Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy dog with a big heart. With a name meaning "lion," the shih tzu is an ancient breed and a popular family pet. Recognized as part of the toy group by the AKC in 1969, the breed is an excellent choice for families with children or for older Adults.
The Shih Tzu has racked up a number of honors recently. The breed won the Eukanuba Tournament of Champions in October 2001 and was one of the top 10 breeds for the year 2006.
History and Origin
Based on their presence in various Chinese paintings and tapestries, it is thought that the shih tzu has been in existence since 624 AD. Despite many theories about the origin of the breed, it is not disputed that the shih tzu was part of the ancient Chinese court. The dogs were bred and selected with great care. From this foundation, along with the help of Russian refugee Madame de Breuil, the dogs of today were developed.
In the 1930s, the interest in the breed had spread to England. U.S. military personnel stationed in England fell in love with the breed during World War II. When returning home, the Shih Tzu accompanied them, thus introducing the breed to the United States.
Appearance
The Shih Tzu has a short nose and a slightly pushed-in face. The hair coat is naturally long and dense and requires daily care. The hair of the face is typically tied on top of the head as a topknot. To reduce the need for daily brushing, some people have their coats trimmed in a short terrier-like trim. Shih Tzus can be any color or combination of colors.
Size
Standing only 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing 9 to 16 pounds (though some may weigh as much as 20 pounds and as small as 4 lbs), the shih tzu is a small but tough little dog.
Personality
The Shih Tzu is bred to be a pet and nothing else. The breed is strong and sturdy, the least delicate of the toy breeds. They have the appearance of being proud and arrogant but are actually gentle and very playful.
One of the best behavior traits of the Shih Tzu is that this dog will contently jump up to play around with its owners or others or will cheerfully run through a field as if it is the best place it has ever seen! Alternatively, the Shih Tzu will be perfectly content to lay on its dog bed, looking on as its human family watches a movie.
As an owner, if you are busy with household tasks, the Shih Tzu will silently watch you, just happy to be in a warm and safe home.
Vital to the happiness and health of the Shih Tzu is a daily opportunity to exercise. This indoor dog most definitely does require a burst of activity each day, perhaps to purge energy it reserves during its quiet times.
Home & Family Relations
The Shih Tzu is a friendly dog that adapts to any family situation but is definitely an indoor dog. They can easily withstand the rough treatment and even the occasional dress-up of children and make excellent children's companions. The breed is also loyal and gentle enough to be a perfect choice for a family companion.
One of the outstanding traits of the Shih Tzu is that this breed cannot be categorized as the best companion for just one age group. This dog is a perfect companion for anyone. Remaining close to its owner, Not demanding or high-strung, the Shih Tzu will happily keep an older person company from morning to night. They are small yet rather sturdy for a toy breed.
This dog also is a beautiful family pet. Absolutely happy to get attention and be loved by 1 person or 10; the Shih Tzu is a perfect family member. Most of the time, they are perfectly content to sit quietly and wait as long as needed to finally get that hug and pat they long for so badly. It is vital to ensure that all family members realize just how little the Tzu is, that all must be careful when playing with the dog, and watch where they step!
Training
Basic obedience is recommended to help develop a content and pleasant member of the family. The Shih Tzu is not typically trained for specific jobs and does best as just a loving pet.
The idea that the Shih Tzu has a stubborn streak should not be taken out of context nor exaggerated. Because this dog is lively, animated, and playful, the Shih Tzu may sometimes be happily oblivious to the serious need for training and housebreaking. Therefore, an owner may need to offer a bit more time than with other breeds to instill the necessary training methods. If an owner does take the time, with patience and consistency, this dog will most certainly be able to be 100% trained. This breed can be trained and excel with advanced commands such as those given at dog show agility events.
Grooming
With a long hair coat, the shih tzu needs grooming to prevent mats. The Shih Tzu does not shed as much as most dogs, and its' "fur" shares more characteristics with human hair than dog fur. It continuously grows, like human hair, unless cut or "groomed." For this reason, the Shih Tzu will require more care in the grooming department, according to your taste. As you can see by looking at a show dog, Shih Tzu's require more maintenance than other breeds, especially when the hair is kept long. They need daily brushing and regular haircuts to avoid tangles. However, they shed very little dander, making them a great pet choice for people with allergies. They are just as happy with a shortcut and look just as cute!
The Shih Tzu has racked up a number of honors recently. The breed won the Eukanuba Tournament of Champions in October 2001 and was one of the top 10 breeds for the year 2006.
History and Origin
Based on their presence in various Chinese paintings and tapestries, it is thought that the shih tzu has been in existence since 624 AD. Despite many theories about the origin of the breed, it is not disputed that the shih tzu was part of the ancient Chinese court. The dogs were bred and selected with great care. From this foundation, along with the help of Russian refugee Madame de Breuil, the dogs of today were developed.
In the 1930s, the interest in the breed had spread to England. U.S. military personnel stationed in England fell in love with the breed during World War II. When returning home, the Shih Tzu accompanied them, thus introducing the breed to the United States.
Appearance
The Shih Tzu has a short nose and a slightly pushed-in face. The hair coat is naturally long and dense and requires daily care. The hair of the face is typically tied on top of the head as a topknot. To reduce the need for daily brushing, some people have their coats trimmed in a short terrier-like trim. Shih Tzus can be any color or combination of colors.
Size
Standing only 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing 9 to 16 pounds (though some may weigh as much as 20 pounds and as small as 4 lbs), the shih tzu is a small but tough little dog.
