The Double Coated Shih Tzu Dogs
The Shih Tzu breed has dogs of small sizes: their height measures from 8 inches and up to 11 inches and their weight varies from 9 pounds up to 16 pounds. The Shih Tzu appear to be extremely beautiful dogs. The coat of this breeds’ dogs is double: on the inside they wear a soft and wooly fur protected on the outside by a long-haired, luxuriant coat. The owners of the dogs of this breed usually comb the hair on their head into a top knot, in order to keep it from falling into their eyes.
The name of the Shih Tzu dog breed means in chinese the Small Lion and under this chinese name the breed is known all around the world, though its’ origins are in Tibet. Because they were secretly breeded at a monastry in Tibet, there are no available information, at least in english, about this breed’s origins and ancestors or about its’ history in the tibetan mountains, the first known documents mentioning only they were the favorite pets of the Manchu Dynasty Emperors of China, where the breed flourished around the 19th century. The dogs of this breed arrived at the imperial court of China as gifts from some tibetan monks. Since they looked like lions, they were named as the Tibetan Shih Tzu, or the Tibetan Lion. These dogs reached England around 1930 and from there they were brought to US by American soldiers. Beeing so beautiful and having a friendly attitude, these dogs were instantly accepted by both English and American people.
Why Is the Shih Tzu Breed So Loved By All People?
The Shih Tzu is a people’s dog. They can only be happy if they are with someone or, at least, if people are around. They are basically dogs who need to be around someone and often become destructive and cranky if left alone for long periods of time. Without making any effort, everybody, people, dog or any other animal, can go along with a Shih Tzu dog, due to their calm and sweet temper. It is however not advisable to leave them around small children lest anyone be harmed.
The Shih Tzu puppies and adult dogs need a lot of grooming since it has two coats of hair – one short undercoat and one sweepingly long. Every day you must comb their hair to prevent tangling or matting. They need to be bathed often and they fall easily sick if exposed to high humidity content in the air, hence should be brought to live in climates, which are not too humid. Special attention is required for their teeth that start to fall in their middle ages.
Reading about the physical appearance of the Shih Tzu reveals that their short, flat face interferes with their breathing and you might find them snoring loudly and breathing with a wheezing sound. These dogs must not be overfed becose they are prone to obesity. They tend to become and behave like spoiled brats easily.
The Shih Tzu breed is basically stubborn and hence they could be difficult to train. It is hard to train them at home. They learn only through positive reinforcement and patience; harshness has no positive effect on these dogs.
As indoor dogs, they don’t need more than an apartment to live. They require only little exercise. However, they love outdoors and enjoy games. Future owners need to know much more about the Shih Tzu breed. And a great part of their history waits to be discovered.
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