Shih Tzu: breed description, nature, feeding and care

Shih Tzu is one of many small dog breeds. This exotic word is translated from Chinese as “lion cub”, and it is consistent with the appearance of these doggies - their long flowing wool resembles a lion’s mane. Another nickname attached to the dogs of this breed is “chrysanthemum”. And also in everyday life you can find such variations of the name as Shitsu, Shiatsu, Shitsu. We will tell you more about this breed and the features of its content.

This breed was known in ancient times - images of shiatsu are found even in the picture of 624 AD. Shih Tzu were revered as wise animals, they all the time became heroes of the legends of Tibet and China. There is a belief that the soul of a Tibetan monk, who sinned a lot in his former life, again came to earth in the body of this tiny dog. According to one version of the origin of the breed, its history began when China was ruled by the Figure (Tang Knu Tai Dynasty). The emperor was presented with a couple of these doggies from Fu Lin (Byzantium).

According to another theory, the history of this breed originates only in the 17th century. In 1653, the Tibetan Dalai Lama came to the Chinese emperor and presented him with several miniature dogs similar to lion cubs. Then this breed had exceptional status, and kept it only at court.

There is another breed with Tibetan roots - Lhasa Apso. They are larger and heavier, but visually very similar to Shih Tzu.According to popular belief, they are relatives, that is, they have common ancestors, but due to the too ancient history of these breeds, it is very difficult to track their family tree.

Here are some interesting facts.

1. These little dogs are called “Chrysanthemum” because of the hair that grows on the face in all directions.
2. There is a legend that says shih tzu is a dog of Buddha. She accompanied him on wanderings, and when needed, turned into a lion.
3. Until the middle of the 20th century, the breed was banned for ordinary people, it could only belong to members of the imperial family. If a simple person started it, then he was threatened with execution.
4. For all its charm, shtzu is not a decorative breed. This is an intelligent companion dog, bold and decisive. She is able to remember commands and understand her master well.

The unusualness of these dogs is manifested primarily in the presence of long hair. Consider all the features of Shih Tzu in a detailed description of the breed.

Shih Tzu - low dogs, their height is 27 cm at the withers. For all their weightless appearance, they are actually far from being “fluffs” - the weight of individuals can vary from 4.5 to 8.1 kg, but according to the standard it is desirable that it be no more than 7.5 kg. The long hair of these doggies does not curl at all, and they also do not have fluffy undercoat, so their “hair” looks smooth and effective.

The black doll eyes of the dogs are quite far apart. The muzzle is characterized by abundant vegetation - in addition to the general coating, there are antennae, a beard. The ears of these dogs are set low and drooping. The nostrils according to the standard should be wide open, and the back of the nose should be upturned or straight. In general, looking at the muzzle of a Shih Tzu, one gets the impression that they have a slightly arrogant appearance.

The structure of the corps of dogs of this breed also has its own nuances. Shih Tzu's chest is lowered, shoulders are laid back. Paws are slightly rounded. Dogs hold their tail over their backs, which makes their appearance even more important. The hind legs in running are well repelled, in general, the gait of the dogs is smooth and somewhat “proud”.

In the kennels of the courtyards, the first breeding work was carried out to breed Shih Tzu dogs of different colors. The golden color or “dress of the sun” was recognized as imperial. Dogs with bright spots on the forehead and tail were considered sanctified by the Buddha. And also one of the first known colors was black, which in literal translation sounded like "too much dark carcass."

Over time, more new colors appeared, and they are often noted by the jury of competitions, however, carriers of traditional colors usually become exhibition winners. American breeders in pursuit of new rare colors cross Shih Tzu with representatives of other breeds. For this reason some experts do not recognize them as belonging to this breed and simply call them “dogs of rare design”.

Today, among the variety of colors, shih tzu coats are white with red, gold, blue, black, brown. But there are also doggies of blue, cream, silver, black and tiger colors, but they are quite rare.

There are a number of possible defects that reduce the dog’s chances of winning the show. These include:

• pink nose;
• not flattened sharp muzzle;
• legs too long;
• curly hair and complete absence of undercoat;
• bad bite;
• closely set eyes;
• narrow skull.

