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Shih Tzu

Breedgroup of the Shih Tzu

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History of the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is often referred to as a "small lion". They originated in Tibet, but are most associated with China where they were highly revered as a palace pet and prized companion. The Shih Tzu is an active, happy, and affectionate breed.

Temperament of the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is first and foremost a companion. They love nothing more than being indoors with their family. This breed gets along very well with older children and other pets. They are outgoing and self-assured, keen and alert. They make excellent watchdogs. They do not do well being separated from their owners and may become destructive if left alone for extended periods of time. They are docile and quiet, but
they also love to play. The Shih Tzu is spunky and can be obstinate at times. They expect to be treated as royalty and are easily spoiled.
The Shih Tzu is small, sturdy, and intelligent. They carry themselves with a noble and proud posture befitting their aristocratic ancestry. One of their most valued characteristics is the eye, which exude warmth and a human-like quality. The Shih Tzu is the least delicate of the toy breeds.

Breedstandard of the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu (traditional Chinese: 獅子狗; simplified Chinese: 狮子狗; pinyin: Shīzi Gǒu; Wade-Giles: Shih-tzu Kou; literally "Lion Dog"), pronounced   (i) (with "sher" as in "sherbet" and "dz" as in "adz") , is a dog breed which originated in China. The name is both singular and plural. The spelling "Shih Tzu", most commonly used for the breed, is according to the Wade-Giles system of romanization. The Shih Tzu is reported to be the oldest and smallest of the Tibetan holy dogs, its vaguely lion-like look being associated with the Snowlion. It is also often known as the "Xi Shi quan" (西施犬), based on the name of Xi Shi, regarded as the most beautiful woman of ancient China, and, less often, the Chrysanthemum Dog, because its face looks very much like the flower, and the Chinese or Tibetan Lion Dog.// Description AppearanceThe Shih Tzu is characterized by its long, flowing double coat; sturdy build; intelligence; and a friendly, energetic, lively attitude. Excellent example of lively Shih Tzu puppy behavior at 10 weeks . In breeding all coat colors are allowed. The Shih Tzu's fur can be styled either in a short summer cut or kept long as is compulsory for conformation shows.The American Kennel Club (AKC) Shih Tzu breed standard calls for the dog to have a short snout, large eyes, and a palm-like tail that waves above its torso. The ideal Shih Tzu's height at 9 to 10 1/2 inches. The dog should stand no less than 8 inches and not more than 11 inches tall. The Shih Tzu should never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty. Regardless of size or gender, the Shih Tzu should always be solid and compact and carry good weight and substance for its size range. Breed variationsThe American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) define the Shih Tzu as a dog that weighs between 9 to 16 pounds as the official breed standard. Descriptions such as "imperial", "teacup", "tiny teacup" are used, but dogs that fit such descriptions are often an undersized or underdeveloped Shih Tzu. Both the AKC and ASTC consider these variances to not be in conformity with the official breed standard. These tiny variances are also not what was defined as a standard by the professional circuit. Many people prefer to have these canines buzzed to a short cut, as their hair starts to mat and become dry as it grows. To have it long, the owner must give the dog's hair intensive care. A medium length coat is therefore recommended. Health Temperature sensitivityShih Tzu are considered to be brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs. As such, they are very sensitive to high temperatures. This is why many airlines that ship dogs will not accept them for shipment when temperatures at any point on the planned itinerary exceeds 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24°C) . Life span and health issuesThe life span of a Shih Tzu is 13-15 years, although some variation from this range is possible. Some health issues common among the breed are portosystemic liver shunt, renal dysplasia, and hip dysplasia in standard sizes. In addition, they also can suffer from various eye problems. Shih Tzus (and many other breeds) may present signs of allergies to red dye #40, and owners should respond to scratching in the absence of fleas by eliminating pet foods that contain this commonly used additive. CareThe Shih Tzu can require more care than some other breeds if the hair is kept at show length; they need daily brushing to avoid tangles. A short haircut, also known as a pet trim or puppy cut, can make this a task taking place every month or so rather than of daily. They also need regular haircuts. A Shih Tzu has two coats of fur, with the bottom coat shedding into the top coat rather than off of the dog entirely; as a result, this breed sheds very little in the conventional sense. With regular brushing and bathing, shedding can be reduced to almost nothing. As they shed so lightly, Shih-Tzu are considered to be one of the breeds more suitable for people with allergies.Since the breed is adapted to a cool climate, letting the coat grow out somewhat for the colder seasons is appropriate, but