Getting to Know the Cute White Shih Tzu

When it comes to selecting a loyal pet for most college students, man's best friend is often the go-to option for many. For those looking for a dog that's loyal, friendly, and adorable, the white Shih Tzu is often the perfect fit.

White Shih Tzu which translates into a White Lion dog, is a little sized dog breed developed in China. They offer great companionship and are a sight to behold. Here are amazing qualities and information about the white Shih Tzu that makes it one of the most loveable dog breeds in the world.

Appearance 

The white Shih Tzu belongs to the dog breed termed toy dogs. It poses a little and sturdy frame, with a short muzzle. This canine comes with a long silky coat. An adult white Shih Tzu weighs around 8.8 to 18 pounds with females often being the larger sex. In terms of height, the white Shih Tzu comes at around 7.9 to 11 inches tall.

Despite its name, white Shih Tzu isn't necessarily solid white. They generally come with white fur spotted with other colors such as black, gold, red, etc. Solid white Shih Tzus are rare due to the need for certain genetic conditions in breeding them.Origins

We can thank the selective breeding of a Tibetan dog in ancient 17th century China for the modern-day white Shih Tzu. During this era, Shih Tzus were regarded as royal dogs and weren't introduced into Europe until the 1930s. Despite its playful and friendly demeanor, the Shih Tzu shares a close bond with wolves. Surprisingly, this ancestry link with wolves is closer than many more aggressive-looking dogs share with wolves.

Temperament

White Shih Tzu are loyal, friendly, and affectionate dogs, hence their popularity as great companion dogs. They are naturally non-aggressive though they have been known to exhibit possessive behavior around other canines.

Life Span

White Shih Tzu has an amazing life span when compared to other dog breeds within its size and weight category. The canine possesses an average life span within the range of about 10 to 16 years. Proper care can see your cute companion surpass this range. Smokey, a Shih Tzu based in the US, surpassed the average age of these adorable pets and lived up to 23 years of age.

Grooming the White Shih Tzu

Handling any dog with a prominent white coat is a difficult task to accomplish. For the white Shih Tzu, one can trim its fur low to assist grooming, though it's usually not advisable to do this. Make use of high-quality shampoos and leave-in spray to groom your canine friend. Carry out light grooming every day to keep debris out of their fur. Avoid feeding them in plastic bowls, rather use bowls made from stainless steel.

Visit a veterinarian every six weeks to ensure your lovely companion is always in good health. The secret to owning an amazing white Shih Tzu is to provide it with love and care.