Monday, December 14, 2009

Training - Have patience when training the Shih Tzu

Have patience when training the Shih Tzu. Young dogs do not possess the proper bowel control to become housebroken immediately. It can take until your Shih Tzu is six months to 1 year old before it can be successfully considered house-trained.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Training - Be positive with your Shih Tzu

Be positive with your Shih Tzu. These dogs are small animals and can be easily intimidated. Avoid scolding your puppy when it has an accident in the house. Dogs do not make associations like humans and it will not know what it is being punished for.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Training - Praise your puppy when it goes to the bathroom in the proper space

Praise your puppy when it goes to the bathroom in the proper space. Nothing reinforces positive behavior in dogs like praise. Whether it is a scratch behind the ears and some kind words or a special doggy treat, rewarding your puppy when it does the right thing will encourage it to do so in the future.

shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Training - Take your Shih Tzu out to its bathroom area every 45 minutes

Take your Shih Tzu out to its bathroom area every 45 minutes while you are home with the dog. This will help prevent accidents within your home and also help associate going to the bathroom with a specific place.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Training - Create a toilet area

Create a toilet area where your Shih Tzu can go when you are home and when you are away. Consistency is important for puppies, so make sure there is an area that is not reminiscent of your home's carpet or tile to act as the location for your Shih Tzu to use the bathroom. Use something like blacktop or grass to keep your puppy organized.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Feeding tip - Homemade Foods

Some breeders and many veterinarians will suggest that you give your Shih-Tzu puppy high-quality, nutritional foods which can be made at home in order to ensure optimal nutrition. The healthiest foods for Shih Tzu's include organs such as livers and brains, lean cuts of meat such as chicken, lamb, and fish, vegetables such as potatoes or broccoli, and starches like rice and pasta.

Quantities should be given in that order, with organ meat making up more of the meal than the starches. Homemade food allows you to be in complete control of what goes into your puppy's tummy, as there are no preservatives, food colors, or artificial flavors in home-made food. These foods should be served with scheduled feedings in order to prevent bacterial growth, and should be prepared in the same manner that you would prepare your own food in order to avoid food-borne illness.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Feeding tip - Free Feeding

Some owners feel that leaving food out for their Shih-Tzu puppy is the easiest way to ensure that their puppy gets adequate nutrition. Allowing your dog to free feed can be an easy solution and can aide your puppy in developing a sense of independence. Free feeding must be monitored, however, as if the food is there your Shih-Tzu may attempt to eat everything in the bowl regardless of whether it feels full. Watch your puppy's feeding sessions to make sure that they aren't going to eat until they become sick; if they don't seem to have any problems with free feeding, it can be a much easier way to handle the feeding of your puppy.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Monday, October 19, 2009

Feeding tip - Scheduled Feedings

Feed your Shih-Tzu puppy on a relatively tight schedule if you plan on maintaining specific feeding times. Scheduled feedings can help you to give the puppy some boundaries, and can also make bathroom needs fairly predictable (which is extremely helpful as far as house training goes since they will learn that shortly after they eat it's time to go to the bathroom.) Feed approximately ½ ounce of dry food for every pound of dog four times per day until the puppy is 12 weeks old; once they reach that age, reduce feeding times progressively until they have a morning meal and an evening meal. It is suggested that you have a time limit for your dog, usually about 30 minutes per meal.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Friday, October 16, 2009

Feeding tip - Feeding a Shih-Tzu puppy isn't difficult

Feeding a dog might seem easy to someone on the outside looking in. It may seem at first as simple as buying a bag of food and pouring it into a bowl, but this isn't necessarily the case. Different dog breeds have different nutritional requirements, and even within a breed nutritional needs can change from the time that the dog is a puppy to when it is an adult. Feeding a Shih-Tzu puppy isn't difficult, but to ensure that the puppy is healthy, care should be taken to make sure that its specific nutritional needs are being met.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Monday, October 12, 2009

Grooming tip - Never yank or pull a tangle

Never yank or pull a tangle. This can cause your dog extreme pain and lead to seriously damaged skin.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Grooming tip - Maintain a regular grooming schedule

