Welcome to the wonderful world of Shih Tzus! These fluffy little companions are adored for their affectionate nature, playful antics, and undeniable charm. If you’re considering welcoming one of these delightful pups into your home or you’re already a proud Shih Tzu parent, you’re in for a treat. We're going to explore the ins and outs of these lovable creatures, from their origins to their dietary needs, and discover how Scrumbles provides the pawfect nutrition for your beloved Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu Basics

Average Lifespan:  10-16 Years

Average Weight:  4-8 Kgs

Average Height:  22-27 Cm

Colouring: Vary in Colour Parti-colored, brindle, liver, black and gold, the most common.

Trainability: Relatively easy to train, have been known to be stubborn 

Exercise Needs: 30min-1 hr

Shedding: Low shedding

Let's start with the basics! Shih Tzus are a small breed known for their long, flowing coats and friendly demeanor. They typically stand between 9 to 10.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 9 to 16 pounds. These affectionate pooches thrive on companionship and are renowned for their loyalty to their families.

Origins of Shih Tzu

Whilst there is some mystery surrounding Shih Tzu's true origins, it's thought that they're descendants of Tibetan holy dogs, or "lion dogs" which is the translation. Their main purpose being companion and watch dogs. Whilst Tibet is relatively isolated, they made their way over to China, acting as gifts to Chinese emperors.

Despite the vastly different climate, they settled in well and were cherished by Chinese royals as prized companions. Over time they they would have interbred with short faced Chinese breeds like Pekinese's and Chinese Pugs, giving way to the typical Shih Tzu we know and love today.

What do Shih Tzu Look Like?

Shih Tzu's have an incredibly distinctive look. Their luxurious, oh so soft coat gets its regality from having a double layer, composed of a soft undercoat and a longer, luxurious outer coat. Their expressive eyes, framed by their characteristic long hair, exude warmth and charm, while their small, sturdy bodies add to their irresistible appeal. Perhaps most synonymous with the Shih Tzu though is their fluffy beard and whiskers, enough to make a grown man jealous.

Shih Tzu Personality

Prepare to fall head over heels for their personality! Shih Tzus are renowned for their playful and affectionate nature. They thrive on human interaction and are incredibly sociable creatures. Despite their small size, they possess a spirited and confident demeanor. These little companions are bursting with personality, often described as spunky, loving, and oh-so-adorable!

Are Shih Tzu Good Family Dogs?

Health is a priority when it comes to our furry friends. Shih Tzus, like all breeds, have specific health considerations. While generally hardy, they may be prone to certain health issues such as brachycephalic syndrome, hip dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups, a nutritious diet, and proper grooming are crucial in ensuring the well-being of your beloved Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu Feeding Requirements

Speaking of nutrition, like any pooch, a well-balanced diet is key to a Shih Tzu's health and happiness. These dogs benefit from high-quality food that caters to their unique needs. Adequate protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals are essential components of their diet. Make sure to always "turn and learn" the food you're considering, as the only way to tell if a food meets your criteria is to read through the ingredients. Things to look out for are:

• Clearly named ingredients: Ideally you should recognise what they all are, and they shouldn't be grouped together under umbrella terms like "animal derivatives"
• Meat as the first ingredient: Ingredients are listed in order of their quantity in the recipe, so ideally you'd see fish or meat listed first, rather than grains or cereals. Some brands also split up ingredients to sneakily get around this, e.g breaking up Cereal into vegetable proteins, 
• No added sugar or salt: Typically added to foods to improve taste, where meat content is low, these addictive ingredients should be avoided due to the havoc they play on teethies and tums.

-> Learn more about choosing the best dog food here.

Scrumbles, the Pawfect Food for Shih Tzu

Luckily, you're also in the right place because we've got just the thing to serve to your Shih Tzu, Scrumbles! We uniquely focus on gut health with all our recipes, using all-natural ingredients that support optimal health, with extra benefits like pre or probiotics, joint care and omega's for healthy skin. Here's why we think your doggo will finish their bowl of Scrumbles in break-neck speeds:

• Up to 70% meat or fish for a protein level you can feel proud of
• Added pre or probiotics for pretty poops and healthy digestion. Especially beneficial for Shih Tzu's who can be more prone to sensitive tums than other breeds.
• Hypoallergenic, so free from gluten, soy, dairy, egg and red meat
• Grain free and limited ingredient options for Retrievers with extra sensitive tummies
• Plenty of choice, with complete dry food, wet food and treats on offer, in lots of different flavours like duck, chicken, turkey and salmon - boring bowls be gone!
• Loved by fussy Shih Tzu's, with over 5k five star reviews

So, what are you waiting for? Give us a try today, we can't wait to see what you both think

In conclusion

Shih Tzus are a bundle of joy wrapped in a fluffy coat. Their loving disposition, coupled with their distinctive appearance, makes them a beloved companion for families and individuals alike. Remember, providing them with proper care, attention, and the right nutrition, such as that offered by Scrumbles, ensures that your Shih Tzu will thrive and continue to bring warmth and happiness to your home for years to come.

Whilst You're Here, Why not Read:

1. Golden Retriever Breed guide 
2. German Shepherd Breed Guide 
3. Border Collie Breed Guide