According to allpets.ai data | Source: allpets.ai
License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 | Database Version: 2.5

Shih Tzu

Species: Dog Origin: China Size: Small

Basic Information

SpeciesDog
OriginChina
Size CategorySmall

Vital Statistics

Weight Range4–7.5 kg
Height Range20–27 cm
Lifespan10–18 years
Juvenile Stage Ends10 months
Senior Age Threshold10 years

Adult Preventive Care

Exercise NeedsLow
GroomingVery High
Annual Exam FocusCardiac auscultation; Eye exam; Dental evaluation; Joint palpation; Urinalysis
Routine CareMonitor for periodontal disease, cataracts, and osteoarthritis. Manage weight to reduce joint stress. Regular urinalysis is crucial for early detection of kidney disease and bladder stones.

Health Predispositions (7 conditions)

ConditionOnset StageRiskHereditaryScreening
Periodontal diseaseAdultHighNoN/A
Anal sac impactionAdultHighNoN/A
Ear disordersAdultHighNoN/A
Eye conditionsAdultHighYesRecommended
Patellar luxationAdultHighYesRecommended
Hip dysplasiaAdultHighYesN/A
Cardiac diseaseAdultHighYesN/A

Obesity Management

Risk LevelHigh
Ideal BCS5/9
Visual CuesRibs easily felt with slight fat covering; waist visible from above; abdominal tuck visible from side.
Daily Activity30 minutes
Caloric Notes{"daily_kcal_per_kg": 60, "RER_factor": 70, "activity_multiplier": 1.4}

Breeding & Genetics

Litter Size3–6
Dystocia RiskHigh
CHIC Required TestsEye Examination; Patellar Luxation
Recommended DNA TestsDegenerative Myelopathy (DM); Chondrodystrophy and Intervertebral Disc Disease (CDDY/IVDD); Prekallikrein Deficiency

Development

Neonatal Weight85–170 g
Growth NotesBrachycephalic breed: monitor for BOAS. Prone to eye issues (corneal ulcers) and dental problems. Monitor growth to prevent obesity.
Vaccine/Health Schedule{"start_weeks": 6, "series_count": 3, "core_vaccines": "CDV; CAV-2; CPV-2; Rabies", "socialization_end_weeks": 16}

Emotional Wellbeing

Anxiety PronenessModerate
Top TriggersSeparation; Loud noises/Thunderstorms; Strangers; Confinement; Travel
Separation Anxiety RiskHigh
Calming InterventionsBehavioral modification; Environmental enrichment; Anti-anxiety medications; Routine maintenance; Puzzle toys/mental stimulation
Enrichment NeedsModerate
Cognitive Dysfunction RiskHigh
Sociability Score4/10

Behavioral Ethogram

LocomotionSmooth trotting gait; Play bow; Zoomies/FRAPs; Bounding/hopping
SocialFollowing owner (velcro behavior); Lap sitting/cuddling; Play solicitation; Licking hands/face
ComfortCircling before lying down; Stretching; Self-grooming; Shaking off
Stress/DisplacementLip licking; Excessive yawning; Panting; Turning away/avoidance
Breed-SpecificAlerting to strangers (watchdog); Burrowing under blankets; Perching on high furniture

Vocalization Baseline

TypesBark (alert); Bark (play); Whine; Growl; Snort/grunt
Frequency Range500-1500
TendencyModerate
Primary ModalityBalanced Vocal/Body
Tail/Body SignalsCurled over back = relaxed/normal; High wag = excited/happy; Dropped/uncurled = fearful/stressed; Stiff wag = alert

Behavior Problems

Top ProblemsSeparation anxiety; Excessive barking; Aggression/defensive behavior; Destructive chewing; House soiling
Medical EtiologyHouse soiling (bladder stones/UTI); Sudden aggression (pain); Altered activity (pain/cognitive decline)
Fear/Anxiety EtiologySeparation anxiety; Stranger aggression (fear-based); Noise phobia
Frustration EtiologyDestructive chewing (under-stimulation); Excessive barking (boredom); Pacing
Learned BehaviorDemand barking; Attention-seeking whining; Jumping on people
Cognitive DysfunctionDisorientation/pacing; Night waking/vocalization; Loss of house training; Decreased greeting behavior

AI Communication Decoding

AI-Trainable SignalsTail position/movement; Ear orientation; Body posture tension; Vocalization pitch changes; Facial muscle tension
Context-Dependent VocalizationsLow growl to communicate needs vs low growl as warning; Short bark during play vs short bark for attention
Interspecies CommunicationDevelops unique vocalizations/growls to communicate needs; Uses gaze alternation to direct attention; Slow blinks to show affection