Shih Tzu Lovers

Shih Tzu Secrets - For Shih Tzu Owners Or For Those Who Want One!

All The Secrets That You've Probably Never Been Told About About The Shih Tzu.

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Shih Tzu: Bred For Friendship

The diminutive Shih Tzu, a blend of the Chinese Lhasa Apso and Pekinese dog breeds, has a history rich with royalty, tragedy, and loyalty. Varied forms of the breed have existed for centuries, but the Shih Tzu dog we know today owes its existence to Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi of Tibet.

The Empress, who ascended to power in 1861, pampered her Shih Tzus pets and bred them to be perfect companions, alert and eager to please. Unfortunately, the breed fell out of favor when the Empress died in 1908, and many dogs were killed by the new regime.

Information about the Shih Tzu breed is scarce until the late 1920s and early 1930s, when Shih Tzus were imported to England and Scandinavia, with later generations reaching the United States and Canada. During World War II, Shih Tzus were popular with American soldiers, many of whom refused to leave their pets in Europe and instead brought them back to the States.
Perhaps because of careful breeding to make them suitable as royal pampered pets, the Shih Tzu has a happy disposition and a strong desire to be the center of attention. The Shih Tzu is a lap dog who is content to spend hour after hour relaxing in the company of humans. Because of their small size—nine to sixteen pounds—and easygoing personality, these sturdy dogs are especially popular with apartment dwellers.

The dogs were bred to have a lion-like appearance, with their flattened facial muscles, bowed legs, bulging eyes, and intimidating facial expressions earning them the nickname of “lion dogs.” Their wrinkled faces were also said to resemble chrysanthemum flowers, giving rise to the breed’s second nickname of “chrysanthemum dog.”

The Shih Tzu coat ranges in colors from solid black or gold to several multi-color combinations. The breed’s elegant appearance comes from its long, slightly wavy coat, which requires daily attention.
Although the history of the breed is ancient, the Shih Tzu breed is a relative newcomer to the world of dog shows, particularly in North America. The British Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1935, but the American Kennel Club waited until 1969 to officially acknowledge the dogs, placing them in the toy group with other diminutive long-haired dogs like the Maltese, the Pomeranian, and the Pekinese.

The Shih Tzu breed makes an excellent pet for singles, couples, and families alike. However, because being the center of attention is so important to this dog, families with infants may want to wait until the children are a little older before purchasing a Shih Tzu to avoid any problems with jealousy that may develop. In general, the dog was bred to be a good-natured, friendly companion, and will gladly befriend the children in any family that offers it a home.

The breed is extremely popular, placing ninth on the American Kennel Club’s 2006 rankings of breed popularity. With its regal history, its pleasant disposition and its convenient small size, the popularity of the Shih Tzu is certain to increase in the twenty-first century.

The Shih Tzu, or Tibetan Lion Dog, is small in stature, but a giant in personality. Its long hair requires diligent grooming, but this dog is well worth the effort. Breeders, libraries, and the Internet are all resources for more Shih Tzu information.

Shih Tzu Information

Is Guard Dog Training A Good Thing?

Guard dog training is used to train dogs basically to stop unwanted guests. After your dog is trained to be a guard dog he will establish a long pattern and passion of protecting you and your family. Guard...

How to handle two Dogs

It's quite common for Shih Tzu owners to consider adding a second dog to their family. The main reason for adding the second puppy is to provide additional companionship to the original dog. Before...

Hunting Dog Training! Who Really Benefits?

Hunting dog training should be taken very seriously because it requires your dog being desensitized to gunfire that normally accompanies a hunt and still be able to keep its focus on the trainers commands....

The Importance Of Veterinary Science

Veterinary medicine or veterinary science is an important medical discipline that provides for the prevention of diseases, nurturing and treatment of medical issues associated with animals. Veterinary...

Is An Electronic Dog Training Collar A Good Idea For Your Shih Tzu?

Training your pet and man’s best friend may best be accomplished with an electronic dog training collar, which is certainly a very popular method being used by more and more dog owners today. (...)

How To Use A Dog Crate Bed With Your Shih Tzu

Just about every dog can be trained to sleep in a dog crate bed. (...)

What You Must Know About The Dog And Cat Food Recall

On March 16, 2007 Menu Foods initiated the largest dog and cat food recall in history. (...)

The Right Dog Food To Feed Your Shih Tzu

Nutrition for your dog is just as important to that of any other family member, if you care about your dog as much as most people do. (...)

Electric Dog Training Collar Can Work Wonders With Your Shih Tzu

An electric dog training collar seems to be an awful tool to use on an innocent dog, but these tools are actually safe and effective. (...)

Your Shih Tzu Is In A Veterinary Hospital?

In the past, taking our pets to see their veterinarian involved going to a simple clinic where vaccinations were given and routine illnesses and injuries were treated. (...)
 
 

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