djuriversity

Artiklar

maj 26, 2022


Featured image for “”

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu

Shi Tzu is an Asian toy dog breed that originated in Tibet.  Shih Tzus are recognized for their tiny nose, wide round eyes, ever-growing coat, floppy ears, and short and strong stance.

Despite their little stature, they are well-known for their generally joyful and energetic demeanor, as well as their peaceful and pleasant disposition.  They can adapt successfully to a variety of settings.

They are not the most obedient breed due to their very independent character. The underbite they have is a breed standard.

The Chinese have described their head shapes as "owl head" and "lion head", and their mouth as "frogmouth".

There are dog breeds that are less allergenic and better suitable for those with allergies, even though no dog is completely hypoallergenic.

Even if the amount of shedding is reduced for these breeds, there is no assurance that everyone will experience fewer allergy symptoms as a result. Even if there is less hair, you will still have contact  with their saliva and dander.

 

Breed facts

Size-4 to 7,5 kg

Temperament-calm and friendly with a playful personality

Grooming-they need to be groomed frequently due to their long, double coat that mats easily

Behavior with children-they get along very well with children and babies due to their kind, friendly, and fun personality

Health Concerns-Brachycephaly-it is a malformation of the skull due to their breeding; heart disease, eye issues (caused by eye irritations and excess discharge); hair issues (they don't have fur, they have long hair with can tangle easily); ear issues( ear infections); skin sensitivity (allergies) and they also might develop a stomach sensibility due to their selective appetite

Life expectancy-10 to 16 years (the oldest recorded Shih Tzu has lived 23 years)

Breed facts

 
Size

4 to 7,5 kg

Temperament

calm and friendly with a playful personality

Grooming

they need to be groomed frequently due to their long, double coat that mats easily

Behavior with children

they get along very well with children and babies due to their kind, friendly, and fun personality

Health Concerns

Brachycephaly-it is a malformation of the skull due to their breeding; heart disease, eye issues (caused by eye irritations and excess discharge); hair issues (they don't have fur, they have long hair with can tangle easily); ear issues( ear infections); skin sensitivity (allergies) and they also might develop a stomach sensibility due to their selective appetite

Life expectancy

10 to 16 years (the oldest recorded Shih Tzu has lived 23 years)

Breed facts

Size

4 to 7,5 kg

Temperament

calm and friendly with a playful personality

Grooming

they need to be groomed frequently due to their long, double coat that mats easily

Behavior with children

they get along very well with children and babies due to their kind, friendly, and fun personality

Health Concerns

Brachycephaly-it is a malformation of the skull due to their breeding; heart disease, eye issues (caused by eye irritations and excess discharge); hair issues (they don't have fur, they have long hair with can tangle easily); ear issues( ear infections); skin sensitivity (allergies) and they also might develop a stomach sensibility due to their selective appetite

Life expectancy

10 to 16 years (the oldest recorded Shih Tzu has lived 23 years)

Breed facts

Size-4 to 7,5 kg

Temperament-calm and friendly with a playful personality

Grooming-they need to be groomed frequently due to their long, double coat that mats easily

Behavior with children-they get along very well with children and babies due to their kind, friendly, and fun personality

Health Concerns-Brachycephaly-it is a malformation of the skull due to their breeding; heart disease, eye issues (caused by eye irritations and excess discharge); hair issues (they don't have fur, they have long hair with can tangle easily); ear issues( ear infections); skin sensitivity (allergies) and they also might develop a stomach sensibility due to their selective appetite

Life expectancy-10 to 16 years (the oldest recorded Shih Tzu has lived 23 years)


Image

Grooming

Grooming

To minimize tangles, the classic long silky coat, which tends to reach the ground, requires regular combing.

Because of their long coats and fast-growing hair, they require frequent grooming, which may be costly and should be considered when contemplating getting one of this breed.

The coat is frequently trimmed short to facilitate care, but it still requires regular combing. The coat must be kept in its natural condition for confirmation displaying while shortening for tidiness all around paws and anus is permitted.

When the puppy cut is paired with a bigger, rounder face like a lovely and cuddly stuffed animal, the shorter cut is sometimes referred to as a "puppy cut".

The breeds name comes from Chinese and it was named after Xi Shi, one of the most beautiful women of ancient China.

Breed's history

Breed's history

According to one belief, the Shih Tzu is descended from a hybrid between the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso.  The animals were favorites of the Chinese royals and were so valuable that the Chinese declined to sell,  or hand any away for decades.

The first dogs of the breed were introduced into Europe (England and Norway) in 1930 and classed as "Apsos" by the Kennel Club. The Shih Tzu Club wrote the very first European standard for the breed in England in 1935, and the dogs were reclassified as Shih Tzu.

The breed flourished across Europe and was imported to the United States in the mid-1950s by retiring members of the United States military who brought pets from Europe and Asia.

Image

Breed's history

According to one belief, the Shih Tzu is descended from a hybrid between the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso.  The animals were favorites of the Chinese royals and were so valuable that the Chinese declined to sell,  or hand any away for decades.

The first dogs of the breed were introduced into Europe (England and Norway) in 1930 and classed as "Apsos" by the Kennel Club. The Shih Tzu Club wrote the very first European standard for the breed in England in 1935, and the dogs were reclassified as Shih Tzu.

