Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu breed is one of the oldest known. It is believed to be a cross of the Pekingese and the Tibetan breed Lhasa Apso.

The Shih Tzu's Behavior

Source: Wikipedia, American Shih Tzu Club, www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/shihtzu.html

Recommended for: pet

The Shih Tzu dog breed is meant to be a companion first and foremost. Essentially it is outgoing, affectionate, friendly, and trusting to everyone. Shih Tzus do not like to be left alone because they are used to human company. They carry themselves with a proud and aristocratic bearing. They can be stubborn and tend to resist commands. The bit of training will be difficult but it will be necessary. Though they are friendly to strangers, they are not suited to be with children who have the tendency to hurt them or scare them with their actions. They do not require much exercise and are perfectly content cuddling with their families or lying on soft pillows (they love their comforts).

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Shih Tzu's Physical Characteristics

Here are some of the characteristics of the Shih Tzu breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

* Size: 8 - 11 inches
* Coat: doublecoated, luxurious, dense, long, flowing
* Color: any color
* Eyes: large, round, set well apart, very dark
* Ears: large, set below skull crown, heavily coated
* Muzzle: square, short, unwrinkled, flat front
* Nose: black, liver on liver dogs, blue on blue dogs, nostrils are wide and open
* Tail: set high, heavily plumed

The Shih Tzu's Origins and History

Source: Wikipedia, American Shih Tzu Club (www.shihtzu.org/Info/history.asp?menu=Info)

Country/Region of Origin: China

Original purpose: toy

Name: translated as "lion dog:; nicknamed as the Chrysanthemum Dog

Historical notes: Though Shih Tzu dogs are ancient, the ones that we know of today came from the efforts of the palace eunuchs of Dowager Empress CiXi during the late 19th century. They worked hard to reduce the size and produce the markings by which they are known today. They became extinct in China after the Communist Revolution. Shih Tzus of today were bred from 14 dogs that made it out of China before then.