|
|
Shih Tzu
The
Shih Tzu is an affectionate, playful and intelligent dog. They
do love children and will accept other dogs and household pets if introduced
from an early age. This little dog is a member of the utility group. This small
sturdy dog like the Lhasa Apso is covered over with an abundant double coat
of long hair lined with a woolly undercoat. This proud looking little dog has
hair above the nose growing upward, creating a chrysanthemum face. In Australia
it is classified as a non-sporting dog, and in America as a toy dog. They were
originally kept by the Emperor as a court dog in China, today they are companion
dogs.
Temperament
The Shih-Tzu is an alert and spunky little dog. Happy and hardy, endowed with
loads of character. They are royally dignified, courageous and sometimes arrogant.
This breed does well with polite, careful children.
Size Category
Small
Height/Weight
Height: Up to 11 inches (28cm.)
Weight: 9-16 pounds (4-7kg.)
Living Conditions
Shih Tzu is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will
do okay without a yard. This breed is sensitive to the heat.
Exercise and Activities
The Shih Tzu is a naturally active dog but if it is allowed it will lie around
in its favorite spots. They should be encouraged to get out regularly.
Life Expectancy
15 years or more
Grooming
The coat of the Shih Tzu is long, soft and dense, with a good amount
of undercoat. They do require a lot of daily grooming to keep their coats looking
in top condition. It is best to start getting the dog used to being groomed
when it is very young. Also they do require frequent bathing at least once a
week, remember they must be dried completely. As the hair grows upwards from
the bridge of the nose it is often tied up in a topknot on top of the head.
Their faces may need to be washed daily as food can get stuck on the hair.
Health Problems
They are prone to eye problems as they protrude. Due to this they are susceptible
to lacerations and their eye lids and lashes can grow in such a way as to irritate
the eye. The tear ducts may produce too much or too little and need to be treated.
Origin
Shih Tzu’s are believed to have originated in Tibet, where they lived
in the Temples and were occasionally given as a gift to the Emperors of China.
Once they were in China they were crossed with the Pekinese to become the breed
we recognize today. They arrived in Britain after 1912 but they were not given
recognition until 1949. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that they were
recognized in America.
|
|
|
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter for FREE!
Thank you for visiting FamousDogBreeds.com!
