| Description: The Shih Tzu is considered a toy breed of | | | | lapdogs and are most content when lying in the lap of |
| dog. The Shih Tzu weighs between 9 and 14 pounds | | | | one of their human friends. This breed loves to be with |
| and reaches about 10 inches at the shoulder. This | | | | its human family and gets along well with children and |
| beautiful breed has a long, silky coat that reaches the | | | | other dogs. They do, however, have an obstinate side |
| ground. The coat can be grey and white, gold, black, | | | | that can make training somewhat difficult. |
| red and white, or black and white. The muzzle is short | | | | Health Issues: A very serious health concern with this |
| and sports a long beard and moustaches. The dog's | | | | dog breed is a condition called Renal Dysplasia. This is |
| tail curls up over its back. The Shih Tzu should be a | | | | probably a genetic ailment that causes the kidneys to |
| muscular, compact dog. This breed is also called the | | | | eventually stop working. They can also develop |
| Chrysanthemum Dog or the Tibetan Lion Dog. | | | | bladder and kidney stones, which are treatable. This |
| History: The Shih Tzu is a very old breed of dog that | | | | breed can also experience spinal problems because of |
| traces its lineage back to the Lhaso Apso of Tibet. It | | | | its long back. Because of their short faces, they can |
| was considered to be a sacred dog and housed in | | | | also have breathing problems and often snore or |
| temples there. It was eventually taken to China where | | | | wheeze. |
| it became a court favorite. The Chinese royal house | | | | Grooming: Although the Shih Tzu has what is |
| particularly favored these dogs and the original stock | | | | considered to be a hypoallergenic coat, grooming is |
| was crossed with the Pekingese to produce the dog | | | | going to be an important part of this dog's |
| that is familiar today. The Chinese refused to allow any | | | | maintenance. The long coat needs to be brushed |
| dog out of the country for many years. The first dog | | | | every day. Many owners tie the hair on the dog's head |
| only made their way to England in the 1930s. | | | | up into a topknot. The eyes of this dog are delicate |
| Temperament: The Shih Tzu is a friendly dog with | | | | and should be cleaned every day. Most are kept as |
| what many consider to be a regal bearing. This is a | | | | pets and are given a puppy cut for ease of care. |
| happy dog with a great deal of personality. They are | | | | |