• Fact 2 - Description and Definition of Shih Tzu: This is a Chinese breed of small Toy dog similar to a Pekingese. The Shih Tzu has a short muzzle and large deep dark eyes, with a long, soft, glossy long, double coat that reaches the floor. The name Shih Tzu is both singular and plural
  • The Shih Tzu was developed during the reign of the Chinese Empress Dowager Cixi (Tz’u-shi, 1861 – 1908) hence its name
  • Lap dogs provided warmth to their owners when sitting on their laps and were also viewed as status symbols
  • Famous celebrities and owners of a Shih Tzu include Brooke Shields, Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra
  • They are considered suitable as a family pet  
• Fact 3 - Size: The weight of Shih Tzu range from 9 - 16 pounds
• Fact 4 - Size: The height ranges from 8 - 11 inches, up to the shoulder
• Fact 5 - Alternative Names of Shih Tzu and Nicknames: Chrysanthemum Dog. The Chrysanthemum features on the royal seals of China
• Fact 6 - Coat and colors of Shih Tzu: The coat is normally xx and comes in a range of colors including xx
• Fact 7 - Life of Shih Tzu: the life expectancy of this breed of dog is between 12 - 16 years
• Fact 8 - The names of dog breeds are separated into different dog types which are referred to as Dog Groups. The name of the dog group for Shih Tzu is the Toy dog breed
• Fact 9 - After the first year of life, dogs are considered to be adults - they equivalent to 16 human years!
• Fact 10 - Choosing Shih Tzu as pets! The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing this particular breed of dog as a pet:
  • How much it will cost to feed and train the dog?
  • How much time will it take to groom the dog?
  • How much time will it take to exercise the dog on a daily basis?
  • Are Shih Tzu suitable for children?
  • How much will it cost for vet bills, pet or dog health insurance, medication and vaccinations?
• Fact 11 - Every breed of dog is susceptible to certain health problems and illnesses. Shih Tzu are prone to health problems and illnesses such as:
  • - Kidney disorder
  • - Entropion (The border of the eyelid turns inward against the eyeball)
• Fact 12 - The Shih Tzu requires daily brushing to avoid tangles
• Fact 13 - Breeding Shih Tzu for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century
• Fact 14 - It is estimated that 85% of dogs visit a vet in a year
• Fact 15 - The average cost of owning a medium sized dog, over a 10 year period, is estimated as over $13,000! This provides a good idea of how much it costs to raise Shih Tzu

For in depth information we highly recommend Dog Names and Breeds.