ABOUT SHIH TZUS
Scientists have found that Shih Tzu owners love their dogs more then other Humans
So sorry to say this to my friends and family but this is true. It just happens. I feel God made the Shih Tzu for people that need healing. And this breed has done this for me. And after the rough road is paved a little we have a even stronger bond with them. Their eyes look into our soul .
Physical Characteristics
The Shih Tzu is a
snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about
8 to 11 inches tall at the withers, and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its
body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically
proportional all over, neither too short or too small, but a true miniature
breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good
drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient
royal bloodlines.
Its hair is double
layered, full, dense, and lush, and grows long and straight, past the feet. The
Shih Tzu sheds very little, making it a good choice for people who have light
allergies to fur, or for people who just prefer not to clean up a lot of hair.
Regular grooming is a requirement with this breed because of this
characteristic; the hair will get tangled and matted quickly as it gets longer.
The ears and tail are full and long, with the tail hair fluffing it out in a
feathery plume that curves over the back
SHIH TZU: A HYPOALLERGENIC DOG
Since primary allergens are attributed to proteins found in dog’s dander and saliva, breeds that lose less hair are thought more likely to be hypoallergenic. The Shih Tzu is a double coated dog, meaning they have an undercoat and also a top coat (unlike a Maltese which is also a long haired breed but has a single coat). The Shih Tzu has hair as oppose to the fur type coat that is common to many breeds, and the Shih Tzu generally loses very little hair. This type of coat/hair is why the Shih Tzu is considered one the best toy breeds for people that suffer with allergies. The overall size of the Shih Tzu being small verses a bigger sized dog is also a relevant factor. With brushing the Shih Tzu there may be a small bit of hair collected in the brush, but you don't have the shedding all over the house/furniture as is typical with breeds that shed. It may prove best to keep one in a close cut to minimize the amount of hair altogether. Also, regular bathes are a means of reducing any dander that may be present. Using a leave in cream rinse conditioner is also suggested when shampooing and conditioning your Shih Tzu.
This breed is
categorized as brachycephalic, meaning that the muzzle and nose of the Shih Tzu
is flat, though not as flat as its cousin, the Pekingese. The eyes are round
and wide, but in contrast to some other flat muzzled dogs, the eyes should not
bulge or be too prominent. The Shih Tzu should have an innocent, wide-eyed,
warm expression giving it an impression of friendliness and trustworthiness,
rather than the more ferocious appearance of the Pekingese
snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about
8 to 11 inches tall at the withers, and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its
body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically
proportional all over, neither too short or too small, but a true miniature
breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good
drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient
royal bloodlines.
Its hair is double
layered, full, dense, and lush, and grows long and straight, past the feet. The
Shih Tzu sheds very little, making it a good choice for people who have light
allergies to fur, or for people who just prefer not to clean up a lot of hair.
Regular grooming is a requirement with this breed because of this
characteristic; the hair will get tangled and matted quickly as it gets longer.
The ears and tail are full and long, with the tail hair fluffing it out in a
feathery plume that curves over the back
SHIH TZU: A HYPOALLERGENIC DOG
Since primary allergens are attributed to proteins found in dog’s dander and saliva, breeds that lose less hair are thought more likely to be hypoallergenic. The Shih Tzu is a double coated dog, meaning they have an undercoat and also a top coat (unlike a Maltese which is also a long haired breed but has a single coat). The Shih Tzu has hair as oppose to the fur type coat that is common to many breeds, and the Shih Tzu generally loses very little hair. This type of coat/hair is why the Shih Tzu is considered one the best toy breeds for people that suffer with allergies. The overall size of the Shih Tzu being small verses a bigger sized dog is also a relevant factor. With brushing the Shih Tzu there may be a small bit of hair collected in the brush, but you don't have the shedding all over the house/furniture as is typical with breeds that shed. It may prove best to keep one in a close cut to minimize the amount of hair altogether. Also, regular bathes are a means of reducing any dander that may be present. Using a leave in cream rinse conditioner is also suggested when shampooing and conditioning your Shih Tzu.
