Josh

                Shih Tzus were first raised in Tibet, which is now controlled by China.  Shih Tzu comes from the name lion dog.  Once Shih Tzus were called Lhasa lion dogs or fo dogs.  They were once called Lhasa dogs because Lhasa is the capitol of Tibet.  For many centuries, Shih Tzus were gifts to the leaders of China.  For a lot of years Shih Tzu only lived with rich powerful families.  Shih Tzus were brought to the the U.S.  in the 1930’s and 1990’s.  Today Shih Tzus are in tons of U.S. homes.

                Shih Tzus are really tiny.  They are called toy dogs because there so small!  Shih Tzus are very affectionate and love to play.  Even though Shih Tzus are small, they are still tough and bark a lot.  Shih Tzus are very good lap dogs.  They like being petted and being around you.

Shih Tzus are really small.  They weigh 4 to 8 ounces at birth which is about as heavy as a bar of soap.  There are usually four to five puppies nurse for at least six weeks.  After that it can have puppy food.

Before you choose a Shih Tzu, look at all the puppies.  Choose one with bright eyes.  Get a pure breed Shih Tzu, mixed breed Shih Tzus can have health problems.  Male Shih Tzus have more energy than females.  The males also are easier to house train than females.

Shih Tzus are really small.  Adult Shih Tzus stand between 8 to 11 inches tall.  They weigh 9 to 16 pounds.  Even though they’re small they’re still sturdy.

You should groom and carefully brush your Shih Tzu every day.  You should start while it’s a puppy, so it can get used to it.  Bathe your Shih Tzu once a week.  This is so you’re Shih Tzu can stay clean.  When you are bathing your Shih Tzu you must do it gently.  Shih Tzus don’t like getting wet.

Shih Tzus are very affectionate.  They show there love by their bright eyes and by barking.  Shih Tzus are goof pets for people with allergies.  Even though they have long hair they don’t shed much due to daily brushing.

Shih Tzus don’t need much room.  They’re good in a small house.  Shih Tzus like to go on walks every day.  Shih Tzus have small legs, so four blocks is enough for them.

Shih Tzus are very loyal to their owners.  They are very smart dogs.  Shih Tzus are very curious.  So you should keep them on a leash when you go on walks.

Shih Tzus bark at anything new.  They bark when someone knocks.  Shih Tzus also bark when they play or hear a strange noise.

Shih Tzus were once herding dogs.  Now, they are good pets.  Shih Tzus are great therapy dogs.  They love visiting sick people.