Shih Tzu Information
Shih Tzu History
The Shih Tzu dates back from around the 16th century. This time frame is when we started seeing paintings and documentation showing these small dogs that look so much like a lion. We do know that in the 17th century, the dogs were brought from Tibet and bred with the Tibetan Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. The Shih Tzu then became a favorite breed by the Imperial Chinese court. The Shih-Tzu was so well loved by the Chinese that they refused to use the dog in exchange for anything. In 1930 the first pair of Shih-Tzus was imported to England. The Shih-Tzu was considered a true breed in 1946 in Britain and in 1969 in the United States.
Shih Tzu's Appearance
The Shih Tzu is a small dainty dog. Similar to that of the Lhasa Apso, the Shih-Tzu is covered in long hair that falls over the body. The Shih-Tzu looks very regal and proud. With a little nose that grows upward and a little face, the Shih-Tzu has a very glamorous look. The head is rounded, and the eyes are large and wide set. The little ears are covered with hair so they seem to blend in to the coat of the body. The dew claws are usually removed and the tail filled with hair covers over the back. The coat can vary in color, and almost any color is considered acceptable.
Shih Tzu's Temperament
The Shih-Tzu is a happy and hardy little dog. Filled with life and spunk, the Shih-Tzu would make a wonderful companion. The breed is filled with personality. They tend to be very alert and carry themselves as royalty. The breed is known to be quite gentle and would fair well with considerate children.
Properly socializing the puppy is important and this needs to occur at a very young age. The Shih Tzu tends to bark to alert the owner of a problem but is quiet when inside the home. They are stubborn and can be a bit snappish if teased too much. Generally the breed is good with other animals and is fun loving and affections with humans.
Shihtzu's Role
The Shih-Tzu over all would make a wonderful companion and a fun and loyal family dog. They are very dainty and see themselves in the highest regard so they do require a lot of attention from their owners. They are good with children that are considerate, and fair well with other dogs and house pets. They need a patient and attentive owner in order to be happy.