This breed is
categorized as brachycephalic, meaning that the muzzle and nose of the Shih Tzu
is flat, though not as flat as its cousin, the Pekingese. The eyes are round
and wide, but in contrast to some other flat muzzled dogs, the eyes should not
bulge or be too prominent. The Shih Tzu should have an innocent, wide-eyed,
warm expression giving it an impression of friendliness and trustworthiness,
rather than the more ferocious appearance of the Pekingese
Personality and Temperament
The Shih Tzu is breed primarily as a domestic and family companion, and should be guided by
friendliness, buoyancy, tolerance, and trust. This breed showers affection on
its family when it has been treated in kind, and is good and gentle with
children. It should be noted that Shih Tzu can get skittish when they are
mistreated, and a dog that is introduced to small children at an older age may
not be as tolerant with high energy play as it would if it had been raised from
the start with young children. Its resilience is impressive, but this trait can
translate to stubbornness at times.
Still, the
ever plucky and sweet Shih Tzu is not only a lively and playful companion, but
a mild lapdog as well. It loves to romp and play, delighting everyone with its
cheerful attitude, and at the end of the day it is happy to relax with the
family, serene and at peace in its little world
friendliness, buoyancy, tolerance, and trust. This breed showers affection on
its family when it has been treated in kind, and is good and gentle with
children. It should be noted that Shih Tzu can get skittish when they are
mistreated, and a dog that is introduced to small children at an older age may
not be as tolerant with high energy play as it would if it had been raised from
the start with young children. Its resilience is impressive, but this trait can
translate to stubbornness at times.
Still, the
ever plucky and sweet Shih Tzu is not only a lively and playful companion, but
a mild lapdog as well. It loves to romp and play, delighting everyone with its
cheerful attitude, and at the end of the day it is happy to relax with the
family, serene and at peace in its little world
Loving Your Shih Tzu Puppy
LOVE
Showing love to your
precious Shih Tzu Puppy may seem easy, yet many people fail miserably. It is
not enough to love an adorable, cuddly puppy, you must also love your dog when
it is an adolescent, and even more important when you’re Shih Tzu is an aging
senior dog. You must love your Shih Tzu when it makes you proud and happy as
well as he/she does things that are wrong or even costs you money. Love is
shown in many different ways. Petting your dog, caressing, playing, massaging
are all ways to show love. Love is essential for your Shih Tzu Puppy to
thrive
Shih Tzu puppies are
very intelligent and know when you are sick or not feeling well. It is at that
time that the love you have shown your dog will in return show its love towards
you and your family.
ATTENTION
Like your other
family members, your Shih Tzu puppy will need its fair share of attention each
day. Shih Tzu’s thrive on your attention. Giving your pup a pat on the head or
a belly rub may seem like such a small thing, but the simple touch from your
hand is a thrilling and enjoyable reward to your puppy. Be sure to spend
quality time with your Shih Tzu EVERYDAY!
Some examples of
daily things to show extra attention to your Shih Tzu are: taking him/her for
walks, playing fetch outside in the grass, cuddling with him/her while watching
television and spending quality time working on various tricks and
training.
If you are too busy
to give your Shih Tzu Puppy the daily attention it needs, then I really fell
and believe that you are too busy to own this or any type of dog.
This breed
needs exercise, but not much more than a daily walk around the neighborhood, or
a run though the park. It can even be suitably energized with fetching games
inside when the weather does not permit outdoor activities. This is a walking
dog rather than a jogging dog, but owing to its size, it can also make an
enjoyable biking companion, given a comfortable bike basket from which to
settle in to catch the wind in its face. Because of its short muzzle, the Shih
Tzu cannot tolerate high temperatures.
Another
consideration regarding its nose is the tendency for water to get into the
nostrils. Some owners use water bottles (the sort used for small cage animals)
for their Shih Tzu to avoid this problem. This dog gets along better as an
indoor dog rather than an outdoor dog. This arrangement is highly recommended,
in fact. This is not only to protect your dog from temperatures, but because
the hair tends to get dirty and matted as it grows.