Like any breed, Shih Tzu has its own characteristics - both positive and negative. To begin with, we list the advantages of these little dogs:

• unusual funny appearance;
• miniature
• does not require an active lifestyle of the owner, since she does not need regular power loads and many movements;
• ideal “apartment” dog;
• quickly masters the tray and bowl, as it has natural cleanliness;
• does not cause allergies;
• has a balanced and positive character;
• gets along with other pets, even cats;
• easy to train.

The disadvantages of the Shih Tzu breed can most likely be attributed to its features, since each breed has its own specifics. We note the qualities, which we conventionally call minuses:

• a good watchman cannot be raised from this dog;
• Needs painstaking care and daily procedures to maintain her appearance;
• cannot be alone for a long time;
• very gullible, not wary of strangers;
• requires regular visits to the veterinarian to rule out spinal problems;
• prone to diseases of the respiratory tract, kidneys, heart and eyes;
• suffers from allergies to cleaning products and cannot tolerate cigarette smoke;
• hardly adapts to heat.

The lion majesty of Shih Tzu makes a dual impression. On the one hand, it pleases the eye of the owner and those around it with her special grace and article, but on the other, her posture and expression of her muzzle seems arrogant to many. In fact, this dog is very peaceful and has great love for its owner and all the households who surround it in the family. She really suffers in the absence of attention to her person, but she never behaves intrusively - Shih Tzu just feels his own person and knows the moments when it is better for her to step aside.

If the owner wants to talk to her, then she will understand this at a glance. Her tail, as an "indicator of emotions", will immediately begin to wag. The dog will immediately run up to the owner to caress, lick its hands, it may even bite a little from an excess of feelings, but this is just a manifestation of tenderness.

Since ancient times, these dogs are accustomed to a special relationship. Royal and imperial chambers were opened to them, which could not but reflect on their habits. Shih Tzu is very clean and does not create unnecessary fuss, like many other breeds. Especially their owners like the fact that the “lion cubs” do not bark too loudly. Their barking can be called pleasant and melodic; it does not annoy the owners and neighbors.

It can rightly be called anti-stress dog due to its sensitivity to the human mood. She is able to cheer and soothe when the owner is depressed, to bring comfort and peace of mind to the house. A hardy Shih Tzu can patiently wait until she is paid attention, not betraying her chagrin of loneliness. At the same time, a dog of this breed can stand up for itself if it is offended, but to do it with its inherent dignity. These kids are willing to participate in agility, as they are very smart and able to learn many teams.

In communicating with children, the chrysanthemum dog is flexible. A balanced character allows her to calmly endure pranks and be indulgent with the mischief of babies. If the children not only indulge, but also cause Shih Tzu pain, she will not tolerate it and may bite in response. Explain to the child that this little dog is not a toy, and it requires respect for itself.

Talking with your child is especially important if you have a Shih Tzu puppy in your home. They are tiny in size, and these rather fragile creatures need to be handled with care.Show the child how to take the puppy, teach him not to squeeze the dog's stomach in his hands.

Dogs of this breed are often called retirement dogs.. This is because they have moderate playfulness, do not tend to run a lot, and if they are not taken out for a day or two, they will calmly endure it without any consequences. Shih Tzu will be happy to wallow all day on the couch with the owner and watch TV, or simply lie on their knees, thinking about something of their own.

The Shih Tzu's credulity is simply amazing - they see a friend in every person they meet. Communication is vital for them, they hate loneliness, and if the dog is often left alone, this will negatively affect its psyche - depression, increased anxiety are possible.

Dogs of this breed are asking for cute nicknames, but their proud appearance introduces slight contradictions into the charming image of a “lion cub”. However, a wide selection of names for “boy” or “girl” shih tzu allows you to make a choice that matches the tastes of the owner.

Given the eastern roots of the dogs of this ancient breed, the boy can be called Saffron, Barberry or Sherkhan. You can emphasize the good-natured and cheerful disposition by the names Prize, Bumblebee, Butch. European names will be no less suitable option for kids: Gerard, Oliver, Sebastian. Girls of this breed are called Princess, Tiffany, April. Nicknames emphasizing the playful nature of dogs - Drop, Prank.