Personality
The Shih Tzu is bred to be a pet and nothing else. The breed is strong and sturdy, the least delicate of the toy breeds. They have the appearance of being proud and arrogant but are actually gentle and very playful.
One of the best behavior traits of the Shih Tzu is that this dog will contently jump up to play around with its owners or others or will cheerfully run through a field as if it is the best place it has ever seen! Alternatively, the Shih Tzu will be perfectly content to lay on its dog bed, looking on as its human family watches a movie.
As an owner, if you are busy with household tasks, the Shih Tzu will silently watch you, just happy to be in a warm and safe home.
Vital to the happiness and health of the Shih Tzu is a daily opportunity to exercise. This indoor dog most definitely does require a burst of activity each day, perhaps to purge energy it reserves during its quiet times.
Home & Family Relations
The Shih Tzu is a friendly dog that adapts to any family situation but is definitely an indoor dog. They can easily withstand the rough treatment and even the occasional dress-up of children and make excellent children's companions. The breed is also loyal and gentle enough to be a perfect choice for a family companion.
One of the outstanding traits of the Shih Tzu is that this breed cannot be categorized as the best companion for just one age group. This dog is a perfect companion for anyone. Remaining close to its owner, Not demanding or high-strung, the Shih Tzu will happily keep an older person company from morning to night. They are small yet rather sturdy for a toy breed.
This dog also is a beautiful family pet. Absolutely happy to get attention and be loved by 1 person or 10; the Shih Tzu is a perfect family member. Most of the time, they are perfectly content to sit quietly and wait as long as needed to finally get that hug and pat they long for so badly. It is vital to ensure that all family members realize just how little the Tzu is, that all must be careful when playing with the dog, and watch where they step!
Training
Basic obedience is recommended to help develop a content and pleasant member of the family. The Shih Tzu is not typically trained for specific jobs and does best as just a loving pet.
The idea that the Shih Tzu has a stubborn streak should not be taken out of context nor exaggerated. Because this dog is lively, animated, and playful, the Shih Tzu may sometimes be happily oblivious to the serious need for training and housebreaking. Therefore, an owner may need to offer a bit more time than with other breeds to instill the necessary training methods. If an owner does take the time, with patience and consistency, this dog will most certainly be able to be 100% trained. This breed can be trained and excel with advanced commands such as those given at dog show agility events.
Grooming
With a long hair coat, the shih tzu needs grooming to prevent mats. The Shih Tzu does not shed as much as most dogs, and its' "fur" shares more characteristics with human hair than dog fur. It continuously grows, like human hair, unless cut or "groomed." For this reason, the Shih Tzu will require more care in the grooming department, according to your taste. As you can see by looking at a show dog, Shih Tzu's require more maintenance than other breeds, especially when the hair is kept long. They need daily brushing and regular haircuts to avoid tangles. However, they shed very little dander, making them a great pet choice for people with allergies. They are just as happy with a shortcut and look just as cute!
My Heart Belongs to a Shih Tzu
Feather-duster tail & beard, Bright expressive eyes-
The Shih Tzu is devoted, Intelligent and wise.
Loving and courageous, A friend that's always true-
A dog that brightens each new day, and makes the dark skies blue.
Bewhiskered face and trailing coat- The Shih Tzu stands apart.
The moment that I saw that face, I quickly lost my heart.
-author unknown
Feather-duster tail & beard, Bright expressive eyes-
The Shih Tzu is devoted, Intelligent and wise.
Loving and courageous, A friend that's always true-
A dog that brightens each new day, and makes the dark skies blue.
Bewhiskered face and trailing coat- The Shih Tzu stands apart.
The moment that I saw that face, I quickly lost my heart.
-author unknown
The Legend of the Buddha and Shih Tzu
The magnificent Fu Dogs, (Foo) the Yin and Yang (male and female) guardians of Buddhist Temples have been caste out of bronze, fired in ceramics, carved out of stone, jade, cinnabar, ivory, and teak. The male holds a ball with his left paw, symbolic of dual powers over nature, precious stones, energy, valor, and wisdom. The female holds her puppy with her paw--a symbol of playing, protecting, and disciplining her baby. "Fu" in Manchurian means "happiness." Many legends say Fu Dogs, are the happy Shih Tzu, forever guarding the temple of Buddha.
For many years, Siddhartha traveled throughout India with a joyful little dog at his side. One day, several robbers surrounded the Buddha intending to rob and murder him. Suddenly the affectionate little companion shape-shifted into a roaring lion, so large and ferocious that the frightened men fled in all directions. Instantly the great lion became the fun loving traveling companion. Buddha picked up his small friend, kissed, petted, praised, and blessed him for his loyalty and courage.
It is believed to-this-day that Shih Tzu’s are blessed by Buddha. A different color spot on the forehead is the place where Buddha bent down and placed a kiss. A flash of white on the forehead is the place where he laid his finger in blessing, as the noble puppies and ancestors of the Buddha's own Little Lion, parade past him, proudly preparing for birth.
For many years, Siddhartha traveled throughout India with a joyful little dog at his side. One day, several robbers surrounded the Buddha intending to rob and murder him. Suddenly the affectionate little companion shape-shifted into a roaring lion, so large and ferocious that the frightened men fled in all directions. Instantly the great lion became the fun loving traveling companion. Buddha picked up his small friend, kissed, petted, praised, and blessed him for his loyalty and courage.
It is believed to-this-day that Shih Tzu’s are blessed by Buddha. A different color spot on the forehead is the place where Buddha bent down and placed a kiss. A flash of white on the forehead is the place where he laid his finger in blessing, as the noble puppies and ancestors of the Buddha's own Little Lion, parade past him, proudly preparing for birth.