and
sideburns. Over the nose the hair grows upside falling together over the chin.
The coat is straight its colors are brown, sand and with different tones of
white.
Size and Weight
The ideal height for both genders is from 9 to 10.5 inches at the shoulder
but no less than 8 inches and no taller than 11. They range in weight from 9 to
16 pounds. Shih Tzus should be slightly longer than they are tall.
Coat and Color
The Shih Tzu's double coat is made up of a thick, wooly undercoat and a long,
abundant, silky topcoat. They begin to trade their puppy fluff for their adult
coat between 10 and 12 months of age. They may be any color of the canine
rainbow, but a white tip on the tail and blaze on the forehead are highly
desirable traits.
Grooming Needs
Grooming a Shih Tzu is a time-consuming endeavor. Daily brushing and combing
is a must to remove tangles, and bathing is usually necessary once per week.
Brushing must reach all the way down to the skin in order to properly prevent
tangles and mats. Owners who do not show their Shih Tzu often opt to clip the
hair short to avoid the constant upkeep. Clipped dogs require trims every six to
eight weeks.
Check the ears on a weekly basis for signs of infection, irritation, or wax
build up. Cleanse regularly with a veterinarian-approved cleanser and cotton
ball. Brush the teeth at least once per week to prevent tartar buildup and gum
disease. Small dogs are prone to dental problems later in life, so brushing more
often is a good idea. Additionally, nails should be trimmed once per month if
the dog does not wear the toenails down naturally.
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