Shih Tzu requires careful care, and to maintain its beautiful appearance, you need to perform a number of hygiene procedures.

A couple of times a month, the dog needs to be washed well with shampoo. Before the procedure, drip the eyes with a special tool that protects them from the effects of shampoo. The optimum water temperature is 39 degrees Celsius. Do not forget to cut or untangle all the tangles before the dog is in the bath.

Some owners wash their Shih Tzu after each walk, because they collect a lot of dust and dirt. Much depends on living conditions and climate: someone near the house has a clean yard, someone else doesn’t. It is better to bathe the dog in the evening after a walk so that she does not catch a cold on the street. At the end of the procedure, pat her hair with a towel, you can also use a hairdryer.

The inner corner of the eye is a place where Shih Tzu constantly accumulates dirt, which means it needs careful care. In addition, you need to look every day to see if the hair around the eyes is tangled in tangles. At all, dogs of this breed should be combed daily, using a comb with frequent short teeth.

Shih Tzu ears need to be cleaned every week. Coat in the ears can impair the dog’s hearing, therefore it is better to remove the hair with tweezers. In order not to provoke inflammation, sprinkle these places with dry boric acid. Wash ears with 10% hydrogen peroxide solution. It is best to clean your ears as follows:

1. drip peroxide into the ear canal;
2. do a light massage of the auricle, moving from the head to the tip, the duration of the procedure is less than a minute;
3. then tilt your head in one and the other side so that the remnants of peroxide flow out;
4. You can remove the dirty liquid with a cotton swab.

Tartar often prevents the gums from adjoining the Shih Tzu teeth, which makes them inflamed. To prevent this common ailment, sometimes give your pet apples, crackers or carrots. He will gladly gnaw such food and remove harmful plaque from his teeth. You can brush your teeth with a cotton swab sprinkled with simple odorless tooth powder.

To prevent the appearance of tartar, experts advise Shih Tzu breeders the following:

1. in the dog's diet should be present tomatoes or unsalted tomato juice;
2. you can lubricate the gums with propolis;
3. a mixture of baking soda and 3-5 drops of lemon juice is useful for dog gums, but you need to apply it once a week.

It is desirable to cut the hair in the finger area - this facilitates the hygiene of the pet. After the walk, you need to inspect the pads for damage, because during the walk the doggie can step on glass fragments, sharp pebbles or other dangerous garbage. The distance between the fingers can also clog. If the chewing gum has stuck to the wool, it cannot be cleaned - the soiled fur will have to be cut.

When walking on rocky terrain or on asphalt, the pet's claws will grind naturally, and the pet will not need pedicure. If you walk mainly on soft ground or grass, then you need to cut the claws. Otherwise, over time, they may break, and this is painful for the pet.

If, due to circumstances, you are not able to give the Shih Tzu dog the proper attention, you can simplify the care of it with a short haircut. Of course, it is a pity to remove such a long, beautiful coat, but in some situations this is the best solution. In this case, the fur coat is cut to the maximum.

Shih Tzu haircuts can be varied. Under the puppy, with panties. An interesting option is a teddy bear haircut. The master tries to evenly cut all the hair, making his head as rounded as possible due to a special way of cut hair. Girls are usually left with more hair, as you can create different hairstyles with them.

Short hair is usually combed with a massage brush, and long hair is combed. There are special chunks that allow you to radically fight tangled strands. It is believed that a dog of this breed does not shed.

Dry food is very convenient, so many owners prefer to give it to the dog. In addition, it contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals, so the owner does not need to give additional nutrition. If a pet eats natural food, and you want to transfer it to dry food, then do it gradually over two weeks or even a whole month. At the same time, it is important to follow the recommendations for serving volumes given on the packaging. A drinker must be near the plate, as such food causes the animal to feel thirsty.

Natural food has its advantages, but it is important that the puppy's diet is the same as that which he is used to in the kennel. When purchasing a puppy, ask the breeder what food the doggie usually ate. This will help to avoid digestive problems, because new foods should be introduced gradually into the Shih Tzu diet.