The breed flourished across Europe and was imported to the United States in the mid-1950s by retiring members of the United States military who brought pets from Europe and Asia.



Buddhist symbolism of the breed

These "lion dogs" are closely related to Buddhism and Buddhist mythology. In Mandarin, the name "Shih Tzu" directly translates to "lion," an animal revered in the Buddhist faith. Lions represent majesty, power, and courage - "fear nothing, and act immediately."

Stone lions or lion dogs stationed at palace entrances, graves, temples, and public buildings are supposed to defend them from malicious persons and spiritual influences. These stone statues are commonly referred to as Fu (or Foo) dogs, and it is thought that they represent the lionized form of the Shih Tzu.

"Fu" loosely translates to "happiness" in Manchurian, and tradition has it that Fu dogs are cheerful Shih Tzus who are always protecting the Buddha temple.

Image

Buddhist symbolism of the breed

These "lion dogs" are closely related to Buddhism and Buddhist mythology. In Mandarin, the name "Shih Tzu" directly translates to "lion," an animal revered in the Buddhist faith. Lions represent majesty, power, and courage - "fear nothing, and act immediately."

Stone lions or lion dogs stationed at palace entrances, graves, temples, and public buildings are supposed to defend them from malicious persons and spiritual influences. These stone statues are commonly referred to as Fu (or Foo) dogs, and it is thought that they represent the lionized form of the Shih Tzu.

"Fu" loosely translates to "happiness" in Manchurian, and tradition has it that Fu dogs are cheerful Shih Tzus who are always protecting the Buddha temple.



Buddha's eternal connection to this breed

 

According to sources, this has a symbolic connotation, with the male dog representing natural forces, energy, knowledge, and valuable stones, and the female dog signifying protection, play, and a disciplinary attitude.


A 10-year-old male Shih Tzu is portrayed with the Buddha's star on his head, as indicated by the white patch of hair.
Buddhists believe Shih Tzus are sanctified by sacred creatures of Buddha.

According to legend, Buddha traveled to Earth on a lion and brought a tiny lion puppy with him wherever he went. Various legends exist, but many claims that Shih Tzu joined the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri.

Shih Tzus' morphological characteristics demonstrate Buddha's eternal connection to this breed. Several thieves encircled Buddha intending to steal and kill him when the Shih Tzu changed into a fierce lion so enormous that the criminals left the area.

As the Shih Tzu reverted to canine shape, Buddha praised him for his bravery. Many Shih Tzus bear this blessing in the form of the "Star of Buddha," also known as "Buddha's kiss," which is symbolized as a white patch of hair on the top of the dog's head.

Buddha's eternal connection to this breed

 

According to sources, this has a symbolic connotation, with the male dog representing natural forces, energy, knowledge, and valuable stones, and the female dog signifying protection, play, and a disciplinary attitude.


A 10-year-old male Shih Tzu is portrayed with the Buddha's star on his head, as indicated by the white patch of hair.
Buddhists believe Shih Tzus are sanctified by sacred creatures of Buddha.

According to legend, Buddha traveled to Earth on a lion and brought a tiny lion puppy with him wherever he went. Various legends exist, but many claims that Shih Tzu joined the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri.

Shih Tzus' morphological characteristics demonstrate Buddha's eternal connection to this breed. Several thieves encircled Buddha intending to steal and kill him when the Shih Tzu changed into a fierce lion so enormous that the criminals left the area.

As the Shih Tzu reverted to canine shape, Buddha praised him for his bravery. Many Shih Tzus bear this blessing in the form of the "Star of Buddha," also known as "Buddha's kiss," which is symbolized as a white patch of hair on the top of the dog's head.

Image


Health concerns

Health concerns

 

Individual Shih Tzu has a number of health difficulties, some of which are inherited.

The breed's popularity has allowed for exceptionally poor breeding in general, resulting in widespread and permanent disorders, frequently from a young age.

 

 

  • Cardiovascular Disease -Shih Tzus are predisposed to several forms of heart disease. The prognosis of the ailment depends on when it is detected and the stage of the disease when it is identified.

  • Brachycephaly- breeding selection exacerbated the skull deformity brachycephaly due to the ideal of beauty regarding the shape of the face. This short nose promotes skin sensitivities including dermatitis, pimples, and rashes.
  • The most prevalent eye issue in Shih Tzus is epiphora, which is caused by the fur on the eyelids irritating the conjunctiva and cornea. However, this can be mitigated by using eye drops recommended by a trained veterinarian.The dog will usually have the damaged eye closed or partially closed and may be crying excessively.The most prevalent eye issue in Shih Tzus is epiphora, which is caused by the fur on the eyelids irritating the conjunctiva and cornea. However, this can be mitigated by using eye drops recommended by a trained veterinarian.

  • Because Shih Tzus have long hair which grows in their ears, ear infections are a typical problem. If ears are not regularly picked and cleaned, ear infections can return and will require treatment with an ear cleaning solution and perhaps medicine given by a veterinary. An odor emanating out from the ears, as well as continuous tilting of the head and itching of the ears, may indicate an ear infection.

  • Skin hypersensitivity- Shih Tzu's skin is extremely delicate and prone to allergens. Ideally, they must be washed every 2 to 6 months to preserve hygiene and avoid skin irritations. They are also susceptible to gastrointestinal problems, and the majority of them have sensitive appetites.


Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.

Anatole France



Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.

Anatole France