Maintain a regular grooming schedule to avoid serious issues with your Shih Tzu's coat.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Grooming tip - Clean your Shih Tzu's anus with a moist cloth every 2 to 3 weeks

Clean your Shih Tzu's anus with a moist cloth every 2 to 3 weeks. Fecal matter often attaches itself to the hair around the anus, resulting in blockages and discomfort for your dog. Remove dried fecal matter with a warm, damp cloth.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Grooming tip - Trim the hair around your pup's face every few months

Trim the hair around your puppy's face every few months. You may need to enlist the help of a friend who can hold your dog's face still while you trim the hair in this delicate area. You want the eyes, nose and mouth to be free of excessive hair so your dog can see, eat and breathe without obstruction. If you prefer, you can secure the hair over your dog's eyes into a ponytail, securing it with a dog clip or band.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Grooming tip - Check your dog's ears for swelling or redness

Check your dog's ears for swelling or redness, as Shih Tzus are prone to ear infections. Observe your puppy's eyes to ensure they are free of irritation, clouding or debris.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Friday, October 2, 2009

Grooming tip - Brush your Shih Tzu's teeth once to twice a week

Brush your Shih Tzu's teeth once to twice a week, using a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs. Shih Tzu are particularly susceptible to plaque and periodontal diseases, so good oral hygiene is essential. Feed your dog hard, dry food rather than soft, canned food to keep teeth healthier.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Grooming tip - Trim your Shih Tzu's nails every 4 to 10 weeks

Trim your Shih Tzu's nails every 4 to 10 weeks. Some dog's nails grow more quickly than others and require more frequent clippings. Use nail clippers designed to trim dog's toenails and cut them after a bath as they will be softer then. Avoid cutting the quick, the red vein inside the nail. If you do, it will bleed.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Grooming tip - Brush your Shih Tzu daily

Brush your Shih Tzu daily. If you do not brush your Shih Tzu's coat, it will tangle. The tangles can cause pain, hot spots and even parasites to reside on your Shih Tzu's skin. Use a brush and comb to de-tangle the dog's entire coat. In addition to the body of the dog, brush his face, neck, ears, legs, feet, tail and belly. If you keep your dog's coat clipped short, you can lighten this brushing schedule to every few days.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Grooming tip - Wipe your Shih tzu's face with a damp cloth after every meal

Wipe your Shih tzu's face with a damp cloth after every meal. Due to their short snouts, it's common for food to lodge itself around a Shih Tzu's mouth. Clean your Shih Tzu's mouth area after every feeding to prevent health issues caused by rotten food particles.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Grooming tip - Use a shampoo and conditioner designed for dogs

Use a shampoo and conditioner designed for dogs when you bathe your Shih Tzu. While many dogs simply require shampoo, conditioner will help to keep your Shih Tzu's coat free of tangles. Make sure you rinse both the shampoo and conditioner completely out of your dog's coat. If left behind, the residue can lead to skin irritations.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Friday, September 18, 2009

Grooming tip - Wash your Shih Tzu every 3 to 8 weeks

Wash your Shih Tzu every 3 to 8 weeks. The frequency of your washings will depend on your environment as well as the length of your dog's coat. Longer-haired Shih Tzus require more frequent washings as do those that spend a good deal of time outdoors.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Grooming tip - Shih Tzu requires extensive grooming

The Shih Tzu breed of dog requires extensive grooming, due to its long, flowing coat. If left unclipped, the Shih Tzu's hair will grow to floor-length. Its long nature, coupled with its double coat quality, make the Shih Tzu's coat particularly prone to tangles and mats. The double coat consists of a woolly undercoat and a silky outer coat. While this double coat looks elegant, it means double the amount of hair that needs to be groomed.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Shih Tzu's nails, face and teeth properly. If you are crunched for time, you can always take your Shih Tzu to a professional groomer. You can, however, properly groom your Shih Tzu at home.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Monday, September 7, 2009

