~The Shih Tzu~      
*DESCRIPTION*
This small sturdy dog is covered with an abundant double coat of long hair lined with
a woolly undercoat. This proud little dog has hair above the nose growing upward,
creating a “chrysanthemum” face. The head is rounded, with a profuse beard &
mustache, short hairy muzzle, & black nose (except in liver-colored dogs which have
liver noses). There is a definite stop. The eyes are large. Round & wide-set. Dark
on most dogs but lighter on liver & blue colored dogs. The pendant ears are so
covered with hair that they blend into the body coat. The teeth should form a level
or undershot bite. The topline is level & the body is a little longer than the height
at the withers. Dewclaw removal is OPTIONAL ( I choose to). The tail is curled
over the back. Any color is acceptable.
This is an alert & spunky little dog. Happy & hardy & has lots of character. They
are royally dignified, courageous & sometimes arrogant. This breed does well with
polite, careful children. The gentle loyal Shih Tzu makes friends easily & can
respond well to consistent patient training. A very alert watch dog, they like to
bark, but usually quiet inside the house. They are stubborn & clever. Playful &
lively, this dog needs to be with people & are good with other pets.        
*HEIGHT & WEIGHT*               
Height: Up to 11 inches
Weight: 9-16 lbs        
*HEALTH PROBLEMS*
They tend to wheeze & snore. Some bloodlines are prone to ear, eye & respiratory
problems. Spinal disc disease caused by a long back & short legs may also be a
problem. Their teeth need regular veterinary attention, as they tend to be lost
early. These dogs gain weight easily, so diet should be monitored.
*LIVING CONDITIONS*
The Shih Tzu is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors & will do
fine without a yard. This breed is sensitive to heat.
*LIFE EXPECTANCY*
About 15 years or MORE..
*GROOMING*
These little dogs require a good daily grooming using a bristle brush or pin brush
(found at any pet store)-I prefer a pin cushion brush. A topknot is usually tied with
a bow so that the dog can see properly.  Some owners prefer to have them trimmed
in a “puppy cut” to make the coat easier to manage. If you are not dedicated to the
daily brushing this dog requires, please consider a puppy cut-don’t put your dog
through the torture of de-matting a mess that can happen in a matter of days.
Keep the ear passages & area around the eyes clean. Shih Tzu’s have sensitive eyes
that need to be kept clean. Your vet can recommend special drops for eyes if
needed.  They shed little to no hair & are good for allergy suffers if their coats
are kept very well groomed. (Due the fact that they shed little skin dander).
*ORIGIN*
Documents & paintings dating from the 16th century show dogs resembling a small
lion-you may have heard them referred to as  “the little lion dog”. In the 17th
century dogs were brought from Tibet & bred in the forbidden  city of Peking.  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 & In the US in 1969. Today the breed is very popular, both as a companion &
show dog.
*GROUP*
Herding, Toy classed under the Non-Sporting Dogs category.
*RECOGNITION*
CKC=Continental Kennel Club
FCI=Federation Cynologique Internationale
AKC=American Kennel Club
UKC=United Kennel Club
KCGB=Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC=Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC=Australian National Kennel Club
NKC=National Kennel Club
NZKC=New Zealand Kennel Club
CCR=Canadian Canine Registry
APRI=American Pet Registry
ACR=American Canine Registry
ACA=American Canine Association
Please contact Brenda or Joe:   
 
330-875-0393
330-417-1682
email: brenda@stashsshihtzu.com
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