Shih tzu adults

This pooch is a lover, not a hunter. Bred solely to be companions , Shih Tzus are affectionate, happy, outgoing house dogs who love nothing more than to follow their people from room to room. In recent years, however, pet parents have started taking Shih Tzus off their laps and into dog sports, training them for obedience, rally, and agility competitions. They make great family pets who get along with other animals and even children, so long as kids know how to gently handle and play with a small pup. DogTime recommends this carrier for traveling with your small Shih Tzu.

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Perky and happy, the shih tzu tends to require a large amount of personal attention. Because it thrives on human company, it can easily become spoiled. To maintain the Shih Tzu's long flowing coat, the owner must be prepared for serious grooming time. Shih Tzu are classified in the toy group in most countries, with a height of eight to 11 inches and weight of nine to 16 pounds four to seven kilograms. The shih tzu is often slightly longer than tall, with a sturdy body and a good-sized head.

The Shih Tzu's affectionate nature and playful disposition make them irresistible. The fact that these pups remain fairly small, coupled with their constant desire to play, can make them appear forever young. However, Shih Tzu don't remain puppies forever, which brings us to the question… When are Shih Tzu fully grown? Shih Tzu are considered adults at one year old, and they reach their full height of 8 to 11 inches at about 6 to 8 months. Shih Tzu then continue to gain weight until roughly two years old, and at this point, should cease to grow larger provided a healthy diet is followed.