It is best to feed Shih Tzu raw rabbit or poultry, as they are lean and contain a lot of protein. Of the cereals, the most suitable options are rice or buckwheat with chopped meat. Shih Tzu is also fond of dairy products - kefir, cottage cheese, and also sometimes can enjoy vegetables. Puppies are fed well-boiled milk porridges with boiled meat or fish, baby food.

It is useful to give cottage cheese with a small amount of sour cream - this strengthens the skeleton of the animal.At six months, the owners begin to cook their four-legged friends porridge on the water or on the broth, adding oil to them.

It is necessary to start training the animal in a timely manner, so that the already uneasy character of Shih Tzu does not become even more problematic - the dog will bark for no reason, behave like a spoiled naughty child. If you manage to find the right approach to the dog, and your training will be like a game, then your pet will quickly master many teams.

You can not shout at the dog during class, you need to speak in a calm, measured voice. Also, experts do not recommend jumping from one team to another so that the dog does not get confused. The intelligence of this breed can be assessed as average, but this is enough to train teams.

The Shih Tzu training course is designed for companion dogs. This breed is not official, cannot become a guard, and natural dignity does not allow it to perform tricky circus tricks. During training, she will learn to do some fairly simple exercises, to execute commands. Do not be surprised if in the middle of a lesson a dog suddenly decides to interrupt it - this happens sometimes with this breed.

Shih Tzu can easily master the tray if the owner begins to accustom the dog to it from childhood. The dry closet is always put in one place. Its bottom is lined with an absorbent cloth. It takes a little time to accustom an animal to a diaper, but at first you will have to tirelessly monitor it.

Usually a puppy wants to go to the toilet 15 minutes after eating, a maximum of half an hour. Watching him, you carry him to the tray at the right time. At the first setbacks, you do not need to punish the puppy, you can express chagrin only with intonation. If successful, be sure to praise the baby, and give him a treat.

To walk with the doggie, buy him some accessories. Muzzles are used very rarely for Shih Tzu, but a leash with an adjustable length and a collar must be in your arsenal. In wet weather, wear clothing such as a raincoat or jumpsuit. They will protect your pet’s chic coat from dirt. In general, Shih Tzu do not like to walk in bad weather, they are more likely to spend the whole day at home, relieving the need for a tray.

With shih tzu, they walk only on a leash so that the baby does not suffer from other dogs or gets under the car. They often attract passersby - barely going out into the street, these dogs are in the spotlight, and they like it.

According to the owners, the Shih Tzu are really comfortable companion dogs that can openly demonstrate a love for the household, but they are not too annoying. Apparently, they somehow guess about their magnificent origin, and this is reflected in their character - they are proud, accurate and have a sense of dignity. Their cute appearance makes them stroke again and again. This is a good "anti-stress" breed, which allows its owner relax in her company and regain strength, she does not require constant active games, jogging and more.

People who have already kept different dogs, and can compare them with each other, consider Shih Tzu “the golden mean.” Their character is quite balanced, all qualities are expressed in moderation, which is very convenient in everyday life. Adult individuals usually do not bark if they were raised in a timely manner - only puppies can do this.

However, most owners of the breed believe that caring for it can not be called simple, and the character, indeed, can become a big problem for the dog, if from puppy you do not train him. Raised dogs not only bark for no reason, they behave arrogantly and treat household members as maintenance staff. This is because they were not informed in a timely manner that they are not the main ones in the house. In special cases, dogs of this breed can even crap in the apartment, despite a sufficient number of walks.

Another point that confuses many owners of these little lion cubs is their aggressive attitude towards other dogs. If the forces are unequal, then Shih Tzu can suffer greatly from his obstinacy and get a slap in the face. Do not let him enter into conflicts, especially with fighting dogs. In addition, Shih Tzu can be jealous of its owner for other pets, usually this applies to those animals that appeared in the house after him.

Then your dog will behave with dignity both at home and on the street, and will not allow himself to be superfluous. She will show you her love, and you can find in her face a wonderful four-friend.

About the features of the Shih Tzu breed, see the video below.