Owner guide - Walking with Shih Tzu

When walking your Shih Tzu, be sure to pull or tug him to your right leg. Do not let your puppy to run in front of you or ahead of you. You want to show your dog that you are the leader and pretty soon they will know the routine.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Owner guide - In controlling your shih tzu, be positive

When your shih tzu disobeys, immediately punish him before he forgets why he is being punished. If your dog is stubborn, you can confine him to his cage. By the tone of your voice, a shih tzu knows he's done wrong. In controlling your shih tzu, be positive and consistent and never hit your dog.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Owner guide - Start training your Shih Tzu while he is still a puppy

Start training your Shih Tzu while he is still a puppy. Be sure you let your puppy know who the boss is from the start, and never show the dog that you fear him. Bribing your dog is never helpful.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Owner guide - Special tip for Shih Tzu's food

It is a good idea to add a small amount of garlic powder for flea control, parsley for good breath, and apple cider vinegar for expelling any toxins. These additives can be gven as often as you like, but only in very small amounts. If you follow this diet, and rough percentages, you will have a happy, healthy, and long lived Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Monday, August 31, 2009

Owner guide - Healthy food for Shih Tzu

- The staple of your Shih Tzu's diet should contain 65% RAW turkey muscle meat, organs, and bones. Turkey is a low-fat and high protein food.

- Raw chicken muscle meat, organs, and bones should make up anothr 20% of your Shih Tzu's diet. Chicken, like turkey, is high in protein and low in fat.

- Herring should make up another 5% of a healthy Shih Tzu's diet.

- The last 5% of a Shih Tzu's diet should be raw eggs, shell included.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Monday, August 10, 2009

DOG FAQ - How much does it cost on average to get a Shih Tzu dog groomed?

For small breed as Shih Tzu that do not have thick hair or require a complicated cut, grooming costs about $30 to $50.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Saturday, August 8, 2009

DOG FAQ - When does the breed a Shih Tzu dog stop growing?

Your Shih Tzu puppy will be full grown at around 8 months old and should weigh 10-15 lbs.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Thursday, August 6, 2009

DOG FAQ - How much does a shih tzu dog cost?

Shih Tzu puppy prices on average range from $550-$650. And cost nearly $1,500 to maintain annually.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

DOG FAQ - How many pups can a shih tzu dog have?

The average litter size of a Shih Tzu is 5, but some can have 6 or 7.

Shih Tzu - Dog lover

Sunday, August 2, 2009

DOG FAQ - Can shih tzu dogs be outdoor dogs?

Shih Tzu does not do well as outdoor dog. Their natural canine hardiness has largely been bred out. Shih Tzu needs to live inside!

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Monday, July 27, 2009

DOG FAQ - What should I feed my Shih Tzu puppy?

Your Shih Tzu puppy needs quality puppy food and fresh water close to him or her at all times. We recommend that if you do not plan to use the same food, you make the change to your high-quality puppy food gradual.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Saturday, July 25, 2009

DOG FAQ - Should I have my male Shih Tzu puppy neutered?

When a male is neutered at about 4 to 5 months of age, Shih Tzu rarely have the tendency to mark their territory as so many people are afraid of them doing in their homes. We have many happy owners of male puppies that have never had any problems with them in this way. They make wonderful family pets and companions. Neutering your puppy will protect his health, help him to liver longer and be a better pet, along with improving his house manners.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Thursday, July 23, 2009

DOG FAQ - Which is better,a male or a female Shih Tzu puppy?

Although many people like the little females Shih Tzu simply because that is all they have ever owned, males Shih Tzu most often make the better family pet. They are not as independent as a female, nor do they have the moods that the females seem to go through. It's a good idea to have male puppies neutered when they are about 4 to 5 months of age.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

DOG FAQ - How to Choose a Shih Tzu puppy?

