Skip to content
Log in

Cart

Your cart is empty
News
chiens

Dogs: Shih Tzu

15 mars 2022 7 min de lecture
Chiens : Shih Tzu

Dogs: Shih Tzu

Questions? You’re in the right place!

If you cannot find what you are looking for, send us a message via the chat.

Is there a story behind the Shih Tzu?

Like other Asian lion dogs, the Shih Tzu closely resembles the silhouette of an animal closely associated with Buddha. This chimera borrows its attributes from several very different species, including the lion, of course, but not the canine species. Why did it ultimately take the form of a dog? Because no other animal is as malleable, both in appearance and temperament. Thus, the Shih Tzu cannot deny its belonging to the canine species, while also distancing itself from it considerably. It is a being apart: somewhat feline, simian, or rather very human. On its cushion, it contemplates life like an old, bearded Chinese sage, solemn and dignified. Unless it keeps track of every coming and going of its owner, patiently awaiting a sign of affection. It could ask for nothing other than through its misty gaze—it has its pride!

How can you groom your Shih Tzu simply and effectively?

To remain silky with optimal length and enhanced shine, silky-textured coats must maintain the same level of hydration and health from base to tip.

This is the main challenge with these coats, which have such demanding needs for nourishment and protection—especially if you want to harness the animal’s full genetic potential for both high-quality and abundant growth.

Delaying the return of tangles as much as possible is also a major challenge that we will address through zoocosmetology.

Here are my grooming tips for spectacular results:

✔️ Shampoo: Aquarosa Pro

✔️ Conditioner: Aqua Dolce

✔️ Finishing/brushing/detangling spray: Mix pink

Is there a complete and ambitious grooming protocol for your Shih Tzu? 

To remain silky with optimal length and enhanced shine, silky-textured coats must maintain the same level of hydration and health from base to tip. This is the main challenge with these coats, which have such demanding needs for nourishment and protection—especially if you want to harness the animal’s full genetic potential for both high-quality and abundant growth. Delaying the return of tangles as much as possible is also a major challenge that we will address through zoocosmetology.
Here are my grooming tips for spectacular results: 
✔️ Pre-bath mask: Bio Energy Plus+ Hygro Fluid (oil-based treatment) 
✔️ Shampoo: Aquarosa Pro or Bain Pro (depending on the coat texture, one or the other will be the obvious choice)
✔️ Conditioner: Aqua Dolce & Hydrating Cream & 4 Elements Oil 
✔️ Finishing/brushing/detangling spray: Mix pink

What are the colors of the Shih Tzu?

