Shih Tzu

Dogs are recognized as excellent companions. The Shih Tzu is not the kind of breed that will guard territory. There is a clear attachment to the owner. They are distinguished by their loyalty, activity, and love of life. They may often bark at strangers, but they find contact quickly with the family’s guests.

Breed Photos

Origin History

Shih Tzu originated in China. One version says that Tibetan monks did the breeding of long-haired animals. They did not sell them to other countries, so the ancestors of Chrysanthemum Dogs lived in China. The first longhair puppy was in China as a gift to the Emperor from the Dalai Lama. It happened in 1653. China recognized dogs as court pets. It was impossible to meet them anywhere else. And the unauthorized sale of Shih Tzu was punishable by death.

After the Communists came to power, the history of the breed changed dramatically. Because of the Communist Party’s hatred of monarchs, the fluff balls were shot. Europeans were not confused and began to export representatives of the breed. The first specimens appeared in England and Norway in the 1930s. In America, Shih Tzu arrived only after World War II. The animals acted as trophies of war.

The first club of breed lovers appeared in Britain in 1933. The American Club opened in 1959. The Shih Tzu standard was adopted in 1948, and the breed was officially recognized 20 years later.

Appearance

The Chrysanthemum Dog is often confused with another Tibetan representative, the Lhasa Apso. They are similar in sturdy build. But the Shih Tzu is a smaller dog. There is a perception that the breeds are related. But because of their long Tibetan history, it’s impossible to trace.

The Chrysanthemum Dog’s head is round with a large skull. The muzzle is square and wide. Because members of the breed are brachycephalic, breathing problems can be observed in stuffy and hot areas. The dog’s jaw is slightly weighted. The eyes with inconspicuous whites are spread wide. Large floppy ears are covered in hair. The paws are sturdy with sturdy pads. The hairy tail is planted high.

The coat of a Shih Tzu is double: there are a covering hair and a soft undercoat. The head is covered with a long coat of hair. At the same time, the hair does not interfere with the eyes, and the dogs have no problems with vision. Standard colors are black, black and white, golden and white, tiger, blue and white, brown, ashy, cream and black with spotty spots. Breed defects include:

• long legs;
• sharp muzzle;
• changes in the bite;
• wavy wool;
• pink nose;
• small, narrow-set eyes with clearly visible whites.

Character

Dogs are recognized as excellent companions. The Shih Tzu is not the kind of breed that will guard territory. There is a clear attachment to the owner. They are distinguished by their loyalty, activity, and love of life. They may often bark at strangers, but they find contact quickly with the family’s guests. Dogs have nerves of steel, so they are friendly with children and patient with active games. But like other breeds, the Shih Tzu will not put up with violence.

Care

It may not be easy to take care of your pet’s coat. It is recommended to comb out the tangles daily and pick up the dead bits. Do this not only regularly but also thoroughly. It is better to trust a professional groomer. If you get a dog only as a pet and do not participate in tournaments, you can trim the Shih Tzu once every two months.

Once a week, keep an eye on your ears. Inflammations, infections, and irritations can occur. Their ears should be cleaned with a product recommended by their veterinarian. Breeds have a predisposition to dental disease. Have their teeth cleaned two to three times a week. Clip nails once or twice a month.

Training

Things are not easy for Chrysanthemum Dogs when they start training. But when the animal understands that a tasty treat is waiting for him after training, he immediately turns on. It is recommended to introduce training as early as possible. You can ask for help from a professional. Then training will be more productive and faster (six to eight months).

Common Diseases

The health of these pets is considered strong. Common ailments include nephropathy, heart disease, and knee joint problems. Also encountered are:

• cataract;
• infections of the auricles;
• periodontitis;
• urolithiasis;
• alopecia.

Nutrition

Both natural food and dry food are suitable for feeding the pet. Twenty percent of the diet should be meat and by-products. Shih Tzu likes stew with vegetables, meat broth, boneless ocean fish fillets, vegetables, porridges. Don’t forget vitamin and mineral complexes. Meat and bone meal, fish oil, kelp are great as supplements.

Until three months, include in your diet milk porridge, broth, more fruits, and vegetables. You can dilute it by adding a few drops of vegetable oil. You should give up completely:

• pulses and potatoes;
• pearl millet and corn porridge;
• sweet, spicy, smoked foods;
• river fish;
• pork.