Americans
commonly pronounce the Shih-Tzu as SHEET-sue,
however, the actual original Chinese translation is - sure-ds In
the Chinese pronunciation the "ds" is
pronounced the same as the "ds" at the
end of the word "Words". It is Chinese
Mandarin, and translates directly to "lion".
That is where the term "lion dog" comes
from. The moniker "chrysanthemum dog"
and "sheet-sue" are common in America,
but are both inaccurate American renditions
of the original Chinese.
Description
This
small sturdy dog, like the Lhasa Apso,
is covered over with an abundant double
coat of long hair lined with a woolly
undercoat. This proud looking little dog
has hair above the nose growing upward,
creating a "chrysanthemum" face. The head
is rounded, with a profuse beard and mustache,
short hairy muzzle, and black nose (except
in liver-colored dogs which have liver
noses). There is a definite stop. The
eyes are large, round and wide-set, dark
on most dogs but lighter on liver and
blue colored dogs. The pendant ears are
so covered with hair that they blend right
into the body coat. The teeth should form
a level or undershot bite. The topline
is level and the body is slightly longer
than the height at the withers. Dewclaw
removal is optional. The heavily plumped
tail is curled over the back. Any color
is acceptable, though white on the forehead
and tip of the tail is preferred by most
dog show judges.
Temperament
The
Shih-Tzu is an alert and spunky little
dog. Happy and hardy, endowed with loads
of character. They are royally dignified,
courageous and sometimes arrogant. This
breed does well with polite, careful children.
The gentle loyal Shih-Tzu makes friends
easily and although obstinate can respond
well to consistent patient training. A
very alert watch dog, the Shih-Tzu likes
to bark, but is usually quiet inside the
house. They are stubborn and clever. Shihs
can get snappish if they are surprised
or peeved. Playful and lively, this affectionate
little dog needs to be with people and
are generally good with other pets. Some
can be difficult to housebreak.
Height,
Weight
Height:
Up to 11 inches (28cm.)
Weight: 9-16 pounds (4-7kg.)
Health
Problems
They
tend to wheeze and snore. Some bloodlines
are prone to ear, eye and respiratory
problems. Spinal disc disease caused by
a long back and short legs may be a problem.
Their teeth need regular veterinary attention,
as they tend to be lost early. These dogs
gain weight easily and should not be overfed.
Living
Conditions
The
Shih Tzu is good for apartment life. They
are fairly active indoors and will do
okay without a yard. This breed is sensitive
to the heat.
Exercise
The
Shih Tzu need a daily walk. Play
will take care of a lot of their exercise
needs, however, as with all breeds, play
will not fulfill their primal instinct
to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on
daily walks are more likely to display
behavior problems. They will also enjoy
a good romp in a safe open area off lead,
such as a large fenced in yard. Do not
over feed this breed or it will quickly
become fat.
Life
Expectancy
About
15 years or more.
Grooming
These
little dogs require a good daily grooming
using a bristle brush. A topknot is usually
tied with a bow so that the dog can see
properly. Some owners prefer to have them
trimmed to make the coat easier and less
time consuming to care for. Keep the ear
passages and area around the eyes clean.
Shih-Tzu's have sensitive eyes that should
be keep clean. There is special drops
you can buy to put in them if needed.
Ask your vet what to use on your dog.
This breed sheds little to no hair and
are good for allergy suffers if their
coats are kept very well groomed. (Due
the fact that they shed little skin dander.)
Origin
Documents
and paintings dating from the sixteenth
century show dogs resembling a small lion
(which the Shih-Tzu is sometimes called).
In the seventeenth century, dogs were
brought from Tibet and bred in the
forbidden City of Peking, probably by
crossing the Tibetan Lhasa Apso and the
native Pekingese. The Shih-Tzu became
a favorite of the Imperial Chinese court.
The breed was so revered that for
many years after the Chinese began trading
with the West, they refused to sell, or
even give away, any of the little dogs.
It was not until 1930 that the first pair
was imported to England. The Shih-Tzu
was recognized in Britain in 1946 and
by the AKC in the United States in 1969.
Today the breed is very popular, both
as a companion and as a glamorous show
dog.
