Shih Tzu

Since my family and I own a Shih Tzu, I’ve decided to dedicate a post to our darling baby.

Above, are a few shots of my family’s beloved, Princess Anastacia, Stacey for short, a pure bred Shih Tzu. Don’t you reckon she’s so freaking adorable? We love her to bits!

In the dog fancier's world, Shih Tzu is pronounced as "Sheed Zoo", and it means lion dog in Chinese. The ancestors of the perky Shih Tzu descended from Tibetan temple dogs, and some were given to the Chinese centuries ago as tribute gifts during the Tang Dynasty. They were carefully bred in the Imperial Palace of Peking and drawings showed a likeness to the lion, an important Buddhist symbol. It became known as the chrysanthemum dog because of its facial hair growing in all directions, which resembled the petals of this flower.

The Shih Tzu dog is a small but sturdy dog breed. It is lively and very alert, with a long flowing double coat in all colours. Compact and solid, possessing weight and substance, the Shih Tzu dog has a distinctive arrogant appearance, with head held high and tail curved over his back. It walks proudly, has a happy, outgoing, and affectionate temperament, friendly, loves human togetherness, bonding to the whole family, which makes a perfect companion. Shih Tzu grooming and exercise needs are minimal, only needing a regular coat brushing and a daily walk.

The Shih-Tzu attitude is lively, alert, proud, and somewhat stubborn. The general appearance of the breed is that of a small, compact, sturdy dog with luxurious coat, upright head, jaunty step, and plumed, curved tail flowing over the back.

The head is round, broad, and wide between the eyes, and in balance with the rest of the dog. The dark eyes are large and round; the ears are natural and heavily feathered; the muzzle is square, short and unwrinkled, and flat; lips and chin should neither protrude nor recede. The jaw is undershot - the incisors of the lower jaw overlap the incisors of the upper jaw. Their body is slightly longer than tall, its legs straight and muscular, and its feet firm and well-padded.

The lavish double coat is the breed's crowning glory. A well-groomed Shih Tzu in natural coat is a picture of perky elegance with flowing tresses framing an impish face. Pet Shih Tzu often have their hair trimmed so it does not drag, but at ringside, the dogs often sit on velvet or satin pillows or are carried in exhibitor's arms to keep their coats off dusty floors.

The Shih Tzu coat can be any colour or mixture, but many Shih Tzu are white with coloured markings. There are approximately 23 - 26.7cm tall, and weigh 4.5 - 8.1kg.

Although they are generally outgoing and friendly, the Shih Tzu definitely have attitude that cries to be spoiled. If you need help in realizing this fact, the dog will steer you in the right direction with his self-assurance that he should be treated like royalty. Indeed, their strong sense of self makes them a poor choice in a household with babies or small children as they are often jealous of babies and toddlers and may snap if bothered by rambunctious children.

Shih Tzu are active and alert, qualities that make them good watchdogs. However, poorly bred dogs of the breed can be excitable, noisy, and snappy. They are intelligent, and can be trained for obedience competency and for good manners around the home. They can be stubborn, so persistence and consistency are definite plusses in training methods. Punishment makes this dog shut down, so training should also be low-key and motivational.

Basically healthy, the Shih Tzu is subject to a kidney disease called renal dysplasia and to slipped stifles or kneecaps. His slightly protruding eyes are prone to injury, and his short muzzle often produces slight wheezing problems. Otherwise, their greatest problems are connected to their profuse coat, or rather to neglect of that coat. A well-groomed Shih Tzu has few if any skin problems. Poorly-groomed Shih Tzu can develop tangles, painful mats, hot spots, skin infections, and even maggot infestations (:0).

If you do have time for grooming and appreciate a small, lively pet with an abundance of self-esteem, consider the Shih Tzu. You'll be glad you did.

Go get ‘em peeps :D

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