Tracylooe Shih Tzu Breed Information...

Origins of the Breed

Shih-Tzu's (pronounced sheed zoo) are a very old breed that originated in Tibet but became mostly bred in China, appearing in very old art work dating back to the seventh century, they were known as the Lion Dog.

They were imported by Miss Hutchins and General & Mrs Brownrigg during the early 1930's and a breed club, The Shih-tzu Club was formed and by the end of the thirties the breed was established with 183 registered dogs in the U.K. In 1940 they were granted their own register and became eligible for championship status.

The breed has gone from strength to strength and now according to the most recent registration figures is one of the most popular dogs in the utility breed group today.

Description of the breed

The Shih-tzu is a small but substantial dog, heavily coated, short faced with an oriental look The Shih-Tzu attitude is lively, alert, proud, and somewhat stubborn. The general appearance of the breed is that of a small, compact, sturdy dog with luxurious coat, upright head, jaunty step, and plumed, curved tail flowing over the back . The head is round, broad, and wide between the eyes, and in balance with the rest of the dog. The dark eyes are large and round; the ears are natural and heavily feathered; the muzzle is square, short and unwrinkled, and flat; lips and chin should neither protrude nor recede.

The ideal Shih-Tzu weighs between 9 and 18lbs, stands approx. 10 ½ ins at the withers and appears longer in the body than it is tall The Shih Tzu coat can be any colour or mixture, although the Dowager Empress preferred honey gold with the Buddhist white splash on the forehead, the coat can be straight but a slight wave is usual. They are brachycephalic which means short faced and their bite is slightly undershot.

Temperament

They are active, lively, alert little dogs, friendly and independent. They love to be with people and will be a good protector of their home and owners, not excessively noisy but will warn or greet visitors enthusiastically. Ideally suitable as a family pet or a companion dog. Their expression sometimes gives the impression of being 'haughty'. The Shih Tzu definitely has an attitude that cries to be spoiled. If you need help in realizing this fact, the dog will steer you in the right direction with his self-assurance that he should be treated like a king

They enjoy exercise but are happy with the minimum as long as they have company; they are easily accommodated in a small home. They are good mixers with other animals and live happily in a group or single dog situation.

Care of the Shih-Tzu

As this is such a heavily coated breed a decision must be made at an early age as to keeping the coat or regularly clipping. To keep a Shih-Tzu in full show coat takes many hours of grooming and detangling, a full bath and blow dry is necessary every week for the care of the show coat.

Every day care is face washing, to avoid tear staining, and tying up the long hair in a top knot, a short all round grooming to keep the matting down to the minimum.

Every week ears need cleaning, nails should be checked and trimmed as required, paying particular attention to the dew claws which are left on in this breed but become hidden in the wealth of hair, if neglected they grow painfully around into the leg. Attention must be paid to the feet as hair grows between the pads and which mats up giving the dog uncomfortable feet, careful trimming keeps this under control.

Exercise

A short daily walk is enjoyed.

Health

The eyes of the Shih-Tzu are the most vulnerable because of their shape which makes them susceptible to damage either in play or by foreign objects.

Generally they are a very strong and are a long lived healthy breed. There is no testing recommended for any hereditary ailments.

Breeding

Shih-Tzu's make good mothers but due to the shape of the face causing problems in breaking the puppies water bags some assistance is necessary at the whelping, (Very similar to Persian cats) average litter size is 4 or 5 puppies.

General Information

Life span - 9 - 15 years - The Shih Tzu can live well into its teens.

Dog Group Kennel Club - Utility

Shedding /moulting - Moderate

Overall Exercise - 0 - 20 minutes per day. They do require exercise but are quite happy to stay at home and play. They are perfectly content with short walks.