shih tzu dog

Learn about the shih tzu, a small but sturdy toy dog with a long, double coat and a history as a royal house pet. Find out how to care for your shih tzu, train them, and avoid common health problems. The Shih Tzu is a sturdy little dog with a small snout and normally has large dark brown eyes. The Chinese have described their head shapes as "owl head" and "lion head", and their mouth as "frog mouths". [3] They have a soft and long double coat that will tangle and mat easily if not brushed at least every 2 or 3 days. Learn about the Shih Tzu, a playful, affectionate and outgoing toy dog breed with a long coat and a sweet face. Find out its history, health, grooming, training and care tips from the official AKC website. Learn about the temperament, personality, training, behavior, and health of Shih Tzus, a small, friendly, and lively toy breed. Find out the advantages and disadvantages of this breed, how to groom and care for them, and what health problems to watch out for. Learn about the Shih Tzu, a toy-sized dog breed with a long flowing coat and a perky, friendly temperament. Find out how to care for this breed, its history, and its needs. See photos and videos of the Shih Tzu and other breeds. Training. Shih Tzu puppies are so small and fluffy that their cuteness often tricks owners into thinking they can delay training. In truth, this breed can have a stubborn streak so it’s best to start training from 8 weeks old. Keep training sessions short – around five to ten minutes – to stop your pup getting bored. Training a Shih Tzu. Generally, dogs follow commands as a rule, but don’t expect this of a Shih Tzu. When researchers tested various dog breeds for IQ, the Shih Tzu ended up in the bottom half of the list. On being given a particular command, some dog breeds see an obedience rate of 95%. However, the Shih Tzu scored just 25%. Find Shih Tzu Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Shih Tzu information. All Shih Tzu found here are from AKC-Registered parents. The shih tzu is often slightly longer than tall, with a sturdy body and a good-sized head. The muzzle is quite short, with an undershot bite. The head is rounded and the eyes are quite prominent. The tail is carried gaily curled up over the back. The gait is long and swift for such a small dog. Today, every shih tzu can be traced to those 14 dogs. Long popular in China and Europe, shih tzus were brought to the U.S. in the 1940s and 1950s by American soldiers stationed in Europe. Shih tzus are popular with royalty and celebrities alike. Notable shih tzu owners include Beyoncé, Bill Gates, Mariah Carey, and Nicole Richie. The lamas presented the dogs as tribute to Chinese rulers, and it was at the Chinese imperial court that they received the name Shih Tzu, meaning “little lion” or “lion dog.” The Chinese also gave the Shih Tzu another name — chrysanthemum dog — because the hair on the face grows in all directions like the petals of the flower. The Shih Tzu and Pekingese share similar histories; however, the Shih Tzu can usually be differentiated from the Pekingese in Chinese art by the presence of bumps on the tops of their head, denoting a topknot, or pien-ji. The Shih Tzu was a favored house pet during the Ming dynasty and was highly prized by the royal family.