| Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its | | | | * White |
| breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its | | | | * Combination Colors |
| appearance, personality, and health requirements. | | | | The Shih Tzu is a very alert and lively breed with a |
| Here's what you need to know about the Shih Tzu: | | | | wonderful personality. For instance, this breed is highly |
| This particular breed of dog originated from Tibet, | | | | devoted to its family, loves children and other animals, |
| although it has now become a highly popular breed in | | | | and is comical. The muzzle is short, eyes large, the tail |
| Western countries. The name "Shih Tzu" is | | | | waves up over the back of the dog, and you would |
| pronounced (sheet zoo) and can be spelled a number | | | | notice a small under-bite. For show purposes according |
| of ways depending on the country. In fact, in China, the | | | | to the American Kennel Club, the Shih Tzu should be |
| name sounds more like the American "sherbet" with | | | | between 8 and 11 inches tall. As far as weight, the Shih |
| "adds" on the end. Although the Shih Tzu is a tiny dog | | | | Tzu averages between 9 and 16 pounds. |
| its name translates to "lion dog" of the Forbidden City, | | | | Temperament and Personality |
| which is for the original resemblance to a lion and not | | | | Although the Shih Tzu is an alert dog, it is also very |
| so much size. | | | | gentle and calm. Keep in mind that the Shih Tzu can |
| When first developed, the Shih Tzu had a very | | | | be very playful too, especially while a puppy. |
| specific purpose in life - to sit or lie around the Emperor | | | | Somewhat on the sensitive side, both discipline and |
| of China's palace, alerting the royal family of | | | | training needs to be handled with a soft hand in that |
| approaching people or animals. While the exact | | | | the breed can become fearful. |
| breeding to create the Shih Tzu is not 100 percent | | | | It is important to socialize your new Shih Tzu, helping to |
| certain, most people believe it started as a mix of | | | | build its confidence with people and animals. As a |
| Lhasa Apso, which was already a Tibetan breed, and | | | | devoted companion dog, you will find that people of all |
| the Pekingese. What we do know is that of all breeds | | | | ages and lifestyles can enjoy this breed but it does |
| in the world, the Shih Tzu is one of the oldest. | | | | require appropriate one-on-one time with its master. |
| Physical Appearance | | | | The Shih Tzu is not just a beautiful breed of dog but |
| Once you lay your eyes on a Shih Tzu, you cannot | | | | also one that brings intelligence, loyalty, laughter, and |
| help but fall in love. This tiny, furry breed is simply | | | | attentiveness to the home. |
| adorable with a long, flowing double coat and | | | | Health |
| undeniable face. Although the hair of the Shih Tzu can | | | | While there are many reasons for having a Shih Tzu, |
| be styled or groomed in a variety of ways, most | | | | the ease of care is definitely at the top of the list. |
| people will keep the long hair brushed to a silky shine | | | | Typically, daily grooming habits are important. For |
| and hair pulled back with a barrette out of the dog's | | | | instance, the dog's eyes can water and tear so they |
| eyes. | | | | need to be wiped off with a damp cloth or cotton ball |
| Keep in mind that this dog's hair continues to grow | | | | several times a day. Additionally, with the long hair, the |
| much like that of a human, and it does not shed. | | | | Shih Tzu needs to be brushed daily. With good |
| Therefore, the dog needs ongoing grooming. | | | | grooming, proper diet, and adequate exercise, this |
| Additionally, because this breed has hair and not fur, it | | | | breed is hardy. |
| is an excellent choice for individuals with allergies, | | | | The only real health risk is due to the short snout. |
| asthma, and other respiratory problems. The Shih Tzu | | | | Because of this feature, the Shih Tzu does not handle |
| is bred in a number of colors, which include: | | | | hot temperatures well. In fact, this particular breed does |
| * Black | | | | much better in regions with a milder climate, making |
| * Gold | | | | breathing easier. Other possible risks, although rare, |
| * Gray | | | | include liver, heart, and back problems. |
| * Tan | | | | |