shih tzu

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is another of the small revered breeds that once graced the temples and palaces of ancient Tibet and China.

History:

The origin of the Shih Tzu is fairly obscure. It is known that their ancestors originated in Tibet and were favorites of the temples, as they were considered to be sacred dogs. Some of these dogs were given to the emperors of China, probably during the Manchu dynasty in the seventeenth century. In China, too, they were kept as sacred temple and palace dogs, and they existed there with little change until the mid-1900s.

By the 1950s it was feared that their structure was deteriorating, so in England this was rectified by crossing a Pekingese into the breed. The purpose was to create a dog with shorter legs, more coat, and a shorter nose. Now they are no longer the exclusive property of temples and palaces, but are common and excellent companions to people in all walks of life.

Physical characteristics:

Height: up to 10.5 in (27 cm). Weight: 9 - 16 lb (4 - 7 kg). The Shih Tzu has a broad head with a square muzzle that is short, but not distorted. It is slightly longer than it is tall and the body is broad rather than deep, with short muscular legs. The coat is long and dense and soft to touch. The length of hair on the face means that these dogs usually have their hair tied to keep it out of their eyes.

The Shih Tzu come in a wide range of colors, from solid to striped, and the hair can be slightly wavy or straight.

Behavior:

The Shih Tzu is an enchanting little dog that makes a perfect miniature companion. The Shih Tzu soon works out its owner's territory and will defend it in a flurry of activity, barking furiously at any intruder. This dog will happily live in the house or apartment, and does not require a lot of exercise. However, this is a clever little dog that does appreciate being taken out for walks and should be provided with plenty to do, especially when it is young. Be careful not to overfeed this dog or its health may suffer. The Shih Tzu should be thoroughly brushed everyday, but avoid bathing it too frequently or overheating the coat, as it may develop skin ailments.