American Kennel Club - Meet the Shih Tzu

Brought to you by The American Kennel Club and The American Shih Tzu Club.

Lead Editor: Lindsay Hanks

Art Director: Cindy Kassebaum

Production Supervisor: Jessica Jaensch

Assistant Production Manager: Tracy Vogtman

Book Project Specialist: Karen Julian

Vice President, Chief Content Officer: June Kikuchi

Vice President, Kennel Club Books: Andrew DePrisco

I-5 Press: Jennifer Calvert, Amy Deputato, Lindsay Hanks, Karen Julian, Jarelle S. Stein

Photographs by: Blackhawk Productions (Dwight Dyke): 9, 26, 40, 115; I-5 Studio: Cover, 8, 10, 28, 33, 39, 42, 75, 79, 96, 124; Close Encounters of the Furry Kind: Cover, Back Cover, 1, 3-4, 6-7, 11, 12, 14-15, 16, 17, 18-19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24-25, 29, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36-37, 38, 46, 47, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58-59, 60, 61, 64, 66, 67, 68-69, 71, 72, 73, 77, 78, 82, 84, 85, 87, 88-89, 90, 91, 92, 97, 98-99, 112, 118, 120, 127; Fox Hill Photo: 27, 41, 44, 48-49, 51, 52, 62, 63, 65, 70, 80-81, 86, 93, 94, 95, 100, 101, 103, 104, 108; Infocus by Miguel (Miguel Betancourt): 119, 121; Jerry Schulman: 30, 43, 74, 107, 110-111, 117

Copyright 2011 The American Kennel Club and I-5 Press

I-5 Press

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3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of I-5 Press, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

The American Kennel Clubs meet the Shih tzu : the responsible dog owners handbook.

p. cm. -- (Akcs meet the breeds series)

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-935484-73-8

1. Shih tzu. I. American Kennel Club.

SF429.S64A44 2011

636.76--dc23

2011023963

Printed and bound in the United States

14 13 12 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Meet Your New Dog

Welcome to Meet the Shih Tzu. Whether youre a long-time Shih Tzu owner, or youve just gotten your first puppy, we wish you a lifetime of happiness and enjoyment with your new pet.

In this book, youll learn about the history of the breed, receive tips on feeding, grooming and training, and learn about all the fun you can have with your dog. The American Kennel Club and I-5 Press hope that this book serves as a useful guide on the lifelong journey youll take with your canine companion.

The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular breeds in the United Statesin no small part due to the breeds lively, friendly nature and beautiful, luxurious coat. Owned and cherished by millions across America, Shih Tzu dogs thrive as house pets and companions, yet they also enjoy taking part in therapy dog work and a variety of dog sports, including Conformation (dog shows), Obedience, Rally, and Agility.

Thousands of Shih Tzu have also earned the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification by demonstrating their good manners at home and in the community. We hope that you and your Shih Tzu will become involved in AKC events, too! Learn how to get involved at www.akc.org/events, or find a training club in your area at www.akc.org/events/trainingclubs.cfm.

We encourage you to connect with other Shih Tzu owners on the AKC website (www.akc.org), Facebook (www.facebook.com/americankennelclub) and Twitter (@akcdoglovers). Also visit the American Shih Tzu Club, Inc. (www.americanshihtzuclub.org or search Facebook for American Shih Tzu Club, Inc.), the national parent club for the Shih Tzu, to learn about the breed from reputable exhibitors and breeders.

Enjoy Meet the Shih Tzu!

Contents

A re you looking for a thoroughly charming, highly attractive breed to join you in the daily hubbub of modern family life? Then look no further than the enchanting Shih Tzu. If your own personality attracts people of a friendly disposition, you are sure to love the Shih Tzu, whose affectionate character makes him an ideal companion.

If you want a beautiful dog to take into the show ring, you really need not look any further than the Shih Tzu. With his elegant coat, regal demeanor, and pleasant attitude, the Shih Tzu will satisfy your needs perfectly.

Popularity Contest

The Shih Tzu has been one of the ten most popular dogs in the United States for more than a decade, according to the American Kennel Club. Thats one popular dog! To register your Shih Tzu with the AKC, fill out the Dog Registration Application you received when you bought your puppy, and simply mail it to the AKC in North Carolina, or register online through www.akc.org.

A LIKELY MATCH

The old clich holds true: people find pets that best suit their personalities. The ideal Shih Tzu person is likely to have the same outgoing and affectionate personality traits found in the Shih Tzu. Combine that with the breeds intelligence, and you have a dog that is happy to work on his own initiative.

This can make for fascinating entertainment for the owneroften seeing your Shih Tzu figure things out in his head, planning his strategy for getting what he wants. Unlike many easily bored dogs that constantly need to be given things to do, a Shih Tzu will make his own amusement.

It should go without saying that the Shih Tzu must live in the home with you; this is definitely not an outdoor breed. He can be perfectly content with just one person, to whom he will undoubtedly bestow affection and loyalty, provided this is reciprocated with kindness. Equally, if you have a fairly active household, your Shih Tzu will probably be happy to join in with most activities. However, you must allow your Shih Tzu to decide how much he wants to be involved. If he prefers to be left out of whatever is going on, that should be his prerogative. Give your dog time and space to spend by himself, and he will more thoroughly enjoy the time you spend together.

The Shih Tzu is independent, meaning he craves his time alone just as much as he wishes to bond with you. Shih Tzu usually enjoy the company of people of all ages, including children, but you should always bear in mind that children must be taught to respect dogs. Smaller dogs like the Shih Tzu can be easily stepped on or injured by children who play too roughly or fail to watch out while running around the house. Shih Tzu love affection and can be very tolerant, but children who dont know better may pull at the breeds long, luxuriant coat and cause pain. If you bring a Shih Tzu into a home with children, be sure to put your parenting skills to good use and teach your kids gentleness and care. Even a tolerant Shih Tzu can only be expected to withstand so much handling. No dogs patience should ever be tested to the limits.

The bottom line is: you must never, under any circumstances, treat your Shih Tzu harshly. Dont even use harsh words when you get frustrated or upset at his misbehavior. If you are capable of giving this smart little dog the respect he deserves, you will have a wonderful companion for years to come.