Shitsu dogs are fantastic!
If you have reached our wonderful page about the “shitsu” then you must love these small, personality filled, toy dogs! Spelling may also not be your forte as shitsu is actually a popular misspelling of our furry friends; the correct spelling is actually “Shih Tzu” and our sites name is a play on that! The Shih Tzu is actually an extremely popular dog breed worldwide and in 1999 the Shih Tzu actually ranked as the 10th most popular dog within the united states (according to the American Kennel Club statistics) and it continues to be a popular choice of breed amongst pet and dog lovers to this day. We love these little dogs and we hope that our little website spreads the shih tzu love and hopefully teaches you a thing or two about your dog too!
The History of the Shitsu (Shih Tzu)
The Shih Tzu is actually from Chinese origins and were already being used as house pets during the Ming dynasty! The original breed comes from a combination of the ancient Chinese breed “Pekingese” and the “Lhasa Apso”.
Size and Temperament
Shih Tzu’s are little dogs! The average weight of a shitsu is only 9 to 16 pounds (4kg – 7.5kg) and stand about 7 to 12inches tall, they are short stubby dogs and without grooming their fur can actually grow to reach the floor! Despite their small stature Shih Tzu’s are not afraid to bare their teeth and fight if they feel trapped or in danger, for this reason it is important to supervise them when children are about. Despite this bit of bark Shih Tzu’s are generally very friendly and very outgoing! If you give them the time they love to play with human’s and enjoy walks and exercise.
Exercise and Grooming
Shih Tzu’s are perfect for pet owners who don’t have the time (or will) to go for long walks and exercise each day. Shih Tzu’s are little energetic dogs but because they have short legs and are quite small they don’t require the maintenance of larger breeds and a short walk or play session will be enough to keep them happy.
The long hair of the Shih Tzu is often considered both the best and worst part about ownership! Their long fur is soft and cuddly but it also requires some maintenance. Shitsu’s are actually quite vulnerable to ear and eye infections so this means you will need to ensure at the very least these areas are clean and well trimmed so your dog can see and won’t become ill!