How to Choose a Shih Tzu puppy correctly can be difficult, specially when you are in front of many of them, at the same time. Remember this is a life long commitment, at least to the dogs life span, so choosing a dog should never be taken lightly. The first thing is to make up your mind about whether you want a pedigree dog or a mixed-breed one, but there are some other points to think about before buying a Shih Tzu puppy. Afterwards, adaptation and training phases will be crucial to help your Shih Tzu puppy to settle down in his new environment, and developing into an enthusiastic and obedient grown dog. The playful nature of puppies is their main attraction, though grown dogs are more suitable to people of certain ages.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Sunday, July 19, 2009

DOG FAQ - How often should my Shih Tzu puppy get a checkup?

Take your Shih Tzu puppy to your veterinarian for regular checkups and vaccinations. Check with your veterinarian on how often they recommend you bring your puppy in, and then be sure you do so. Giving your puppy this extra care and attention will return it a hundred fold.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Friday, July 17, 2009

DOG FAQ - How often should I give Shih Tzu puppy a bath?

Give your Shih Tzu puppy a bath only when he smells or is dirty. Be careful not to get water in his ears. We recommend putting cotton in his ears while you're bathing him. Keep shampoo from getting into his eyes too. Dry your Shih Tzu puppy immediately so that he doesn't get chilled and catch a cold.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

DOG FAQ - We live in an apartment. Will the Shih Tzu be right for us?

The Shih Tzu should be fine in an apartment or smaller home. You should be prepared to give your new pet some regular outdoor exercise, even if its just short walks on a leash. You should never leave the dog alone in the apartment for long periods. Generally, this breed is good for apartment dwellers.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Monday, July 13, 2009

DOG FAQ - I have thought about getting a Shih-Tzu from a rescue group. Is this a good idea?

This can be an excellent way to add a new pet to your family. However, the challenges of getting a dog from one of these sources are different than the those relating to a puppy. You should take some time to visit several locations and talk with the staff. Ask questions about the health and temperament of the dogs and watch closely how the staff interacts with the dogs. This can tell you a lot about how the dogs are treated and how the dogs may act when you take them home. One basic factor that should be present in all rescue dog situations is this: the group should be very careful about matching a dog with a home. This may even extend to making a home visit before the dog is placed.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Saturday, July 11, 2009

DOG FAQ - Are Shih Tzu hard to train?

Yes, the Shih Tzu can be difficult to train in some cases but these dogs are intelligent, responding well to gentle and patient attention. For some new Shih Tzu owners, the amount of time and patience is too much. Sometimes these dogs end up being given to a rescue organization. If you are considering a Shih Tzu , keep in mind that housebreaking/potty training can sometimes be a bit more difficult than with other breeds.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Thursday, July 9, 2009

DOG FAQ - I may want to show my Shih-Tzu if I get one. What should I do to get started?

Showing a Shih-Tzu presents a few extra challenges beyond having a Shih-Tzu as a pet. You may want to take a little more time in selecting the color of your puppy to begin with. In addition, you should be more selective about the bloodlines of your puppy, since this can help in making sure you get a good show dog. You will also have to spend more time grooming and cleaning what will be a luxurious coat. It will be key to get your new dog from a breeder that offers only show dogs.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Monday, July 6, 2009

DOG FAQ - I have heard that Shih-Tzu are sensitive to heat and cold, what about this?

Shih Tzu is sensitive to extremes in temperature. It is important not to leave the dog in a hot or cold situation. In addition, after a bath, the dog should be dried thoroughly in a warm place to avoid chills.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Friday, July 3, 2009

DOG FAQ - What should I ask the breeder about when I visit?

You need to ask many questions that are appropriate for visits to the breeder if you are shopping for a Shih-Tzu puppy. For instance, you should definitely ask to see both parents of the litter you are looking at. You should also ask about some of the common health conditions of the Shih-Tzu, such as dry eye, allergies, breathing difficulty and thyroid conditions. A good breeder will be very open to these questions and should help you get answers if he or she cannot provide them.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

DOG FAQ - Would a Shih-Tzu be good in a home with children?

Shih-Tzu is not necessarily the best in a home with small children. The family members around a Shih-Tzu must be gentle and patient and not expect the dog to play roughly. With that in mind, the breed has hair rather than fur so shedding is not a great problem. The Shih-Tzu is one of the few dogs considered hypoallergenic.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Monday, June 29, 2009

DOG FAQ - I have heard that Shih-Tzu have breathing problems. Is this true?

