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Shih TzuAnnika Staffansson & Darlene Cohoe
Size: about 10" tall (shoulder) |
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Shih TzuAnnika Staffansson & Darlene Cohoe
Size: about 10" tall (shoulder) |
The Shih Tzu has zoomed into popularity in recent years as people become more aware of the wonderful characteristics of the breed. They are "people dogs", and very much at home with the current lifestyle found in urban and suburban areas. Perfectly content in a small apartments, they are also the joyous and enthusiastic lions of their own backyard.
The Shih Tzu is on the small side of the dog lineup in stature, but not in heart! They weigh-in at a maximum of 16 pounds, yet are not at all the stereotypical "ankle biter" sometimes seen in a similar sized dog. Their winning ways and easy manner around people is one of their secrets of success. They typically do well around children, and make a fair watch dog also. Shih Tzu's are not the nervous type at all, and display a willingness to be friends with visitors both human and animal when properly introduced.
The Shih Tzu has a long and colorful history, dating back to the dog's earliest known roots in Tibet. What is known today is that the dog was kept and bred by Buddhist monks in Tibetan temples. How far back the "little lion" goes, none can say for sure, but it is reputed to be at least as early as the 17th century in his present form. The dog made his way to Britain early this century, and then to the US. The advent of the 1949 communist takeover in China precluded further exports of the Shih Tzu, and with the small stock of dogs available, there was fear that the breed was deteriorating due to inbreeding. To help mitigate this, Alfreda Evans of Britain crossed the Shih Tzu with the Pekingese. It probably helped the situation, but an unfortunate result was to create confusion about the breed and delay AKC recognition until 1969.
The Shih Tzu has a coat that just begs to be groomed, and most owners love doing just that. The long fur is "oh so soft" when conditioned and brushed out. Tradition requires that the fur on top of the head be done up in a "top knot", lending a more Oriental appearance to the dog. The adult Shih Tzu has an undercoat which lends much volume and shape to the long top coat, which results in the spectacular look as seen in the photo of "Rocky" above. The fur often seems to swish back and forth as the Shih Tzu moves, so silky is his coat. The dog quickly grows to love his (hopefully!) daily brushing, and it becomes an important bonding activity between dog and master.
Shih Tzus have beautiful faces, with very short muzzles. This factor, combined with the dog's size, is believed to trigger a subconcious reaction in humans to pprotect and love the dog as if it were an infant. The Shih Tzus don't mind this at all. They are the ultimate lap dog, and can often be found posing as couch ornaments in better dressed homes! To add to their charm, their receptiveness to affection is not punctuated with demands for attention. They will wait patiently for a sign or encouragement before presenting themselves for love. The Shih Tzu has large expressive eyes set attractively far apart which seem to radiate intelligence.
Most Shih Tzus are quite trainable, and very patient in their learning process, but they can quickly degenerate into play if given the slightest "cause of action". They love a good mock fight with master's hand or foot. They are surprisingly solid dogs, not just fur balls with delicate bodies, and can give a good account of themselves in a tug-of-war over a sock or rope.
The Shih Tzu is truly a wonderful little dog, and will make you a great pet. One can see why they were treated as sacred animals in olden Tibet!
Recommended Reading:
"The Shih Tzu," - Audrey Dadds
"The Shih Tzu Heritage," - Jon Ferrante
"The complete Shih Tzu," - Victor JorisAnnika Staffansson, Sweden, with assistance
Annika Staffansson
in English from Darlene Cohoe, USA.
shih-tzu@swipnet.se
http://www.shih-tzu.comCopyright 1996. All rights reserved.