The plush
coat requires combing or brushing on alternate days, everyday if it is kept at
show length. It is essential to teach puppies to accept grooming while young so
that they look forward to this activity with you. Make no mistake, if you
choose to grow the hair long on your Shih Tzu, you will need to commit yourself
to an intense grooming schedule; the hair can get out of hand quickly. Some
owners who do not plan to show their Shih Tzu, but have the breed for
companionship only, will choose to keep their pet in a teddy bear cut, or an
abbreviated long style that is easier to manage.
Another
option is to keep the tail, ears and “beard” long, with the feet fluffy, and
the rest of the hair on the body trimmed to an inch or shorter, or to keep the
hair on the undercarriage long so that it blends with the legs, giving the hair
the appearance of a skirt. Whatever cut is chosen, the hair around the eyes
should be kept trimmed to avoid mishaps or gunk build-up, but just long enough
to keep dust from blowing into the eyes.
Another
reason to keep your Shih Tzu inside is that it has a tendency to bark,
sometimes for long stretches of time. Even if it is kept indoors, this breed
will bark frequently, at anyone, or anything, going by. It gets bored when it
is alone, and this explains its behavior to some degree, but keep in mind that
the Shih Tzu was bred as a palace watchdog, and it will continue to carry that
instinct if it is from a pure line. This quality makes it a particularly good
choice for an alarm system, but maybe not a good option for someone who lives
in an apartment and is at work all day -- although there are solutions for this
type of situation. When the dog is with people it can be distracted from
barking as much, but this trait must be expected and appreciated, rather than
taken as an annoyance that must be trained out of the Shih Tzu. Rather than
punishing the barking behavior, find response words that will work quickly to
quiet your dog, or distractions that can be depended on to draw its attention
away from what is going on outside the window or door.
Proper Socialization for your Shih Tzu
Puppy
I recommend that you
"socialize" your puppy NOW! This is absolutely essential for your new puppy to
become confident, friendly, well-mannered and well-adjusted. It is critical
that your puppy receives daily interaction from humans especially from 3-16
weeks of age.
Some of the recommended ideas
for human handling are the following:
Massage and play with their paws.
Rub their belly while on their back.
Play with their tail and ears.
Frequently open their mouth to check their tongue and teeth.
Give a gentle, full-body massage.
Pet them often throughout the day.
Hold and cuddle them gently.
Whisper in their ear and give kisses.
Most of their personalities
and confidence are set by 10 weeks of age. If your puppy is neglected, more
then likely it will have social anxiety/difficulties all of its life. Pups that
are not properly socialized, become suspicious of everything except for their
own limited environment.
Shih Tzu puppies are placed in
their new homes between 8 and 12 weeks of age. This age is often called “The
Fear Imprint” because at this age, anything your puppy feels is negative can
impact them for life. So, make sure you spend quality time building up your
puppy’s confidence with numerous, positive and fun experiences. Introduce your
puppy to many different people, children, places and things. This should be a
life-long, slow process. Never allow a child to be alone with a puppy.
Supervision is recommended all the time.
Supervision is required at all
times when children and puppies are together. NEVER allow young children to be
alone with your puppy because its skull and bones are very fragile and tragic
accidents do happen. All dogs will encounter children sometime, somewhere so
expose your Shih Tzu pup to them. In a puppy's mind, children look different,
sound different and move quicker than adults. Children often make sudden loud
movements and your Shih Tzu puppy needs to learn these actions are nothing to
fear.
Below is a list of items that
I recommend in assisting with the "socializing" aspect of your new puppy.
However, make sure your puppy is current on all vaccinations
before doing any of the following.
Take your puppy for a ride in the car.
Walk in the grass, on cement, in the rain and snow.
Vacuum slowly and do not scare him/her.
Take your puppy with you to the pet store.
Allow your puppy to be around other dogs and cats.
Introduce your Shih Tzu puppy to all of your neighbors.
Supervise your Shih Tzu puppy with children of all ages.
Enroll your Shih Tzu pup in a "kindergarten obedience class" with other young, toy breed puppies.
