Shih Tzu

(Chrysanthemum Dog)

Do you have a photograph of a Shih Tzu?

Although similar in looks to the Lhasa Apso, the Shih Tzu is more playful and therefore more widely popular. The Peking Kennel Club suggests that it should have "a lion head, bear torso, camel hoof, feather-duster tail, plam-leaf ears, rice teeth, pearly petal tongue, and movement like a goldfish." We'll leave it up to you to decide whether you agree!

Training your Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu Breed:  A Widely Loved Companion

If you are thinking about buying a Shih Tzu puppy - congratulations! This adorable and loyal dog will most likely become an important and treasured part of your family.

The Shih Tzu is a toy dog; characterized by its proud, sturdy and miniature stature - this dog breed is one of the most popular of the miniature breeds. But did you know it was originally bred to look like a lion?

The Shih Tzu's regal attitude is as a result of its long and distinguished history. Recent DNA testing has confirmed what researchers already suspected - the Shih Tzu is one of the oldest breeds of dog. The name comes from that of Xi Shi who is regarded as one of the most beautiful women in ancient China.

The earliest history of the Shih Tzu dates back many centuries. The Buddhist monks bred what is now believed was a cross between the Pekingese and a Tibetan dog breed called Llasa Apso.

The Buddhist monks were known for breeding special temple dogs. These monks bred special "palace dogs" for various emperors. As was their custom they sent some of what they then called the Tibetan Shih Tzu Kou or Tibetan Lion Dogs to the Tzu Hsi - the Empress of the Manchu Dynasty. She fell in love with her little dogs and they became common around the palace from then on.

From the middle of the 19th Century the Shih Tzu was bred as a watchdog for the emperors of the Manchu Dynasty. Typical of a Shih Tzu; these little dogs were expected to do little else that sit on laps and be pampered. You can now see where the "pampered princess" aspect of the breed originated from! The Shih Tzu was kept along some other toy dog breeds and while originally they were strictly bred in separate quarters but it is believed that after the empress died they were crossbred with the other dogs.

The Shih Tzu's were not kept separate from the other palace dogs and today's Shih Tzu's have traces of Pekingese and Pugs thanks to the sloppy breeding practices at the palace.

At this time it was somewhat of a competition in China between various palaces to produce the best looking dogs with the most beautiful colorings and coats. Breeding practices became guarded secrets and sadly the records of the Shi Tzu's rich and unique heritage will never be known.

Today's Shih Tzu's are a popular breed which is widely loved and make a great royal companion.

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Allison

More About Shih-Tzus

Teacup/Imperial Shih Tzu
I like all the sizes, but the smaller ones are my favorite. They are like little tiny treasures, almost always sweeter than the bigger guys. To me, they are like a rare exquisite jewel in the midst of all kinds of other jewels...

Shih Tzu:  Finding the Perfect Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular dog breeds on earth for good reason. In 1994 the Shih Tzu was the 12th most popular dog breed, according to the American Kennel Club.

The Story Of The Shih Tzu
Far away in Tibet, a country with a recorded history going back almost 1,500 years is where our Shih Tzu began. The country was noted for its devotion to Buddhism.

Shih Tzu Have Had Many Nicknames 
Several theories exist as to how the Shih Tzu was created.  It has been reported that around the year 1650 the Dalai Lama visited China and brought along three “holy dogs” from Tibet.

Your Shih Tzu Puppy's First Bath Time
Do not wait too long to start grooming your Shih Tzu.

Learning to Recognize Aggressive Behaviors in Your Shih Tzu
Generally speaking Shih Tzu should not be aggressive at all.  However, with any breed of dog aggressive behaviors can and do occur.

Shih Tzu Dog Shows
Shih Tzu dog shows and Shih Tzu dog breeding attracts the interest of people from all walks of life ranging from royalty to the lady next door.

What the Shih Tzu Owner Should Know About Grooming Part I
The show dog Shih Tzu owner who does not want to groom his Shih Tzu himself should know what must be done and when.

What the Shih Tzu Owner Should Know About Grooming Part II:  Getting to Know Grooming Equipment
If you don’t have good equipment there is no way you will have a well groomed Shih Tzu.

What the Shih Tzu Owner Should Know About Grooming, Part III
Scissors are needed for Shih Tzu grooming.  The "barber type" with the sharp...

Opening A Shih Tzu Grooming Shop

Shih Tzu Links

American Kennel Ckub Breed Standard

UK Kennel Club Breed Standard

Website of the Shih Tzu Club of UK. Very informative. 

Website of the American Shih Tzu Club. More useful information.

Send a Shih Tzu e-card

Some Shih Tzu clipart

Super Shih Tzu photos