The
Shih Tzu or
Shih Tsu (pronounced Shid Zoo in singular and
plural) is a dog breed which
originated in Tibet. The spelling "Shih Tzu", most commonly used for the breed,
is according to the Wade-Giles system of Romanization. The Chinese pronunciation
of this name is approximately like the "sher" of "sherbet" followed immediately
by the "dds" of "adds". The Shih Tzu is reported to be the oldest and smallest
of the Tibetan holy dogs, its lion-like look being associated with the Snowlion.
It is now often called by a homonymic name, "xi shi quan" (西施犬), based on the
name of Xi Shi, regarded as the most beautiful woman of ancient China.
Appearance
The Shih Tzu breed is characterized by its long, flowing double coat; sturdy
build; intelligence; and a friendly, lively attitude. In breeding all coat
colours are allowed. The Shih Tzu's hair can be styled either in a short summer
cut, or kept long as is compulsory for conformation shows. Like humans, Shih
Tzus have hair and not fur, which do not shed in the same way as many dogs but
is "captured" in the dense undercoat; Shih Tzu owners hence are unlikely to find
as much hair on their furniture, clothes, and carpet as one would with other dog
breeds that shed. It is one of several breeds suggested as a hypoallergenic pet.
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Twiggy (the Shih-Tzu puppy/dog) running around in Prospect
Park, Brooklyn |
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Socialize this page |
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The AKC Shih Tzu breed standard calls for the dog to have a short snout,
large eyes, and a palm-like tail that waves above its torso. The ideal Shih Tzu
height at withers is 9 to 10 1/2 inches. The dog should stand no less than 8
inches and not more than 11 inches tall. The Shih Tzu should never be so high
stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or
squatty. Regardless of size or gender, the Shih Tzu should always be solid and
compact, and carry good weight and substance.
==James E. Mumford described the breed in an American Shih Tzu magazine,
giving a picture of the versatile character of the Shih Tzu: "Nobody knows
how the Ancient Eunuchs managed to mix together…And now here comes the recipe: A
dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces of domestic cat,
one part court jester, a dash of ballerina, a pinch of old man (Chinese), a bit
of beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one part baby seal, a dash of teddy bear and
the rest dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin."
Although generally outgoing and friendly, the Shih Tzu definitely has an
attitude that cries to be spoiled. However, poorly bred dogs of the breed can be
excitable, noisy, and snappy. 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 a king. Indeed, his strong sense of self makes him a poor choice in
a household with babies or small children. He is often jealous of babies and
toddlers and may snap if bothered by rambunctious children. However, he is a
fine companion for older children, particularly those who enjoy combing his
hair.
Shih Tzus are very active and alert. They are intelligent, and can be trained
for obedience competition 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.
Health
The Shih Tzu is a long lived and fairly healthy breed, but there are a few
health conditions that are known to affect the dog. Canine hip dysplasia is the
most serious condition that regularly affects the breed; other health issues
include entropion, portacaval shunt, renal dysplasia, progressive retinal
atrophy (PRA), patellar luxation, and trichiasis.[1]
Shih Tzu owners should have their dogs' hips and eyes tested by a veterinarian
before breeding. DNA tests should also be performed to screen for renal
dysplasia. Shih Tzus typically live between 11 and 14 years.[2]
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Pictures of Dillon the Shih Tzu from Rick - Thanks |
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Pictures of my black and white
shih Tzu called Dillon.
I prefer pictures that look at the dog in his natural state rather than highly
groomed and spangled. Most of these picture were taken at four months but one
picture was taken at about nine weeks.
He is a real fun dog, not a lap dog who likes to be pampered.
He loves water ?? I was informed
that because of their flat faces they hate being in water???
Well the wetter and dirtier this boy gets the more he enjoys himself. He is
stubborn but also trained to obey a dog whistle. He is intelligent and soon
learns new tricks, but if he decides he fancies doing something else, off he
goes. - Rick W
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History
The Shih Tzu was bred to sit around the palace of the Emperor of China and
bark when people or animals approached. It is believed that this ornamental
breed was created by breeding the Bei-jing gou (Pekingese) with a Tibetan
dog breed, the Lhasa Apso. Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the
oldest breeds of dog. The Shih Tzu is also known as the Chinese/Tibetan Lion Dog
or the Chrysanthemum Dog.It is called the chrysanthemum dog because it's face
looks very much like the flower. In 1994, the Shih Tzu became the 12th most
popular breed of dog in the AKC's 139 breeds with more than 37,000 new
individuals. [1]
American and European Shih Tzu
There are difference between the American and European Shih Tzu The FCI
standard, which is used in Europe, And then the AKC standard.
References
- ^ Shih Tzu Care - Breeder Retriever, URL dated
January 8, 2007.
- ^ Coile, Caroline, Ph. D., Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds,
Barron's Educational Series, 2005. Page 248.
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