"Socialization" must begin now and must continue throughout your Shih Tzu life
progressive retinal atrophy (PRA),
andHistory and Background
The name
Shih Tzu Kou, or Shih Tzu, translates to “mini lion,” the moniker given to it
in deference to its lion-like appearance. The name is likely based on the word
for lion, “shishi.” The lion was highly esteemed in China for its connection
with Buddhism, since it had a long tradition as guardian of the temples and
palaces. The lion's strength and courage was revered, and it made its way into
many of Buddha's teachings. This little dog was bred to reflect that appearance
of strength, regality, and beauty, and it took the position as a practical
stand in for the lion, acting as companion and guardian of the palace and
temple. It is
probable that this dog was actually developed in Tibet in the 1600s, where it
was considered a holy animal. It is accepted as one of the oldest dog breeds on
record. The modern Shih Tzu developed in China in the late 19th Century, when
the Dowager Empress Cixi ruled the kingdom.
Though the
Pekingese and Shih Tzu breeds have similar backgrounds, and have often been
linked over the years, the two had been long distinguished in Chinese art,
where the latter is shown with a pien-ji or topknot, denoted by bumps on the
head. It is worth remarking that the topknot is still the style that is used
for the Shih Tzu, especially in the show ring.
When the
Dowager Empress Cixi ruled during the latter part of the Qing dynasty, the Shih
Tzu were held in great regard, and were kept as special house pets. She
personally oversaw their breeding, and the eunuchs in charge of the palace
breeding took great pride in producing the most beautiful and distinct dogs,
interbreeding, without the Empress' knowledge, within the groups of Pekingese
and Pugs that were also a part of the palace kennel in order to achieve those
ideal. Because the dogs were also regarded as protectors of the palace, the
instinct for barking at strangers was undoubtedly honed during this time. In
fact, the Shih Tzu is still a highly recommended watch dog because of its quick
and vocal reaction to strangers. The Empress was very jealous over her dogs and
was not wont to share them with foreign dignitaries or friends. Many of the
Empress' dogs were lost after her death, causing a big blow to the breed.
Later, Shih Tzus were displayed in China as Tibetan Poodles or Lhassa
Terriers. In 1935,
the breed was shown as the Lhassa Lion Dog, and it was then that it began to
gain popularity on a wider scale. In England there was confusion between the
Shih Tzu and the Lhasa Apso,
but in 1934, after the Apso was displayed, the
two breeds were split into their own distinct classes. It was then that the
smaller dogs with the shorter-noses and wider-skulls from Peking were given the
Shih Tzu name. Just one Pekingese outcrossing was allowed, in 1952, but this
cross was not permitted again. The standards for the purity of the bloodline
have been strictly upheld since. In the 1960s, the U.S. saw immense growth in
the breed’s popularity, paving the way for recognition by the American Kennel
Club in 1969. It is among the most lovable of the toy breeds, and its
popularity as a domestic companion and show dog continues to GROW.
LOVE
Showing love to your
precious Shih Tzu Puppy may seem easy, yet many people fail miserably. It is
not enough to love an adorable, cuddly puppy, you must also love your dog when
it is an adolescent, and even more important when you’re Shih Tzu is an aging
senior dog. You must love your Shih Tzu when it makes you proud and happy as
well as he/she does things that are wrong or even costs you money. Love is
shown in many different ways. Petting your dog, caressing, playing, massaging
are all ways to show love. Love is essential for your Shih Tzu Puppy to
thrive
Shih Tzu puppies are
very intelligent and know when you are sick or not feeling well. It is at that
time that the love you have shown your dog will in return show its love towards
you and your family.
ATTENTION
Like your other
family members, your Shih Tzu puppy will need its fair share of attention each
day. Shih Tzu’s thrive on your attention. Giving your pup a pat on the head or
a belly rub may seem like such a small thing, but the simple touch from your
hand is a thrilling and enjoyable reward to your puppy. Be sure to spend
quality time with your Shih Tzu EVERYDAY!
