Dogs come in all sizes, from the world's smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they're compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Our organization is funded entirely by donations and adoption fees from wonderful people like you. A white tip on the tail and a white blaze on the forehead are highly prized. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they're love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. So-called "Teacup" or "Imperial" Shih Tzus are There is no such breed as an "imperial" or "teacup" Shih Tzu. They're a very adaptable dog who can be comfortable in a small city apartment or a large suburban or country home. **All dogs are individuals. Affection is their dominant characteristic, and your lap is their favorite destination. The Shih Tuz's face, like a toddler's, also needs daily attention. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you'll need a high, secure fence in your yard. One unique characteristic of the Shih Tzu is their undershot bite. Unfortunately, not even normal kidney biopsies on both parents can completely guarantee puppies won’t develop renal dysplasia. This is because Shih Tzus are much more likely than mixed breed dogs to make claims for hereditary conditions that are expensive to treat. It mats easily. Shih Tzus are generally healthy, but like all breeds of dogs, they're prone to certain conditions and diseases: The Shih Tzu doesn't really mind where they live, as long as they're with you. Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word "sit"), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Nationwide, Embrace They love nothing more than to meet and greet friends and strangers alike. And many hounds simply must follow their noses--or that bunny that just ran across the path--even if it means leaving you behind. They simply desire to be with you. Daily brushing and combing is necessary to prevent tangles, as is frequent bathing--as often as once a week. The Shih Tzu personality is enormously appealing, and even grudging dog observers find it hard to resist this breed. Do you have neighbors nearby? Historically, the purpose of the Shih Tzu was to be a companion--and that's just what they want to be. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. dogs or using those terms to describe their puppies. You can also get in touch with a local animal shelter to find out if there are any Shih Tzu rescues in your area. Nothing could be further from the truth, however. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life. vs Prudent Pet, Embrace With their flowing hair sweeping the ground and their topknot elegantly tied, the Shih Tzu does appear snobbish, suited only for lying about a palace on silk pillows. So don't expect them to hunt, guard, or retrieve; that's not their style. The long, silky Shih Tzu coat is gorgeous, and it comes in many colors: black, black and white, gray and white, or red and white. It not unusual for a Shih Tzu to fearlessly jump from a bed or a chair. Details, Discounts and The Shih Tzu is a very small dog. The breed can boast a classy background: they were originally kept by royal Chinese families during the Ming Dynasty. vs Prudent Pet, Embrace & View Claims, COVID-19 Puppy mills The Shih Tzu simply doesn't allow anyone to ignore them. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. A proper Shih Tzu weighs between 9 and 16 pounds. Breed isn't the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily. & View Claims, Pet Health If you're considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public! Go with a low-sensitivity dog. Most experienced Shih Tzu groomers teach the dog to lie on their side while they brush the coat in sections; it's easier to brush that way and more comfortable for the dog. James Mumsford, an American teacher and composer, perhaps described the Shih Tzu best: "Nobody knows how the ancient eunuchs managed to mix together: a dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces of domestic cat, one part court jester, a dash of ballerina, a pinch of old man, a bit of beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one part baby seal, a dash of teddy bear, and, for the rest, dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin.". In fact, many a Shih Tzu lover gives up and hires a professional groomer to clip those long locks short. He may have the curly coat of a Poodle or the long, straight coat of a Shih Tzu, but he always has a cute, alert expression and a sturdy body. Since ancient times, they’ve made themselves comfortable on the laps of people from all walks of life, even emperors! Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won't chase, but you'll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by. As the story goes, one day, several robbers came upon the Buddha with the intent of robbing and murdering him. The Shih Tzu's nails should be trimmed monthly, and their ears checked once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. She is approximately 12 yrs old and was completely neglected her whole life. Their lower jaw is slightly wider than the upper, and the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, rather than outside, when their mouth is closed. Here are some great treats that can actually improve your dog's digestion to get you started! The Shih Tzu's origins are ancient, and steeped in mystery and controversy. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. This is something a puppy inherits from his parents, so buy puppies only from breeders who test all their dogs for renal dysplasia. also advertise through Internet sites, so never deal with a breeder Be prepared to brush and comb the Shih Tzu coat every day. While dogs of any breed may eat their own or other animals' feces (coprophagia), the Shih Tzu seems especially prone to this behavior. Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Paintings, art, and writings from the China's Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.) portray small dogs similar to the Shih Tzu. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. Ask specifically about dental care, as most toy breeds suffer from dental problems. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period. In 1969, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the Toy Group. Crate training is helpful for housetraining and provides your dog with a quiet place to relax. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you'll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat. Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn't necessarily an apartment dog make. DogTime participates in the NomNomNow affiliate program to earn fees for linking to products on NomNomNow. simply dogs below the minimum healthy size for the breed. After all, you're going to be doing this a lot. Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. You can keep your senior dog active well into old age by providing them with joint supplements to fight the symptoms of arthritis. They're In 1928, the first Shih Tzus, a male and female pair, were brought to England from Peking by Lady Brownrigg, the wife of the quartermaster general of the north China command. Phone (800) 511-9172 or Fax (800) 238-1042. The object of Mumsford's colorful description, the Shih Tzu--pronounced SHEED Zoo, SHID Zoo, or SHEET Sue--is a small, regal dog with long, abundant locks, a distinctive face that melts many a heart, and a friendly attitude. Information. Like other breeds with short faces, the Shih Tzu is sensitive to heat. Many Shih Tzus unfortunately end up in shelters or in the care of rescues when people purchase them from breeders without a clear understanding of how to care for these dogs. Begin at the website of the They were reportedly small, intelligent, docile dogs that strongly resembled lions. The code of ethics of the American Shih If you're adopting a puppy, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in. Then there's renal dysplasia, where the dog's kidneys stay stuck in an immature stage and can't handle the demands of an adult-sized dog. Don't fall for There were three Shih Tzu clubs by 1960: the American Shih Tzu Association in Florida, the Texas Shih Tzu Society, and the Shih Tzu Club of America. To protect yourself from the expensive vet bills associated with these conditions, you'll want to purchase pet insurance for your Shih Tzu before they show symptoms or are diagnosed. Even though they're naturally docile and friendly, the Shih Tzu needs early socialization and training. Conditions, Insurance for If your dog has tummy troubles, adding Bernie's Perfect Poop digestion support treats to their diet can help your dog feel better and improve their overall health! Treats can help the bonding process go more smoothly. You may also want to consider adopting a senior dog, as they tend to be less demanding of your time and energy. We believe that rehoming pets should be easy and stress free both for you and your pet. For more on feeding your Shih Tzu, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. Fortunately, the long coat is mostly seen in the show ring; retired champions and "just pets" alike mostly sport a short, puppy-like clip. That said, the Shih Tzu is not a total couch potato. The best time to get pet insurance for your Shih Tzu is when he’s a healthy puppy. Take a look and find the right sized dog for you! As with most toy breeds, shih tzu are quick to mature, reaching adult size by about 10 months. But that small size makes these dogs a bit iffy around very young children, or any child who can't understand just how fragile the dog is under his "lemme at ‘em" attitude. Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or "herd" their human family members, and they need training to learn that it's fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. More Dog Breeds and Further Research . Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? : Washington Shih Tzu Rescue Groups TOP OF PAGE ADD NEW SHELTER OR RESCUE GROUP Listings are alphabetized by county (when known). Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training. The Shih Tzu Poodle mix lifespan is around 10 to 15 years. Careful socialization and firm but gentle training methods are essential to avoid turning your companion into a tyrant. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility. They should remain indoors in an air-conditioned room or one with fans on hot days so they don't suffer from heat exhaustion. Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a "What's in it for me?" Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. Some pet owners can do it themselves with a pair of scissors (difficult) or a set of electric clippers, but keeping your Shih Tzu free of mats and skin problems often requires regular professional grooming. Males and females alike stand at nine to ten and a half inches tall and weigh nine to 16 pounds. One of Empress T'zu Hsi's first royal edicts was that anyone caught torturing palace dogs would be put to death. Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they've been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Don't give up! He's pretty sure he's the size of the beast from which the breed gets its nickname: the Lion Dog. However, although the Shih Tzu is a sturdy dog, their small size puts them at a disadvantage. Weekly pet tips - sent straight to your inbox. Because of the competition, breeding practices were kept secret. Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? These three dogs formed the foundation of Lady Brownrigg's kennel. Puppy or adult, take your Shih Tzu to your veterinarian soon after adoption. You can find a great jacket for your dog here! Keeping the Shih Tzu coat gorgeous is demanding. an even smaller dog. Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference--the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl. Some dogs shed year-round, some "blow" seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. The Shih Tzu Poodle mix is a cross of a purebred Shih-Tzu and a purebred Poodle, also known as Shih-poo or Shoodle.Its a small dog breed at about 8 to 18 inches, weighing between 8 to 18 pounds. This is temporary, lasting for about three months. An anxious dog can be very destructive--barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called "easygoing," "tolerant," "resilient," and even "thick-skinned," can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. the Best Pet Insurance, How American Shih Tzu Club, where you'll find a. They're as well suited to apartments in the city as to life on a country farm.
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