Table of Contents
EDUCATION
the Shih Tzu can be all dog, doing laps around your backyard or chasing toys in your apartment, navigating an agility course, and accompanying you on shopping errands.
The American Kennel Club breed standard describes the Shih Tzu as a sturdy, lively, alert toy doga highly valued, prized companion proud of bearing with a distinctively arrogant carriage. While the breed loves to be pampered by doting owners, Shih Tzu are nevertheless expected to be solid, substantial and wellboned. The breed standard also stipulates that as a companion and house pet, it is essential its temperament be outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting towards all. So dont let the arrogant look of his upturned nose fool you: While the Shih Tzu undoubtedly possesses the stubborn streak common to all the oriental breeds, this dog is utterly devoted to his loved ones.
The breed can be high maintenance in the grooming department, but most pet owners choose to keep their dogs in a shorter puppy cut. Other owners who cant bear to lose the glorious coat that first attracted them to the breed have their groomer shave the tummy and inner legs while leaving the side coat long and flowing. Its nice to have options.
Not only does the Shih Tzu allow for variety in coat length and style but in color as well. The parti-colors white with black, gold, silver or chocolate markings are the most popular and very dramatic, but the breed also comes in a rainbow of solid shades, from deep black, rich red and charcoal gray to pale silver and gold.
JOIN OUR ONLINE Club Shih Tzu
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Whatever your plans for this new addition show dog, obedience star or thoroughly spoiled pet you and your Shih Tzu will quickly form a loving bond. Soon, youll be asking yourself the same question that other Shih Tzu owners the world over have: How did I manage so long without one?
Allan Reznik
Editor-at-Large, DOG FANCY
CHAPTER 1
WHOSA DIVA?!
Many people take great pride in the jobs their dogs were meant to do. A Golden Retriever who brings back a fallen bird or a Border Collie who controls sheep are invaluable to the hunter and shepherd who work with them. Countless other dogs tap into their breeds history by pointing, flushing, herding or retrieving in competition, much to the delight of their enthusiastic owners.
All too often, these same owners see the tiny Shih Tzu and refer to him as just a toy dog or only a lap dog. How wrong they are. True, this distinctive dog was developed with a single purpose in mind, but what a purpose: to be a companion! In a society that emphasizes entertainment and meaningful, happy relationships, it is only natural that the Shih Tzu walks with his head held high!
Anyone who has the privilege of sharing his or her life with these entertaining and exuberant dogs knows they take their jobs just as seriously as other dogs take theirs. The Shih Tzu knows that being a good companion dog requires versatility, dedication and constant affection, and he fulfills his job requirements with unparalleled ease.
its a Fact
If you dont want a dog with long locks of hair that need constant upkeep, you can still welcome a Shih Tzu into your home. Her coat can be kept in a puppy cut, which is relatively short and easy to maintain.
THE STANDARD SAYS ...
The Shih Tzu is described as a small, intelligent and extremely docile dog in the breed standard, a written description by the national breed club of what an ideal Shih Tzu should look and act like. It is truly a companion dog who likes to be near his master. Since the sole purpose of the breed is that of a companion and house pet, the ideal Shih Tzu temperament is outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting.
The breed standard also states: The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with a long, flowing double coat. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back
How do these traits translate in the home setting? What is it like to live with this energetic and enchanting but stubborn little dog? These answers and more lie within the pages of this book.
CHARACTER TRAITS
Shih Tzu are strictly indoor dogs, not yard dogs. Simply put: They dont thrive in a situation where they are separated from their people. If they are indoors, though, they have to be protected from becoming overheated. They can tolerate cold much better than heat. The shape of a Shih Tzu face makes it a little difficult for him to breathe. Your Shih Tzu should never be put in a situation where he doesnt have access to open air.
Because of their pride and stubbornness, the Shih Tzu is not easy to train. After all, in ancient times, all the Shih Tzu had to do was strike a pose and look beautiful. This attitude seems to have persisted through the centuries. It can be challenging for owners to make their Shih Tzu believe what he really wants to do is what his owner asks of him.
Shih Tzu dont like rules. They have relatively short attention spans and selectively short memories. They get distracted and forget where they are and what rules apply. These are traits that make them the happygo-lucky clowns who attract people in the first place, so be patient during training sessions. When you first introduce a new concept, your Shih Tzu is likely to go along with the idea just to amuse you. After all, that is his lifes purpose.
If youre looking for aneasy-to-train dog, a Shih Tzuisnt for you. Shih Tzus train you!
