Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale

If you are looking for Shih Tzu puppies for sale, why not let Purebred Breeders connect you with the best Shih Tzu dog breeders? Our site offers a comprehensive range of listings of Shih Tzu dogs for sale, complete with pictures and detailed descriptions. Apart from helping you in buying a Shih Tzu puppy, our site also has resources such as a Shih Tzu puppy finder and Shih Tzu puppies reviews.

Shih Tzu History

The Shih Tzu can trace its history back to Imperial China and Tibet, where it is believed to have been first developed by breeding miniature Chinese and Tibetan breeds – in particular the Pekingese and Lhasa Apsos. These early Shih Tzus were favorites in the courts of the emperors of China. However, the Shih Tzu as we know it today developed in the seventeenth century, when they were crossbred with small dogs resembling lions that were brought to the court from Tibet. The breed almost became extinct in the wake of the Communist takeover of China in 1949, but several dog breeders were able to hold on to their Shih Tzus and the dogs in existence today are believed to descend from just seven pairs. The Shih Tzu was brought back to the US by returning American soldiers after World War II and the Shih Tzu was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969.

Shih Tzu Appearance

The Shih Tzu is a lively toy dog with a luxurious double coat that comes in various colors, although dogs with white tips on their tails and blazes on their forehead are the most highly desirable. The Shih Tzu is distinguished by a distinctive growth of hair above the nose that grows upwards, giving it a characteristic ‘chrysanthemum’ face. Adult Shih Tzus are longer than they are tall and average from nine to 10.5 inches, measured at the shoulder, although their size can range from as little as eight inches to as large as eleven inches, and their weight ranges from nine to sixteen pounds.

Shih Tzu Temperament

The Shih Tzu is one of the most loveable dog breeds, since they are generally well behaved and easily trainable. They have an agreeable personality that allows them to get along not only with various members of the family, but also other pets. Shih Tzus are extremely affectionate and outgoing, making them great companion dogs. Their small stature also makes them ideal pets for apartment dwellers and those living in places with limited residential spaces. Shih Tzus are not active dogs, and a daily walk and some playtime is enough to meet their daily requirements for physical activity.

Shih Tzu Role

Because of their affectionate nature, a Shih Tzu makes a good companion dog, even for the elderly. They also make good watchdogs since they are protective of their owners and can be counted on to bark when a stranger approaches. Like a lot of toy dogs, Shih Tzus can be prone to uncontrolled barking but early training can avert this undesirable trait.