Some examples of
daily things to show extra attention to your Shih Tzu are: taking him/her for
walks, playing fetch outside in the grass, cuddling with him/her while watching
television and spending quality time working on various tricks and
training.
If you are too busy
to give your Shih Tzu Puppy the daily attention it needs, then I really fell
and believe that you are too busy to own this or any type of dog.
This breed
needs exercise, but not much more than a daily walk around the neighborhood, or
a run though the park. It can even be suitably energized with fetching games
inside when the weather does not permit outdoor activities. This is a walking
dog rather than a jogging dog, but owing to its size, it can also make an
enjoyable biking companion, given a comfortable bike basket from which to
settle in to catch the wind in its face. Because of its short muzzle, the Shih
Tzu cannot tolerate high temperatures.
Another
consideration regarding its nose is the tendency for water to get into the
nostrils. Some owners use water bottles (the sort used for small cage animals)
for their Shih Tzu to avoid this problem. This dog gets along better as an
indoor dog rather than an outdoor dog. This arrangement is highly recommended,
in fact. This is not only to protect your dog from temperatures, but because
the hair tends to get dirty and matted as it grows.
The plush
coat requires combing or brushing on alternate days, everyday if it is kept at
show length. It is essential to teach puppies to accept grooming while young so
that they look forward to this activity with you. Make no mistake, if you
choose to grow the hair long on your Shih Tzu, you will need to commit yourself
to an intense grooming schedule; the hair can get out of hand quickly. Some
owners who do not plan to show their Shih Tzu, but have the breed for
companionship only, will choose to keep their pet in a teddy bear cut, or an
abbreviated long style that is easier to manage.
Another
option is to keep the tail, ears and “beard” long, with the feet fluffy, and
the rest of the hair on the body trimmed to an inch or shorter, or to keep the
hair on the undercarriage long so that it blends with the legs, giving the hair
the appearance of a skirt. Whatever cut is chosen, the hair around the eyes
should be kept trimmed to avoid mishaps or gunk build-up, but just long enough
to keep dust from blowing into the eyes.
Another
reason to keep your Shih Tzu inside is that it has a tendency to bark,
sometimes for long stretches of time. Even if it is kept indoors, this breed
will bark frequently, at anyone, or anything, going by. It gets bored when it
is alone, and this explains its behavior to some degree, but keep in mind that
the Shih Tzu was bred as a palace watchdog, and it will continue to carry that
instinct if it is from a pure line. This quality makes it a particularly good
choice for an alarm system, but maybe not a good option for someone who lives
in an apartment and is at work all day -- although there are solutions for this
type of situation. When the dog is with people it can be distracted from
barking as much, but this trait must be expected and appreciated, rather than
taken as an annoyance that must be trained out of the Shih Tzu. Rather than
punishing the barking behavior, find response words that will work quickly to
quiet your dog, or distractions that can be depended on to draw its attention
away from what is going on outside the window or door.
Proper Socialization for your Shih Tzu
Puppy
I recommend that you
"socialize" your puppy NOW! This is absolutely essential for your new puppy to
become confident, friendly, well-mannered and well-adjusted. It is critical
that your puppy receives daily interaction from humans especially from 3-16
weeks of age.
Some of the recommended ideas
for human handling are the following:
Massage and play with their paws.
Rub their belly while on their back.
Play with their tail and ears.
Frequently open their mouth to check their tongue and teeth.
Give a gentle, full-body massage.
Pet them often throughout the day.
Hold and cuddle them gently.
Whisper in their ear and give kisses.
Most of their personalities
and confidence are set by 10 weeks of age. If your puppy is neglected, more
then likely it will have social anxiety/difficulties all of its life. Pups that
are not properly socialized, become suspicious of everything except for their
own limited environment.
Shih Tzu puppies are placed in
their new homes between 8 and 12 weeks of age. This age is often called “The
Fear Imprint” because at this age, anything your puppy feels is negative can
impact them for life. So, make sure you spend quality time building up your
puppy’s confidence with numerous, positive and fun experiences. Introduce your
puppy to many different people, children, places and things. This should be a
life-long, slow process. Never allow a child to be alone with a puppy.
