AComprehensive Guide in Raising Shih Tzu
Barry Manzo
PUBLISHEDBY:
Barry Manzo
Copyright 201
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Tableof Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Adigging sound emanates from the back of the house. Piles of shredded toiletpaper form a trail down the hall to where the perpetrator lies. Wagging histightly curled plume, Oreo greets his scowling owner with a playful bounce, hishead coyly tilted to the side. As his owner scoops up his furry form, her frownmelts. She knows her little Shih Tzu prince has been naughty again, but shesmiles as he washes her face with puppy kisses.
TheShih Tzu, a breed with ancient royal roots, is an elegant, affectionatecompanion. Ever a crowd favorite, the Shih Tzu was listed by the AKC as the11th most popular U.S. dog breed in 2011. But does the Shih Tzus pretty faceencourage owners to overlook poor behavior? Will the desire for diminutivedoll-sized Shih Tzus lead to an undoubtedly sweet dog but one plagued withhealth problems? As controversy swirls around the teacup trend and the designerhybrid breeds, those that adore purebred Shih Tzus strive to maintain theirsolid reputation and reliable qualities. The Shih Tzu is also known as thechrysanthemum dog, a 1930s English name referring to its radiating facial hair.
Atawny spray of fur peeks over the shirt pocket, as the tiny Shih Tzu cuddlesclose to his new owner. Meet Gucci, a tiny teacup Shih Tzu pup, as adorable ashe is small. Guccis owner found him through an online classified ad and boughthim at a bargain price. Enchanted with his petite allure and beautiful Internetpicture, his owner bought him sight-unseen. A week after purchase, Guccisthinning frame and poor appetite became a concern to his owner, who took Guccito a veterinarian. Soon thereafter, Gucci was diagnosed with several inheritedhealth problems, requiring costly testing and treatment and promising anuncertain future. Selecting a new pet is an enormous decision and one thatshould be undertaken with thoughtful consideration of the characteristics youare looking for in a pet and what best fits your lifestyle. Its difficult notto claim that first snuggly Shih Tzu you see, but thoughtful planning isworthwhile, ensuring the right pet choice for a lifetime together. Start offright by knowing the good, the bad and the hype involving the Shih Tzu.
Chapter 2: History ofthe Shih Tzu
Oneof the oldest known dog breeds, Shih Tzu-style dogs were depicted in Chinesepaintings as early as 624 A.D. During the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 A.D.) a pairof Shih Tzus was given to the Chinese court by king of Viqur. The breedoriginated in Tibet, but it was later bred and developed in China around thetime of the Qing Dynasty in the 1600s. With its noble carriage, the Shih Tzuwas the pet favored by royalty during the Ming Dynasty, from 1368 to 1644 A.D.A breeder and Shih Tzu enthusiast of the time was Dowager Empress Cixi, whoalso bred pugs and Pekingese.
Breeddevelopment was jeopardized during the Communist revolution when most Shih Tzuswere killed, likely due to their association with the existing Chinese royalty.Only a precious few survived. Modern-day Shih Tzus are descendants of theseven males and seven females that were imported to England prior to themassive kill-off. Among those initial 14 dogs was a Pekingese that accidentallywas crossed into the Shih Tzu line. The Shih Tzu was imported to England in the1930s and wasnt considered a separate breed from Oriental breeds by theEnglish Kennel Club until 1934. It arrived in the United States in 1958 and wasrecognized as a unique breed by the
AKCin 1969. It is classified in the toy group. The Shih Tzu name originates fromthe Chinese words, Shih which means lion, and Tzu meaning son or child.While often referred to as the lion dog, the more accurate translation is lionson. Shih Tzu enthusiasts would agree that this charming little guy is indeeda furry child, a true family member.
Your lovly Shih Tzu.Image from Flickr by Adam Sowers
Chapter 3: Shih TzuCharacteristics
Anenergetic lap dog, the Shih Tzu is a playful, lovable companion that lives toserve its master. When compared to other small dogs, Shih Tzus arent overlybarky or hyperactive. Requiring only low to moderate exercise, the Shih Tzu isan ideal pet for apartment dwellers or elderly owners. Leash walks andscheduled play time suit the Shih Tzus exercise and mental stimulation needs.The Shih Tzu relishes down time with its master, lounging alongside its owneron the couch, the Shih Tzus modern day throne.
Anoverall delightful companion, the Shih Tzu is easy to indulge. With its quietunassuming manner, the Shih Tzu expects to be the center of your world. Itbathes in its owners affection, even tolerating its masters sillier forms ofpampering: Many Shih Tzus are adorned in doggie clothing, toted in dog pursesor pushed around in doggie carriages. The Shih Tzu standard calls for a weightof 9 to 16 pounds and a shoulder height of 9 to 10 1/2 inches. All variationsof coat colors are permitted by the AKC and include black and white, red andwhite, gold and white, solid black, solid red, black mask gold, liver andwhite, blue and white, and brindle and white. Blue and liver Shih Tzus areless common. Facial tear staining, a brown discoloration of fur, is morenotable in white-faced dogs. When maintained in full-length coat, the Shih Tzuis a sight to admire, with its long flowing hair, adorning topknot, longmustache and beard. Its plumed tail is curled high along the back. Engaging,dark eyes decorate its full face. A domed head resides on its sturdyproportioned body. A slight under bite is typical.
Thehappy-go-lucky Shih Tzu gets along well with other animals, including householddogs and cats. Early socialization is advised to avoid dominance and inter-dogaggression, which rarely becomes a problem. Shih Tzus are quick learners withtraining efforts, but they are prone to stubborn behavior. Dont doubt thisguys intelligence and persistence to get its way. Gentle and even-tempered,the Shih Tzu is well-suited for homes with children, but caution is advisedwith small children. Improper handling by youngsters can injure the Shih Tzusprominent eyes, result in broken bones or result in a nip. Favored by royaltylong ago, the Shih Tzu continues to thrive as a reigning lap dogextraordinaire. So indulge your funny, feisty friend, but be firm whennecessary or this little dog will rule your world.
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