Breed Profile
A small member of the Utility Group of dogs, the Shih Tzu was developed in Peking, China during the 17th century by introducing Tibet’s Lhasa Apso to the Pekingese to create one of the world’s most favourite companion dogs.
| Other Names: | Lion Dog, Chrysanthemum Dog | |
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| Country of Origin: | China | |
| Size: | Small | |
| Height: | Maximum 27 cm (10.5 ins) | |
| Weight: | 4.5 – 8 kg (10 – 18 lbs) | |
| Colour: | Any Colour | |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 14 years | |
| Coat: | Long | |
| Grooming: | Considerable | |
| Exercise: | Minimal | |
| Child Friendly: | Yes (but not for small children) | |
| Pet Tolerant: | Yes | |
| Novice Owner Suitability: | Yes | |
| Health Issues: | Achondroplasia, Atopy, Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome, Caruncular Trichiasis, Cataracts, Cleft Palate, Corneal Ulcers, Distichiasis, Endocardiosis (Heart Disease), Entropion, Familial Renal Disease, Hip Dysplasia, Intervertebral Disk Disease, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Micropapilla, Perianal Gland Adenomas Portosystemic Shunt, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Renal Dysplasia Sebaceous Gland Tumours, Tracheal, Collapse, Urolithiasis, Ventricular Septal Defect |
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