Supervision is recommended all the time.
Supervision is required at all
times when children and puppies are together. NEVER allow young children to be
alone with your puppy because its skull and bones are very fragile and tragic
accidents do happen. All dogs will encounter children sometime, somewhere so
expose your Shih Tzu pup to them. In a puppy's mind, children look different,
sound different and move quicker than adults. Children often make sudden loud
movements and your Shih Tzu puppy needs to learn these actions are nothing to
fear.
Below is a list of items that
I recommend in assisting with the "socializing" aspect of your new puppy.
However, make sure your puppy is current on all vaccinations
before doing any of the following.
Take your puppy for a ride in the car.
Walk in the grass, on cement, in the rain and snow.
Vacuum slowly and do not scare him/her.
Take your puppy with you to the pet store.
Allow your puppy to be around other dogs and cats.
Introduce your Shih Tzu puppy to all of your neighbors.
Supervise your Shih Tzu puppy with children of all ages.
Enroll your Shih Tzu pup in a "kindergarten obedience class" with other young, toy breed puppies.
"Socialization" must begin now and must continue throughout your Shih Tzu life
progressive retinal atrophy (PRA),
andHistory and Background
The name
Shih Tzu Kou, or Shih Tzu, translates to “mini lion,” the moniker given to it
in deference to its lion-like appearance. The name is likely based on the word
for lion, “shishi.” The lion was highly esteemed in China for its connection
with Buddhism, since it had a long tradition as guardian of the temples and
palaces. The lion's strength and courage was revered, and it made its way into
many of Buddha's teachings. This little dog was bred to reflect that appearance
of strength, regality, and beauty, and it took the position as a practical
stand in for the lion, acting as companion and guardian of the palace and
temple. It is
probable that this dog was actually developed in Tibet in the 1600s, where it
was considered a holy animal. It is accepted as one of the oldest dog breeds on
record. The modern Shih Tzu developed in China in the late 19th Century, when
the Dowager Empress Cixi ruled the kingdom.
Though the
Pekingese and Shih Tzu breeds have similar backgrounds, and have often been
linked over the years, the two had been long distinguished in Chinese art,
where the latter is shown with a pien-ji or topknot, denoted by bumps on the
head. It is worth remarking that the topknot is still the style that is used
for the Shih Tzu, especially in the show ring.
When the
Dowager Empress Cixi ruled during the latter part of the Qing dynasty, the Shih
Tzu were held in great regard, and were kept as special house pets. She
personally oversaw their breeding, and the eunuchs in charge of the palace
breeding took great pride in producing the most beautiful and distinct dogs,
interbreeding, without the Empress' knowledge, within the groups of Pekingese
and Pugs that were also a part of the palace kennel in order to achieve those
ideal. Because the dogs were also regarded as protectors of the palace, the
instinct for barking at strangers was undoubtedly honed during this time. In
fact, the Shih Tzu is still a highly recommended watch dog because of its quick
and vocal reaction to strangers. The Empress was very jealous over her dogs and
was not wont to share them with foreign dignitaries or friends. Many of the
Empress' dogs were lost after her death, causing a big blow to the breed.
Later, Shih Tzus were displayed in China as Tibetan Poodles or Lhassa
Terriers. In 1935,
the breed was shown as the Lhassa Lion Dog, and it was then that it began to
gain popularity on a wider scale. In England there was confusion between the
Shih Tzu and the Lhasa Apso,
but in 1934, after the Apso was displayed, the
two breeds were split into their own distinct classes. It was then that the
smaller dogs with the shorter-noses and wider-skulls from Peking were given the
Shih Tzu name. Just one Pekingese outcrossing was allowed, in 1952, but this
cross was not permitted again. The standards for the purity of the bloodline
have been strictly upheld since. In the 1960s, the U.S. saw immense growth in
the breed’s popularity, paving the way for recognition by the American Kennel
Club in 1969. It is among the most lovable of the toy breeds, and its
popularity as a domestic companion and show dog continues to GROW.