Shih Tzu – The chrysanthemum dog

The Shih Tzu is a breed of dog originating in China. The name is singular and plural. They are reported to be the oldest and smallest Tibetan sacred dogs. This type of dog has been around for a long time. They were bred to bark when people or animals approached the palace of the Emperor of China, this alerted people to the presence of unwelcome visitors. This ornamental breed is believed to have been created by crossing the Pekingese with a Tibetan dog breed, the Lhasa Apso. A recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest dog breeds. This dog is also known as the Chinese/Tibetan Lion Dog or the Chrysanthemum Dog. He is called the chrysanthemum dog because his face looks so much like the flower.

The Shih Tzu is characterized by his long, flowing double coat, stocky build, intelligence, and friendly, energetic, and lively demeanor. In breeding all coat colors are allowed. The Shih Tzu coat can be styled in a short summer cut or kept long to show off conformation. This dog does not have fur like many other breeds; They have hair similar to that of a human. Instead of shedding, it gradually loses hair, much like humans lose hair in the shower or while grooming. They should be brushed daily with a bristle brush and any buns should be tied with a bow or band so the dog can see well. This breed sheds little to no hair or dander, making them ideal for most allergy sufferers.

The American Kennel Club Shih Tzu breed standard calls for the dog to have a short muzzle, large eyes, and a palm-shaped tail that waves over its torso. Its height at the shoulders is 9 to 10 1/2 inches. The dog must be no less than 8 inches and no more than 11 inches tall. The Shih Tzu should never stand so tall as to appear leggy, or so short as to appear chubby or stocky. Regardless of size or gender, they should always be solid and compact, and have a good weight and substance for their size range. This falls under the AKC category of toys.

The American Kennel Club and the American Shih Tzu Club define them as a dog weighing between 9 and 16 pounds as the official breed standard. Descriptions like “imperial”, “teacup”, “small teacup” are used, but dogs that fit such descriptions are usually an undersized or underdeveloped Shih Tzu. Both the AKC and ASTC consider these variations not to conform to the official breed standard. These small variations are also not what the Chinese imperial palace or the professional circuit defined as a standard. Breeders who deal in designer dogs are not eligible for membership in some clubs. For example, the American Shih Tzu Club, the official guardian of the breed standard, denies membership to such breeders.

Its useful life is 11 to 14 years, although some variation of this range is possible. Some common health problems among the breed are wheezing, snoring, spinal disc disease, systemic hepatic port shunt, kidney dysplasia, and hip dysplasia, in standard sizes. In addition, they can also suffer from various eye problems. These, as well as many other breeds, can show signs of allergies to red #40 dye, and owners should respond to scratching in the absence of fleas by eliminating pet foods that contain this commonly used additive. Teeth should also be checked regularly because they tend to lose them early.

The Shih Tzu requires a bit more care than other breeds, and potential owners looking for a low-maintenance dog should probably choose another breed. Because their snouts are small and almost non-existent, drinking water from a bowl often contributes to dirty faces. Owners sometimes use water dispensers like those used in hamster and rabbit cages. If the dog is drinking from a bowl, it is sometimes necessary to keep an eye on it; water can more easily enter their noses at face level and inhibit breathing. The area around the eyes should be gently cleaned every day, with cotton and warm water. Providing them with bottled water or water that does not contain chlorine helps keep eye mucus to a minimum. These dogs are high maintenance when it comes to grooming and cleanliness.

The Shih Tzu can be very independent when it comes to play and exercise. Unlike larger dogs like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, they tend to be quite content when left alone. Most enjoy exercising outdoors, and when they do it regularly, they have a lot of energy. Most enjoy a long walk, although they also like to run around the house. However, owners should remember that they have fairly short legs, so a Shih Tzu’s idea of ​​a lot of walking is much shorter than ours. They can shoot very easily. A dog whose coat can grow needs daily brushing to prevent tangles. A short haircut, also known as a pet cut or puppy cut, avoids this extra level of care. However, since the breed is obviously adapted to a cool climate, it is appropriate to let the coat grow for the cooler seasons.

These dogs are considered snub-nosed dogs, which makes them very sensitive to high temperatures. This is why airlines that ship dogs will not accept them for shipment when temperatures at any point on the planned itinerary exceed 75 degrees. Also, like many other breeds, the claws need a lot of attention. This is not specific to them, but to all small dogs. It is important to remember that predators that normally hunt rodents and rabbits do not know the difference between them and a Shih Tzu. When taking care of the owner, it must be remembered that it should not be let out with the protection of a real or electric fence but with the attentive gaze of its owner because a hawk or an eagle can swoop down from above and take a dog.