The Shih Tzu is often referred to as the lion dog because of its long, manelike coat. The breed has been around since the 7th century and is most likely descended from a Lhasa-type dog from Tibet. These regal dogs were originally bred as companions to royalty, therefore, living in luxury in the palaces of China.
Physical Characteristics
A full-grown Shih Tzu is about 8 to 11 inches tall and weighs between 8 and 19 pounds. Their size makes them easy for children to handle.
Some younger children are afraid of dogs, especially larger ones, and a small breed, such as the Shih Tzu, is easier for them to handle and adjust to. However, children must be taught not to play too roughly because the Shih Tzu's small size means it can inadvertently be hurt. The first few interactions with a new puppy should be supervised.
Temperament
Shih Tzus are full of energy, and love to run and play. The Shih Tzu is proud, trusting and loyal. They can learn simple tricks and commands quickly, especially if started as a puppy. Like any puppy, they benefit from basic obedience classes and consistent house breaking.
Their social nature and friendliness make them excellent family pets. They love children, as long as the youngsters are taught the proper way to handle and treat them. Children delight in teaching tricks and seeing their dogs perform can boost children's self-esteem.
Teaching Children Responsibilty
The responsibility of caring for a puppy can be a great learning experience for an older child and can help her mature. She learns that her Shih Tzu needs regular food, water, exercise and potty breaks.
Cleaning up a house-breaking accident helps make a child accountable for her role in the dog's care. She also learns that a little love and good care will be rewarded with faithful companionship and a wagging tail to greet them when they come home after school.
Children and Safety
The American Shih Tzu Club recommends that children sit on the floor to play with Shih Tzus. The dogs love to be underfoot, so children should be taught to slide their feet across the floor so they don't accidentally step on or kick the dog.
Urge children not to run around the dog, even if the dog wants to play, because it can easily get stepped on. Teach children to keep their fingers away from the dog's eyes. Children should never "sneak up on" or purposefully frighten the dog. Likewise, they should avoid loud, boisterous shouting and running. This can frighten a very young puppy, or cause an older one to develop discipline problems. Young children should always be supervised when playing with any puppy.
Considerations
Before you get a Shih Tzu, be sure you can afford the regular grooming sessions it will need. In addition, yearly vet visits, rabies shots, and heartworm and flea medications can add up to a few hundred dollars a year.
You also should have a fenced-in yard. These dogs are very energetic and are fast runners. They may run off if allowed to wander around loose or someone may take them. Shih Tzus are meant to be house dogs. Never leave them outside for extended periods of time during extremely hot or cold weather.
While most people have to work, you need to be sure that you have the time to spend with your pet when you are home. When considering a female versus a male, remember that males are harder to house break, and even after neutering, they still tend to "hike a leg" on that new chair or expensive sofa.
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