Shih Tzu, also known as Tibetan holy dog, was spotted in the US after the Second World War. A small people loving dog, the Shih Tzu is very intelligent and it is the first preference for senior citizens. In China, it is also named as the lion dog as its fur resembles the mane of a lion. It has very cute face with big round eyes and short hairy muzzle. However, the most prominent feature is its hair which gives a look of a beard and moustache. |
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However, apart from its features and behavior, another important thing needed to be considered before owning Shih Tzu is its life span. North American and European dogs have an average span of 12.8 years. It is a fact that larger dogs live less than smaller dogs, but it is also one of the fact that life span can be increased by providing nutritious food and offering good medical care. The life expectancy of a Shih Tzu is around ten years to fourteen years, but quality of food and level of care matters a lot to them.
A Shih Tzu is more likely to develop health problems such as kidney problems, anemia, luxating patella, thyroid problems, vision problems and portosystemic liver stunt. Portosystemic liver stunt is a condition wherein blood enters the liver and combines with pure blood which leads to formation of cell waste in the blood.
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and Canine Eye Registry Foundation certifications of the parents of the puppies help in determining any hip or elbow dysplasia and other bones problem. It also tests any genetic problem in eyes and in kidneys. So, make sure that your Shih Tzu has all the required certifications before you decide to purchase it.
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