| Lively and lovely, the Shih
Tzu (pronounced shidzoo) enjoys a good walk and a good talk with its
people. Bred as a companion for at least 2,000 years, this little "lion
dog" is happy and outgoing, with a friendly, trusting attitude beneath
the slightly arrogant appearance. Their origin is unknown, but Shih Tzu
were developed in China, where they were favorites at the imperial
court. During the 1920s, the first pair was brought to England. More
imports followed, and the breed became well established there. Its
popularity spread to continental Europe and to North America, where it
now enjoys a tremendous following. This is an elegant, long-coated breed
measuring about 11 inches at the shoulder. All colors are acceptable,
but a white forehead blaze and tail tip is highly prized. Daily brushing
is essential. The breed makes an excellent pet for apartment dwellers
and is fond of children who are old enough to handle it carefully.
|
You are probably a Shih Tzu person if you want a thoroughly
charming, highly attractive breed to join you in the daily hubbub of modern
family life. But if you are not prepared to devote considerable time and
attention to coat care, then you will certainly have to think again.
If your own personality attracts people of a friendly disposition, you are
sure to love a Shih Tzu, for his affectionate character makes him an ideal
companion. You may have decided that you would like a beautiful dog to take
into the show ring and, if so, the Shih Tzu, with his elegant coat, will fit
the bill perfectly.
The children in your life will find that a Shih Tzu will usually enjoy their
company, but you must always bear in mind that children must be taught to
respect dogs. The Shih Tzu loves affection and can be very tolerant, but if
you have a child with tiny fingers that are likely to pull at the long,
luxuriant coat, causing pain, you must put your parental skills to good use
to teach absolute gentleness and care. Even a tolerant Shih Tzu can be
expected to stand only so much. No dogs patience should ever be tested to
the limits.
A Shih Tzu person is likely to have a slightly independent streak in his own
nature, so it will come as no surprise that the Shih Tzu has one, too.
Combine that with the breeds intelligence, and the Shih Tzu is happy to work
on his own initiative. As an owner, you will find this fascinating to
observe, for a Shih Tzu will often figure things out in his head, planning
his strategy for the next move. Unlike many easily bored dogs that
constantly need to be given things to do, a Shih Tzu makes his own
amusement.
You will not have to take your Shih Tzu for a marathon walk each day, for
this is a small breed. It is an active one, though, and is happy to have a
good walk when the opportunity is given. Of course, if your home has no
suitable yard in which to exercise freely, a couple of daily walks will be
necessary.
It should go without saying that the Shih Tzu must live in the home with
you; this is not an outdoor dog. He can be perfectly content with just one
person, to whom he will undoubtedly bestow affection, provided this is
reciprocated with kindness. Equally, if you have a fairly active household,
your Shih Tzu will probably be happy to join in with most things. However,
you must allow your Shih Tzu to decide how much he wants to be involved. If
he prefers to be left out of whatever activity is going on, that should be
his prerogative. Yes, the author is advocating allowing your Shih Tzu to
make decisions. Most breeds of dog are incapable of making decisions, but
the Shih Tzu is brilliant and could propably run a small country.
Alert in every way, the Shih Tzu notices what is happening around him and
will certainly pick up on sounds. However, this is not a particularly
noisy breed, so you should not expect to encounter trouble with neighbors
complaining about a barky dog. |