there is still a substantial difference from a floor-length show coat and a warmer, medium-length winter coat.Because Shih Tzu noses are small and flat, eating contributes to an unclean face. Once the dog has finished eating, owners often wipe the dog's face with a damp paper towel to remove food remnants. This is another area where the haircut matters; a proper show cut will get more messy (often even requiring the hair to be rubber-banded together for eating efficiently) than other ways of cutting the facial hair.When they are drinking, it is sometimes necessary to supervise Shih Tzu; water can enter their face-level noses more easily and inhibit breathing. This is why many Shih Tzu are trained to drink from the sort of licker bottles used by hamsters and gerbils. The area around the eyes should be checked each day for mucus buildup and cleaned when needed. Providing the Shih Tzu with bottled water (or water that does not contain chlorine) helps to keep eye mucus to a minimum. Additionally, their claws need to be clipped approximately every month. Mixed breedsShih Tzus are sometimes cross-bred with other toy dogs. Among the more commonly known mixed breeds are the Shih-poo (crossed with a toy Poodle), the "Zuchon" or "Shichon" (crossed with a Bichon Frisé) and the Pom shih (crossed with a Pomeranian). Shih Tzus may also be crossed with Maltese, (the "Mal-shih or Schmaltz") and a ShiChi which is a Shih Tzu crossed with a Chihuahua. They can be crossed with many other breeds. HistoryRecent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog.Professor Ludvic von Schulmuth studied canine origins by studying the skeletal remains of dogs found in human settlements as long as ten thousand years ago. The Professor created a genealogical tree of Tibetan dogs that shows the "Gobi Desert Kitchen Midden Dog", a scavenger, evolved into the "Small Soft-Coated Drop-Eared Hunting Dog". From this dog evolved the Tibetan Spaniel, Pekingese, and Japanese Chin. Another branch coming down from the "Kitchen Midden Dog" gave rise to the Papillon and Long-haired Chihuahua and yet another "Kitchen Midden Dog" branch to the Pug and Shih Tzu.James E. Mumford described the breed in an American Shih Tzu magazine, giving a picture of the versatile character of the Shih Tzu: "Nobody knows how the Ancient Eunuchs managed to mix together…And now here comes the recipe: A dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces of domestic cat, one part court jester, a dash of ballerina, a pinch of old man (Chinese), a bit of beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one part baby seal, a dash of teddy bear and the rest dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin." Notes^ http://www.wfu.edu/~moran/Cathay_Cafe/IPA_NPA_4.htm^ Steve Allison. "Shih Tzu". FindOutAboutDogBreeds.com. Retrieved on 2007-11-07.^ American Kennel Club: Shih Tzu Breed Standard. Retrieved November 20, 2007^ 5stardog (2007). "Shitzu Dog Breed Shihtzus". www.5tardog.com. Retrieved on 2007-11-07.^ bizland. "All about Shih Tzu". Shih Tzu Fanciers of Southern CA. Retrieved on 2007-11-07.^ Ruth A. Grimaldi (1995). "Shih-Tzus". Retrieved on 2007-11-07.^ Denise M. Lindley (2007). "Shih Tzu Health Problems: Brachiocephalic Skull Conformation". Shih Tzu Rescue of Central WI.. Retrieved on 2007-11-07.^ Cynthia Smith (2007). "Shih Tzu Health Problems: Dry Eye (Keratoconjuctivitis Sicca)". Shih Tzu Rescue of Central WI.. Retrieved on 2007-11-07.^ Kibak, Chris. "General Description of the shih tzu". General Retriever. Retrieved on 2008-04-21.^ Dog Breed Info Center (2007). "Shih-Poo, Shih Tzu Poodle Hybrid, Shih-Poos". www.dogbreedinfo.com. Retrieved on 2007-11-07.^ Dog Breed Info Center (2007). "Zuchon, Shichon, Bichon Shih Tzu Hybrid, Shichons". www.dogbreedinfo.com. Retrieved on 2007-11-07.^ Derr, MARK (May 21, 2004). "Collie or Pug? Study Finds the Genetic Code". New York Times. Retrieved on 2007-11-07.

Care of the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu requires extensive grooming. They need brushed daily to prevent knots, tangles, and mats. They need to be bathed monthly. They are not suited for humid climates. It is important to keep their eyes and ears cleaned. Their eyes are particularly sensitive. They are prone to kidney disease and slipping kneecaps. The Shih Tzu's short
muzzle makes it exceptionally prone to snoring and wheezing problems. Dental hygiene is crucial to prevent tooth loss. They tend to gain weight easily and must not be overfed.
The Shih Tzu has a long, dense, and abundant double-coat. The luxurious and profuse outer-coat often sweeps the ground, and may be slightly wavy. The under-coat is wooly and soft in texture. The long hair on top of the head is typically placed into a topknot to prevent eye irritation. The Shih Tzu coat varies widely in color. They are minimal shedders and are considered hypoallergenic.

Training of the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu may be difficult to housetrain. The crate method works best. Although they are eager to please, and quick to learn, this breed's stubborn streak requires persistence and consistency. They do not respond to harshness or punishment. The Shih Tzu does very well in obedience training provided it is low-key and motivational.

Other information on the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu enjoys short daily walks or vigorous indoor play sessions and games. They are very well suited for apartment., so a small fenced yard is ideal.

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