Their pretty long silky hair has attracted girls and women who enjoy grooming to decorate their dogs like dog models.
Shitzu is a Chinese name that carries the meaning Lion. Therefore, they are also called as Lion Dog. You are right!
These dogs are originating from China and they have other name - Chrysanthemum Dog,
describing these dogs look like the most beautiful woman of ancient China.
"Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information"
Shih Tzu vs Human
The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed of small Companion Dog with long silky fur.
This small dog breed originated in Tibet, China. It has many nick names like Shitzu, Lion Dog, Xi Shi quan,
Chrysanthemum Dog.
It was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 in the Toy Group.
History and Origins
Recent DNA analysis confirms that the ancestors of today's these small dogs are among the most ancient of dog breeds.
The skeletal remains of dogs found in human settlements as long as ten thousand years ago.
The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe (England and Norway) in 1930, and were classified by the Kennel Club as "Apsos".
The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were re-categorized as Shih Tzu.
The breed spread throughout Europe, and was brought to the United States after World War II,
when returning members of the US military brought back dogs from Europe.
Group
Together with Yorkshire Terrier,
Shih Tzu is categorized as Toy Group under the American Kennel Club (AKC).
While together with Lhasa Apso,
Shitzu is categorized as Utility Group under The Kennel Club (UK)
Living Condition
Shih Tzu needs a warm and safe home. They can't live outside the house because
they have thick coats which are not suitable for hot and humid weather.
If they are to put under a hot sun, they are in serious danger of getting heatstroke.
Since this breed is a companion dog, it is also not suitable for cold weather.
During a walk in a cold weather, you can choose either to put a sweater on him or otherwise based on how thick is his coat.
And be sure to dry him up after the walk.
Exercise
Even though Shitzu is small, he needs exercise. Exercise is able to keep his muscles strong and his heart healthy.
Due to exceeding of treats and lack of exercise, there are many Shih Tzu become overweight.
If you give your Shih Tzu puppy training after exercise,
it will definitely enhance his learning ability.
But always remember not to bring your Shih Tzu to exercise in hot weather.
The reason is he has heavy coat and short nose that are not built to withstand the heat.
Shedding
All dogs shed. But, some owners realized that their Shitzu sheds less compare to other breeds of dogs.
If your Shitzu sheps heavily, it might due to skin problem or lack of nutrition. Do consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
"Shih Tzu Physical Appearance, Characteristics, Temperaments and Average Life Span"
Body Types
The body of this dog is solid and compact. The head is broad, round and wide.
Chrysanthemum Dog has small and flat nose with dark and big eyes.
Drop ears are covered with long fur and the heavily furred tail is carried curled over the back. His head is broad and round.
Muzzle is square, short and hairy.
Coat and Color
This Chrysanthemum Dog has long, silky and double coat and may have any color.
Normally, owners will tie the hair on the top of head of Shittzu with a ribbon.
Size
Height: 9.0 - 10.5 inches (23.0 - 26.7 cm)
Weight: 9.0 - 16.0 pounds (4.1 - 7.3 kg)
Average Life Span
10 – 18 years
Average litter for Shitzu
3 - 5 puppies
Characteristics/Temperaments and Energy level
As per American Kennel Club (AKC)'s standard, Shih Tzu's sole purpose is as a companion and house pet.
So, it is essential that its temperament be outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting towards all.
This little Lion Dog is a friendly lap dog that at one time bred to be a companion dog for Chinese royalty.
Some people say living in the imperial palace gave the Lion Dog an arrogant quality, although they also display qualities of devotion and adaptability.
They are not afraid to stand up for themselves.
They tend to be sweet, playful, and trusting as well. If you further give you Shih Tzu Puppy Training,
you will have the most perfect companion in your house.
"Comparing Short and Long Hair Shih Tzu"
Some owners prefer their Shitzu to have "Puppy Cut" (Short Hair) and some prefer to keep the long hair style.
This section compares the pros and cons of both the hair style.
"Long Hair Style"
- Feel and look gorgeous
- Take a lot of work to groom
- Bathing, cleaning and drying of the hair will take a longer time
"Short Hair Style"
- Look adorable
- Easier to groom
- Bathing, cleaning and drying of the hair will take less time
Picture of cute Shih Tzu Puppies
Sometime, Shih Tzu can be very stubborn and easily distracted as well as snappy. With your patience and consistency
in your Shih Tzu puppy training, the issue will vanish even without you realize it.
