Shih Tzu
Lion Dog, Chrysanthemum Dog, Empress Pearls
The Shih Tzu is very popular and the high demand often brings more fragile dogs to market to satisfy the breed's overwhelming popularity. Its success then becomes the beginning of its demise. This adorable little dog does not normally have any particular problem and he can become the best companion for a very long time.
Quick Overview of the Shih Tzu
Temperament
- Extreme sociability
- Ideal life companion
- Always cheerful
- Never aggressive, but sometimes stubborn...
Appearance
- Face like a chrysanthemum
- All colours are allowed
- Long, stiff and dense coat
- Rather round and broad head
Health
- Robust
- Generally healthy
- Rarely ill
- No fatal pathology is linked
Temperament of the Shih Tzu
Extremely sociable, the Shih Tzu is an ideal life companion. Posed, calm, relaxed, playful, patient and intelligent, this adorable little dog is the friend of all, big or small. However, it is not a very good guardian.
Always cheerful and laughing, the Shih Tzu has a very jovial character. Never aggressive, he can sometimes be a little stubborn. He can also do silly things to amuse the gallery but his sulky face is capable of making anyone crack.
He still knows how to command respect. He loves children and their games and he loves the presence of human beings. He simply hates solitude.
This clever and courageous little specimen of the canine race is a mischievous and jovial little plush. The Shih Tzu is a born charmer. This dog is intelligent and he knew how to take his place very early by his attitude and his particular charm.
Breed Appearance
This very robust little dog has a haughty carriage and a face that looks like a chrysanthemum. These former "Empress Pearls" are so cute that they leave a very touching impression of a cheerful, fluffy doggie.
Height
Between 20 and 30 cm (7.87 to 11.81 inches) for the male
Between 20 and 30 cm (7.87 to 11.81 inches) for the female
Weight
Between 5 and 8 kg (11.02 to 17.64 pounds) for the male
Between 5 and 8 kg (11.02 to 17.64 pounds) for the female
Color
The dress is very varied. All colours are allowed.
Hair
Its long, stiff, uncurled hair is dense.
Morphology
His head is rather round but large for a small dog. Its large dark eyes are wide apart. Its large ears have a long auricle. Its nose is black or dark brown. Its plume tail is set high and is very abundant.
According to the FCI breeds nomenclature, this breed belongs to group 9, section 5 and is #208
Characteristics of the Shih Tzu
Does this dog suit your lifestyle?
Every dog breed has its own characteristics. However, the actual character of a dog can vary from one to another within the same breed.
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Tips About this breed
However, one must be careful and teach him very early to return to the first commandment. He is naturally curious and will have a tendency to run away if he is not called to order. His education is very easy and must be focused on his stubbornness and great curiosity. If he is not properly educated, he will take the opportunity to lead the household by the rod and do as he pleases, and if something arouses his curiosity, he will follow his trail without regard to the rest.
Obviously, Shih Tzu is not suitable for outdoor life. He prefers, by far, apartment life. Whether in a large house or a tiny apartment, he will be happy as long as he is with his master. He is a small dog that hates being alone and enjoys being cuddled. Human beings are his great source of happiness.
Exclusively a companion and indoor dog, he nevertheless needs exercise. Fortunately, his size allows him to do so on all occasions. He doesn't really need a lot of space to grow.
Health of the Shih Tzu
Despite its fragile plush appearance, the Shih Tzu is quite robust and its health is generally very good. For such a small dog, it is rarely sick. The female can sometimes have difficulty giving birth, but no other problems are officially recorded in relation to the Shih Tzu.
No fatal pathology is related to the breed and its longevity is excellent.
GROOMING
Of course, its beautiful coat still requires a little maintenance. As it is long-haired, this small dog must be brushed daily, taking great care to gently untangle its pretty coat to prevent knots from forming.
Eyes and ears should also be inspected regularly to avoid potential problems. Frequent cleaning will be both healthy and preventive.
History of this breed
This magnificent little lion dog (literal translation of Shih Tzu) belongs to the category of Tibetan dogs with the Tibetan Spaniel, the Tibetan Terrier, the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Mastiff.
The latter belongs to the group of molosses while the other four belong to the group of companion dogs. Known since the dawn of time, the origins of the Shih Tzu are very ancient. However, the breed as we know it today is a little more recent.
In Tibet, the Shih Tzu is the symbol of well-being and, according to legend, has very close ties with the snow lion. Its name of lion dog comes from this legend.
According to another Tibetan legend, the snow lion is an animal embodying cheerfulness, courage and liveliness which corresponds very well to the very nature of Shih Tzu. Due to these legends, the first Shih Tzu were introduced in China to ensure the prestige of the Chinese emperors to whom the dogs were offered as gifts.
It was in the 19th century that Cixi, dowager empress and former concubine of Xianfeng, fell in love with these adorable hairballs. They were given the nickname "Empress' Pearls". The Shih Tzu would have been born in the Forbidden City following the crossing between small Chinese dogs and Lhasa Apso.
Dogs were so venerated at the time by the Chinese that the latter refused for a long time to sell them to foreign countries. After the death of the Empress followed by the fall of the empire in 1908, the dogs left the Forbidden City where the export of the "Empress' Pearls" began.
It was around 1930 that England welcomed its first Tibetan specimens. The difference between the Shih Tzu and the Lhasa Apso was established in 1934 and the Shih Tzu breed was officially recognized in 1940 by the English Kennel Club. It was introduced in France in 1953 by the Countess of Anjou and then received by the American Kennel Club in 1955.
This small animal, sacred in the Buddhist religion, is exclusively a pet dog.
