Shih Tzu- The Little Lion
Origin
Shih Tzu’s are one of the oldest dog breeds. According to dogster, “Chinese paintings from the 6th century A.D. shows Shih Tzu like dogs, while documents from the period claim these pets were a gift to the Chinese court from the Byzantine Empire.” Shih Tzu’s also date back to the Ming Dynasty of 1300- 1600 A.D. there they were considered to be house pets. Many myths date back the origin of this breed to Tibet. It is said that they were bred by Tibetan monks who wanted to wanted to recreate a small-scale replica of a lion, as it was the symbol associated with Buddhist mythology.
The name “Shih Tzu” was given to this breed by Chinese Emperors as the dogs were presented at court. The name translates to “Little Lion.” In the early 1900s, the breed was in trouble of becoming extinct. With the return of many soldiers from Europe, they later resurfaced and made their way to the United States in the 1940s. Shih Tzu’s are now one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They rank among the top 20 dog breeds according to AKC.
Personality
Shih Tzu’s are classified as a toy breed. One glance at them and you will see flowing hair, a curved tail, and head held high; one would say they appear snobbish, proud, or haughty. After spending a few minutes with them, you will be quick to notice that they are actually friendly, lively, and devoted. Shih Tzu’s enjoy nothing better than being petted, dotted on, and pampered. They are the perfect lap dog to have as a companion. Shih Tzu’s are not highly suspicious of strangers, they will, however, alert and bark if someone approaches. They are excellent with both adults and kids as they do a good job adjusting to their environment.
Care
Shih Tzu’s require constant care. You will need to clean their eyes, give them a bath every 3-4 weeks to keep their coats clean. You will aslo need to brush their coats daily. For easier grooming, you may want to give your lion dog a puppy cut. Whatever the cut you decide on, their nails and ears will need to be cleaned routinely. They are great dogs for people who may have allergies as they are hypoallergenic.
Shih Tzu’s needs a moderate amount of exercise. Be mindful, they do not do well with heat. If you live in a warm climate, make sure you have the air conditioning or a fan on. If going out on walks, it is best to do so in the early morning or night. Shih Tzu’s can be difficult to housebreak. They need constant care done in a supportive and gentle manner. You will need to use many rewards and praises. It would be helpful for Shih Tzu’s to attend puppy training early on.
Potential Health Problems
Shih Tzu, the little lion is generally a healthy dog, however, as with most small dogs, they are prone to certain ailments. They may suffer from hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye anomalies, snuffles, ear infections, etc.
Weight and Height
Weight: 9-16 pounds (4.08- 2.26 kg)
Height: 8- 11 inches (25.40- 27.94 cm)
Lifespan
The life expectancy of Shih Tzu’s are about 10 to 18 years.
Interesting Facts
- Most of the Shih Tzu’s currently in the world have all descended from just 14 dogs.
- They are athletic- many of them have won prizes for agility.
- Many celebrities own Shih Tzu’s- Mariah Carrey, Beyonce, and even Bill Gates.
- They are more than 1,000 years old, they are ancient!
- Shih Tzu, the lion dog are most happy sitting in the laps of their owners!
