Origin: China
Origin of Name: The Shih Tzu is an Asian toy dog breed originating from Tibet.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
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When you own Shih Tzu, you have a bit of Chinese history. Imperial breeders in the Chinese emperor's palace developed shih tzu (meaning ""lion dog"") centuries before the Tibetan breeding stock. The breed is most likely the product of the crosses of two old Sino-Tibetan breeds, the Lhaso apso and the Pekingese.
For hundreds of years, Shih Tzu lived the life of the warmers in the royal lap and was pampered by the emperors and their families. It is said that Emperor Shih would give valuable gifts to the breeders of Tzu who produced the most beautiful and affectionate dogs.
By the 1930s, the breed remained hidden behind the castle walls, almost unknown to the outside world. Breed clubs formed in Peking and later England further refined the breed, not without much debate among radicals as to the proper type. Shih Tzu entered the AKC Stud Book in 1969.
Since then, Shih Tzu has been one of the most popular toy dogs here and in the United Kingdom. And they still treat their owners like royalty, no matter who they are. Diverse owners such as Queen Elizabeth II and Miley Cyrus succumbed to Shih Tzu's exotic charm.
Shih tzu with a long coat requires daily brushing. Use a good quality wire brush with flexible pins, and layer the hair to make sure you reach the skin. Taking a bath approximately every three or four weeks will help keep the coat clean and at its best. Remember to comb the mustache and top knot daily and gently clean the corner of the eyes with a damp cloth. To avoid irritating Shih Tzu's eyes, the hair above the head should be cut short or tied into a top knot. If you don't want to spend time on your dog's coat, Shih Tzu can look adorable when cut into a "puppy trim" by a professional groomer. Trimming the nails and cleaning the ears should be a part of Shih Tzu's routine.
Training Shih Tzu can be both an entertaining and frustrating experience. The breed attracts its owner to pay her own way, which can result in a chubby, less-than-perfectly domestic pet that is difficult to groom. Because Shih Tzu is such a dog, training methods work best based on praise and rewards. Rigid corrections should not be used with this breed. Introduce desired new behaviors at once, be firm, and never give up when the dog is abused. If he pounces or leaps at you, ignore him until he calms down, then praise him. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended and help ensure that Shih Tzu becomes a well-adjusted, well-behaved partner. When enrolling in a puppy class, make sure that the training methods used in the class are based on positive reinforcement.
Shih Tzu was barred to be a housemate. In such a situation, they require minimum exercise. Short daily walks and indoor playtime with your boss will cater to the activity needs of this short, short legged companion.
Shih Tzu should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight levels. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Contact your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
Due to their heavy coats and small faces, Shih Tzu does not tolerate heat well and are not good swimmers. Most Shih Tzu are generally healthy, and responsible breeders examine their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar laxation (a slipped knee), eye anomalies including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment. , And swelling due to corneal dryness and excessive swelling, incorrectly closing of the eyelids due to exposure to air.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: