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"Small Dog Breed Catalog"
Small Dog Breed Catalog: Page 44
of 56
Shih Tzu Dog Breed
The Shih Tzu is a proud toy breed of noble bearing and arrogant
carriage whose long, silky, flowing coat, distinctive facial features,
top knot, and tail plume over his back assure his unquestionably pure
Chinese lineage. He has a compact, sturdy body with short legs, a
blunt muzzle, and large ears that are heavily coated. The hair on his
head is tied up and a lion-like mane radiates around the face. The
Shih Tzu is a hardy, playful, feisty, alert, and very intelligent,
little breed. Few dogs are as unconditionally loving to their owners
as the Shih Tzu. He loves to be carried around, yet he does not
become rotten and obnoxious like some other toy dogs. He is an
attractive, curious, and happy dog who loves to be around people and
hates to be neglected. He is initially reserved with strangers but
warms up to them quickly. He is a little stubborn though not nearly
as difficult as the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. Training should be
consistent and patient. This is an intelligent breed and can be a
good obedient dog if trained properly. Spoiling him could result in a
pushy, nippy behavior as well as timidity. Socialization increases
his confidence and should start early in puppy hood. The Shih Tzu may
be difficult to housebreak and can be a picky eater. He can suffer
from respiratory problems and may snore and wheeze. In addition, his
protruding eyes are susceptible to injury.
Size: This Shih Tzu stands 8-11in at the shoulder and weighs between
10 and 16lb.
History and origin: Developed in China, this ancient breed may date
back to the 7th century Tang dynasty. Many believe that the Chinese
may have crossed the Lhasa Apso with the Pekingese to develop the Shih
Tzu. Similar to the Imperial Pekingese, the export of Shih Tzu from
China was forbidden. It was not until the death of the Empress
Tzu-his in 1908 that the toy breed was smuggled out to Europe. The
Shih Tzu has always been a companion dog.
Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Shih Tzu is ' - 1 can (13.3oz
size) of high-quality meat product with biscuit added in equal amount
or 1 ' cupfuls of a complete, dry food.
Exercise: An apartment is fine for this toy breed provided he is
walked several times a day.
Grooming: His long, silky shedding coat requires a daily brushing
with a pure bristle brush. Do not neglect this task to avoid the
painful combing out of tangles. Keep the topknot from getting into
the eyes and make sure that the ears are free of matted hair.
Periodic clipping is also necessary. His coat can be kept in a
shorter clip to reduce the grooming maintenance.
Copyright 2006 by Jay Jennings. All rights reserved.
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