As you might expect, the absolutely sumptuous coats displayed by champions photographed or parading at shows are the result of very attentive and meticulous care. But the determining factor is certainly genetics.
As for colors, all shades are permitted, including those accompanied by a brown nose. Many can be very beautiful, with or without the white strands on the forehead and tail that are highly appreciated. It all depends on whether breeders have worked on and selected them. In any case, the broad palette allows everyone to add their personal touch. Among others, there is gold, with or without white markings; black and white; black and tan; even tricolor; almost all white; and, why not, all black, not to mention coats speckled with brown or gray.
The first specimens were often black and white. In the very first standard (a description of the ideal dog) published by the Peking Kennel Club in 1934, it was stated that honey and gold shades were highly sought after. Let us remember that gold was the color of the Chinese imperial court. A little later, the Countess of Anjou, who was part of the Western dog enthusiasts gathered in Peking at the aforementioned club, published a standard in French in 1946. In the section on color, it stated that honey and white were rare and sought after.
We have just mentioned two dates that serve as useful milestones in the history of the Shih Tzu. Indeed, it was in the 1930s that the breed became known to Westerners living in China—mainly members of diplomatic circles—who brought back several specimens that formed the foundation of modern breeding. As for its beginnings in France, they date back to the postwar period.
Let us go back to the beginning. The Shih Tzu is a Tibetan breed. It arrived in China from 1643 onward, at the beginning of the Manchu dynasty. Tibet, a vassal of the Chinese emperor, began presenting its little lion dogs from that date.
Its coat is so dense and long that doing nothing with it is impossible. From there, every fancy is possible, and they have indeed all been explored. But let us remember that it remains above all a dog—and even a well-built dog—whose hunting origins can still be discerned.
Although the coat, its colors, its trims, and their upkeep monopolize attention, we should not forget that there is a dog underneath it all. A well-built dog, with balanced, highly elegant lines, but without excessive refinement. The harmony of its structure is more apparent in the medium and large sizes, whose athleticism is immediately obvious, but the miniature and toy varieties are also built for movement. Whatever their size, poodles move with lightness.
Not only do they move, they also skip and jump: it is as though they were mounted on springs. This energetic quality is not merely a matter of temperament and nervous impulses; it is physical!
Let us focus once more on the head, very elegant and fine, but not underdeveloped, with the typical frontal furrow, a highly visible occipital crest, and a very slight stop. The eyes are not round, but slightly oblique and almond-shaped. They shine like jet, except in brown dogs, whose gaze is amber. The poodle has almost entirely forgotten its hunting past, but its well-developed nose, with wide-open nostrils, and its long, low-set ears betray truly hunting origins. Naturally, its very curly, extremely thick, extraordinarily abundant coat lends itself to every fancy. Each era has had its own fashion. There was a time when the corded poodle was a must. It is now so rare that one may wonder whether it is not going to disappear. It has also been seen in zouave style, zazou style, with pom-poms, in a seaside trim—renamed “Saint-Trop” or “Bermuda” in the 1960s and 1970s—or in a Dutch style. In the German version, this was the Royal Dutch (rzc), characterized by large “boleros.” 
The classic, so-called continental trim was joined in 1981 by the English trim, with a topknot on the head and hindquarters that were no longer shaved bare but sculpted into pompons. Over the past ten years or so, this English trim has evolved into the “puppy” style, with the front and hind legs covered by trousers. In fact, there is now only one pompon, on the tail. Show poodles and street poodles have ultimately evolved in parallel toward greater simplicity—except that show poodles have an oversized topknot resting on a more discreet coat. But with more or less hair, depending on whether it is intended to provide a spectacle or to live a normal life, why shouldn’t the poodle remain a well-proportioned dog, capable of highlighting its vitality and dynamism?
Are Shih Tzus healthy? 
 A short nose. Like many short-nosed dogs, the Shih Tzu may snore, whether asleep or awake. This is a minor inconvenience with no serious consequences. However, extra care should be taken during heatwaves or if the dog is left in a hot car, as its ability to ventilate is reduced.
• Luxating patella. Although hip dysplasia is not generally found in small dogs, another joint often causes them problems: who hasn’t seen a poodle, a small Spitz, or even a Miniature Pinscher walking on three legs after a walk? Like the Pekingese, the Shih Tzu can be prone to this type of lameness. It may be intermittent or persistent, depending on whether one or more ligaments supporting the joint are stretched or torn. Often, a false joint eventually forms, and the dog stops limping except after a very long walk. In more serious cases, surgery may be considered.
• Liver and kidneys. A few cases of fairly early kidney failure should be mentioned, requiring, in particular, an appropriate diet. More generally, the Shih Tzu can sometimes be somewhat delicate and easily upset. Choosing good food is essential.
• Tongue and eyes. Among the disqualifying features for confirmation, strabismus and a protruding tongue are noteworthy (when the dog’s mouth is closed). These are defects that can occur in short-headed breeds with forward-facing eyes; the Shih Tzu is no more affected than other breeds, and perhaps less so.

Our Shopping List for Shih Tzus

Here is a selection of the products we offer


Partager Lien copié
Passez a la pratique

Retrouvez tous les produits Special One selectionnes par nos toiletteurs partenaires.

Voir la gamme
A lire ensuite

Continuez la lecture

Formation en Belgique de Massimiliano Carluccio & Special One France sur Petdesign.fr
1 mars 2025

Training in Belgium by Massimiliano Carluccio & Special One France on Petdesign.fr

✨ Perfect your grooming with Massimiliano Carluccio! ✨ Do you dream of excelling in the art of dog groomin...
Formation en Belgique d'Aurore Guérin & Special One France sur Petdesign.fr
31 janvier 2025

Aurore Guérin's training in Belgium & Special One France on Petdesign.fr

Perfect your technique with Aurore Guerin, a grooming champion! Dog grooming enthusiasts, this training da...
Le Toilettage Parfait du Caniche : Conseils d'Expert pour un Pelage Impeccable
14 janvier 2025

Perfect Poodle Grooming: Expert Advice for an Impeccable Coat

Do you own a poodle and are looking for the best grooming tips? You've come to the right place! In this art...

Échanges

Réagir à cet article