Is Shih Tzu an Asian breed?
People commonly associate the Shih Tzu with China, but they actually came from China’s western neighbor, Tibet, which was a sovereign nation until the 1950s. Tibet likely sent dogs to the Chinese royalty as gifts. The Chinese then bred them with Pekingese or Pugs to create the modern-day Shih Tzu. Examine Physical Traits: Purebred Shih Tzus have specific physical characteristics, including a distinctive double coat, a pushed-in face with a short nose, long ears that hang down, and a curled tail. Compare your dog’s appearance to the breed standards to see if they match.They are sturdy dogs, weighing anywhere between 9–16 pounds with an average height of 10 inches. Shih Tzu have long, smooth haircoats; a squished muzzle; a pronounced underbite, and short, floppy ears. Their heads are round with bulbous, expressive eyes.They can be a one-person dog, or the loveable family companion. They’re naturally confident, dignified, and affectionate. For a toy-breed, the Shih Tzu expresses one of the most well-rounded personalities.Shih Tzu The Shih Tzu, known for its luxurious, flowing coat and friendly demeanor, is a delightful companion. Originating from Tibet, these small dogs thrive in the Indian climate due to their adaptable nature and minimal shedding.
What is the common problem with Shih Tzu?
Your Shih Tzu can develop bone and joint problems. Conditions like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), Patellar Luxation, and Hip Dysplasia are common. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any abnormality in the way your dog moves and signs of pain and discomfort. The Shih Tzu is a highly intelligent breed and they will know what you are about to do, possibly before you do. They are very trainable and love learning new things, but they can train their owners far quicker than their owners can train them.Due to their loyal and attentive nature, many pet parents wonder if their Shih Tzu might become jealous. This question especially comes up when they consider the attention, care, or affection given to other people or pets in the household. Fortunately, they aren’t generally prone to fits of jealousy.Temperament and personality Shih Tzus are known for their happy, lively temperament. They’re very friendly and usually get along well with children and other pets. They enjoy being in the company of their humans, whether that means taking a hike in the park or simply sitting on their lap.The pros of owning a Shih Tzu include their affectionate nature, adaptability to various living situations, and low-shedding coat, while the cons include their high grooming needs, potential stubbornness, and susceptibility to certain health issues.
Why do some Shih Tzu look different?
Very simply, it’s a matter of genetics. Two distinct genes determine whether a Shih Tzu’s coat will lighten or gray over time—and what his ultimate color will be. Fading: If a Shih Tzu carries the ‘G’ gene, his coat will fade as he gets older. Even so, a Shih Tzu with a reddish coat color should NOT be registered as “red” if it has a brown (liver) nose – a common mistake many Shih Tzu owners make. Anytime a brown nose is present, that Shih Tzu should be registered as a “liver” dog, no matter the color of their coat. A red Shih Tzu would have a black nose.Purebred Shih Tzus have a distinct appearance, including a round head, large eyes, and a long, flowing coat. If your dog does not have these characteristics, it may be a mixed breed. Check the dog’s papers. If your dog came from a reputable breeder, they should have papers that can verify the dog’s lineage.Brindle Shih Tzu Tiny, charming, and easy-going, this Shih Tzu breed type is considered to be one of the most popular ones. The Brindle has beautiful layers of coat, with one base color and some streaks of other shades. Their multicolor appearance comes from the mixture of brown, black, or gold fur.As this gene is recessive, to get a white puppy, both parents must carry the gene but, even then, white offspring are far from guaranteed. A white dog with a brown nose will be considered liver rather than white, and a true white Shih Tzu should have dark eyes, black eye rims, and a black nose.
Is a Shih Tzu a lucky dog?
Shih Tzu. Revered in Chinese culture as a companion of royalty, Shih Tzus are believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to their owners. Did you know that your loyal little Shih Tzu has deep roots in royal Chinese history? While many associate the breed with Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, who ruled in China from 1861 through 1908 and considered the dogs sacred, Shih Tzu appear in tapestries dating as far back as 2000 years.Although its precise origins are unknown, the Shih Tzu is undoubtedly descended from lion-like Tibetan holy dogs known as foo and have existed for centuries. Lions were sacred in Buddhism, which originated in India, and legend has it that Buddha rode on the back of a lion when he came to Earth.
Are Shih Tzu naturally skinny?
Shih Tzu Dog Breed Despite their short stature, Shih Tzus are quite solid underneath their plush coat and weigh more than they might first appear. There is little discernible difference between the two genders in terms of weight and height, unlike many dog breeds. An adult Shih Tzu should weigh between 9 and 16 lbs, which is around 4 to 7 kg. If a Shih Tzu weighs less than this, they are sometimes termed Tiny Shih Tzus, but this only means that they lie below the breed standard.A full-size Shih Tzu weighs 9-16 pounds and stands 9-10. Shih Tzus reach maturity around 10 months old, but keep an eye under their coat to see whether they’re putting on excess weight. The breed is prone to certain health conditions, succh as eye problems and ear infections.