Some Shih-Tzu will wheeze and snore because of the shape and size of the nose and head. However, the Shih-Tzu also has some problems with the eyes because of the shape of the head and the fact that the eyes are very prominent. Talk with your veterinarian about breathing problems and eye problems with the Shih-Tzu.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Sunday, June 21, 2009

TRAINING

The Shih Tzu may be difficult to housetrain. The crate method works best. Although they are eager to please, and quick to learn, Shih Tzu stubborn streak requires persistence and consistency. They do not respond to harshness or punishment. The Shih Tzu does very well in obedience training provided it is low-key and motivational.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Friday, June 19, 2009

FEEDING

Feeding your Shih Tzu at scheduled mealtimes is the best way to control how much Shih Tzu eats, resulting in better weight control and allowing you to monitor their health. (Lack of appetite is often the first sign of illness.) Free feeding, a method in which food is left out all day, can wreak havoc on the digestive system and lead to obesity.

The best feeding schedule for your shih tzu depends on his age and lifestyle. While your vet or breeder can best advise you as to what kind of feeding plan is appropriate for your shih tzu’s particular life stage, the chart below provides a general outline.

Life stage feeding :

Puppies (under 4 months) feed 3 small meals per day

Adolescents (4–12 months) feed 2 meals per day

Active adults (1–12 years) feed 2 meals per day

Adult formula Seniors (12+ years) feed 1–2 meals per day

Rather than feed your shih tzu each time he begs for food, stick to regular meals and an occasional treat. If you’re serving commercial food, the package directions may not suit your individual dog, so talk to your vet or breeder. If you’re serving noncommercial food, consult your vet.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

HEALTH INFORMATION

Small-size dogs, or Toy dogs, suffer breed specific problems. The Shih Tzu is not an exception. There are several congenital diseases (dogs are born with these diseases) that might present serious health risks in Shih Tzu are : patellar luxation, back problems and eye abnormalities. If the timely and correct preventive care is provided and if the breeding stock is free from genetic defects, then you have a healthy Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Monday, June 15, 2009

TEMPERAMENT

The Shih Tzu is first and foremost a companion. Shih Tzu loves nothing more than being indoors with their family. Temperament of this breed gets along very well with older children and other pets. Shih Tzu are outgoing and self-assured, keen and alert. Shih Tzu makes excellent watchdogs. They do not do well being separated from their owners and may become destructive if left alone for extended periods of time. Shih Tzu is docile and quiet, but they also love to play. The Shih Tzu is spunky and can be obstinate at times. They expect to be treated as royalty and are easily spoiled.
Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Sunday, June 7, 2009

GROOMING

The Shih Tzu is a longhaired dog. Actually, it has two coats, one outer coat that has long straight hair, and the short and wooly. The hair on it head is usually tied up in a tight knot over the head. Do Not Get a Shih Tzu If You Cannot Groom It Daily

Many people decide that the Shih Tzu is the right dog for them because they find it so beautiful. It is not a good idea to decide you want a Shih Tzu after you see it in a dog show. Here, the best specimens are paraded and what you see though looks easy and carefree, is the result of a lot of work and perseverance.

Shih Tzu grooming has to be done on a regular basis. Here ‘regular basis’ means at least every alternate day. You will need to have the long hair combed every other day if not every day; otherwise, the hair will knot and/or mat and then become a good home for a number of parasites. If the parasites are left growing on its skin for a long time, then the Shih Tzu will develop skin lesions and other diseases – besides becoming a very miserable dog. Hence, the minimum Shih Tzu care necessitates that it is groomed every day – and since it lives for about 15 to18 years, you will need to decide whether you can do this every day (or alternate day) for the next 15 years before saying ‘yes’ to this breed as your pet.

