# Shih Tzu (*Canis lupus familiaris*) A Shih Tzu is a small, cheerful companion with a flowing coat. It enjoys cozy laps and gentle play. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Homes and apartments; short strolls in parks ![Shih Tzu](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425913/objects/4414.jpg) ## Appearance The Shih Tzu is a small dog with a long, flowing double coat that comes in many colors and patterns, often with a distinctive 'top knot' of hair on its head. It has a pushed-in nose, large dark eyes, and a sturdy, compact body, making it look elegant and charming. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - A Shih Tzu's long hair can grow to touch the floor if left untrimmed! - Shih Tzu means 'little lion' in Chinese, despite their gentle nature! - Their eyes are often partly covered by their top knot for protection. - This breed was once considered royalty in ancient Tibet and China. ## Special abilities - **Hair Filter:** Shih Tzu has a dense double coat that helps them stay warm and protects their skin from sunlight, adapting to various indoor climates. - **Snub-Nose Sniffer:** Shih Tzu can sniff out treats and toys with its short snout, helping them explore their immediate environment through scent. - **Lap Warmer:** Shih Tzu has a warm, furry body that helps them provide comfort and warmth, making them excellent companions on cold days. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 25-30 cm - **Weight:** 4-7.2 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-16 years - **Speed:** 15 km/h - **Litter Size:** 3-5 - **Gestation:** 60-65 days ## Diet & Feeding Shih Tzus eat specially formulated dog food, enjoying a balanced diet designed for their health. - **Age differences:** Puppies eat more frequently; seniors may need softer food. - **Primary Foods:** kibble, wet dog food, dog treats, cooked vegetables - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Symbiotic with:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Provides food, shelter, companionship. - **Parasitizes:** Cat Flea (*Ctenocephalides felis*) — Feeds on their blood, causing irritation. - **Eats:** [Garden Snail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-snail) (*Helix aspersa*) — May accidentally ingest, risking parasite infection. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Use soft brushes near the face and be gentle around eyes. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Shih Tzu? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Shih Tzu? 25-30 cm ### How much does Shih Tzu weigh? 4-7.2 kg ### How long does Shih Tzu live? 10-16 years ### How fast can Shih Tzu move? 15 km/h ### What does Shih Tzu eat? Shih Tzus eat specially formulated dog food, enjoying a balanced diet designed for their health. ### Where is Shih Tzu usually found? Homes and apartments; short strolls in parks ### How does Shih Tzu hunt? Foraging ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Shih Tzu: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shih-tzu)