Often, people buy this type of dog on a whim or impulse, and end up giving it up when they realize that they are not able to cope with the basic Shih Tzu care requirements. It should definitely not come to this – hence, you should be careful that you understand what Shih Tzu care and grooming involves before taking in this dog variety.
What can be a put-off for some it can be a great attraction for others - many people love the need to groom these dogs every day. These varieties make great pets for senior people specifically because they demand so much attention which make the elder people feel good because they are wanted and because these dogs love to be loved. The daily grooming is just another way to fill the day and bond with the Shih Tzu.

In case you love the breed and you still think that, the Shih Tzu grooming is a handful for you, you can give it the Shih Tzu haircut, as a last resort. Use the services of a qualified Shih Tzu grooming professional for this purpose so the beauty of the dog is not compromised. Regardless of whether you choose to have the hair long or short, you will have to learn about what you need to groom your Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Friday, May 22, 2009

COAT AND COLOR

There is no set standard for coat color in the Shih Tzu as any color and any variations in color are acceptable. The most recognizable colors are the gold and white or the black and white, but the solid gold color variety is the most popular amongst Shih Tzu owners. Very rarely will there be a solid white Shih Tzu in a litter. They will usually have “tips” on their coats, usually on the ears or back. Their coat should be a long, flowing, straight double coat without wave or a single coat.
Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

GENERAL APPEARANCE

Shih Tzu is small dog with a short muzzle and large eyes, with a long, double coat, the Shih Tzu stands no more than 26.7 cm (10 1/2 ins) or less at the withers and with an ideal weight of 4.5 to 7.3 kg (10 to 16 lbs). Drop ears are covered with long fur, and the heavily furred tail is carried curled over the back. The coat may be of any colour, although a blaze of white on the forehead and tail-tip is frequently seen. The Shih Tzu is slightly longer than tall, and dogs ideally should carry themselves "with distinctly arrogant carriage".

The traditional long silky coat that reaches the floor requires daily brushing to avoid tangles. Although the long coat is beautiful, often the coat is clipped short to simplify care, in a "puppy clip". For conformation showing, the coat must be left in its natural state, although trimming for neatness around the feet and anus is allowed. Because Shih Tzu noses are small and flat, owners often wipe the dog's face with a damp paper towel to remove food remnants after the dog has eaten a meal. Shih Tzu may be trained to drink out of a water bottle. The water bottle keeps the face clean and dry preventing unsightly red yeast from growing on the Shih Tzu beard and moustache. Owners often tie strands of hair from the shih tzu's head into a pony tail that sticks up.

Shish Tzu - Dog Lover

Sunday, May 17, 2009

START TO KNOW

The Shih Tzu is a breed of small companion dog of very ancient type, with long silky fur. The breed originated in China, possibly by way of Tibet. The name is both singular and plural.

Recent DNA analysis confirms that the ancestors of today's Shih Tzu breed are among the most ancient of dog breeds. Ludvic von Schulmuth studied the skeletal remains of dogs found in human settlements as long as ten thousand years ago. Von Schulmuth created a genealogical tree of Tibetan dogs that shows the "Gobi Desert Kitchen Midden Dog", a scavenger, evolved into the "Small Soft-Coated Drop-Eared Hunting Dog" which evolved into the Tibetan Spaniel, Pekingese, and Japanese Chin. Another branch coming down from the "Kitchen Midden Dog" gave rise to the Papillon and Long-haired Chihuahua and yet another "Kitchen Midden Dog" branch to the Pug and Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu was almost completely wiped out (when?), saved by 7 males and 7 females, the ancestors of all Shih Tzus living today.

There are various theories of the origins of today's breed. Theories relate that it stemmed from a cross between Pekingese and a Tibetan dog; that the Chinese court received a pair as a gift during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 CE); and that they were introduced from Tibet to China in the mid-17th century (Qing Dynasty). Dogs during that time were selectively bred and seen in Chinese paintings. 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 recatagorised 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. The Shih Tzu was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1969 in the Toy Group.The breed is now recognised by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world. It is also recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale for international competition in Companion and Toy Dog Group, Section 5, Tibetan breeds.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to my Shih Tzu dog blog. Here you will learn about Shih Tzu health care, any tips and you can find good experiences from many people who love Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover