Shih Tzu: breed description, character, feeding and care

The Shih Tzu is one of the many small dog breeds. This exotic word is translated from Chinese as "lion cub", and it is quite consistent with the appearance of these dogs - their long flowing hair resembles a lion's mane. Another common nickname for dogs of this breed is "chrysanthemum". And also in everyday life you can find such variants of the name as shitsu, shiatsu, shitsu. Let's tell you more about this breed and the features of its keeping.

This breed was known in ancient times - images of shiatsu are found even in a painting of 624 AD. Shih Tzu were revered as wise animals, they all the time became heroes of the legends of Tibet and China. There is a belief that the soul of a Tibetan monk, who sinned a lot in his previous life, came to earth again in the body of this tiny dog. According to one of the versions of the origin of the breed, its history began when China was ruled by Wigura (Tang Dynasty Knu Tai). The emperor was presented with a couple of these dogs from Fu Ling (Byzantium).

According to another theory, the history of this breed dates back only to the 17th century. In 1653, the Tibetan Dalai Lama visited the Chinese emperor and presented him with several miniature dogs that looked like lion cubs. Then this breed had exceptional status, and kept her only at court.

There is another breed with Tibetan roots - Lhasa Apso. They are larger and heavier, but visually very similar to the Shih Tzu. According to popular belief, they are relatives, that is, they have common ancestors, but due to the too ancient history of these breeds, it is very problematic to trace their family tree.

Here are some interesting facts.

1. These small dogs are called "chrysanthemum" because of the hair that grows on the muzzle in all directions.
2. There is a legend that says that the Shih Tzu is the Buddha's dog. She accompanied him on his wanderings, and when it was necessary, she turned into a lion.
3. Until the middle of the 20th century, the breed was prohibited for ordinary people; it could only belong to members of the imperial family. If a simple person started her, then he was threatened with execution.
4. For all its charm, the St Tzu is not a decorative breed. It is a companion dog with intelligence, courage and determination. She is able to memorize commands and understand the owner well.

The unusualness of these dogs is manifested primarily in the presence of long hair. Consider all the features of the Shih Tzu in a detailed description of the breed.

Shih Tzu are short dogs, their height is 27 cm at the withers. For all their weightless form, they are actually far from "fluff" - the weight of individuals can vary from 4.5 to 8.1 kg, but according to the standard it is desirable that it be no more than 7.5 kg. The long hair of these dogs does not curl at all, and they also do not have a fluffy undercoat, so their "hair" looks smooth and spectacular.

The black puppet eyes of the dogs are spaced quite far from each other. The muzzle is characterized by abundant vegetation - in addition to the general coverage, there are antennae, beard. The ears of these dogs are set low and droop. According to the standard, the nostrils should be wide open and the bridge of the nose upturned or straight. In general, looking at the face of the Shih Tzu, one gets the impression that they have a slightly arrogant look.

The structure of the body of dogs of this breed also has its own nuances. The Shih Tzu's chest is lowered, the shoulders are laid back. Feet are slightly rounded. Dogs keep their tail over their back, which makes their appearance even more important. The hind legs push off well in the run; in general, the gait of the dogs is smooth and somewhat "proud".

In the nurseries at the courtyards, the first breeding work was carried out to breed Shih Tzu dogs of different colors. The coloring of golden color or "dress of the sun" was recognized as imperial. Dogs with light spots on the forehead and tail were considered consecrated by the Buddha. And also one of the first known colors was black, which literally sounded like "too much dark ink."

Over time, more new colors have appeared, and they are often noted by the jury of competitions, but the winners of exhibitions are usually carriers of traditional colors. American breeders, in pursuit of new rare colors, cross the Shih Tzu with representatives of other breeds. For this reason some experts do not recognize them as belonging to this breed, and simply call them "dogs of rare design."

Today, among the variety of colors, Shih Tzu coats are distinguished by white with red, gold, blue, black, brown. But there are also blue, cream, silver, black and brindle color dogs, but they are quite rare.

There are a number of possible defects that reduce the dog's chances of winning the show. These include:

• pink nose;
• insufficiently flattened sharp muzzle;
• too long legs;
• curly coat and complete absence of undercoat;
• bad bite;
• close-set eyes;
• narrow skull.

Like any breed, the Shih Tzu has its own characteristics - both positive and negative. First, let's list the pluses of these little dogs:

• unusual funny appearance;
• diminutiveness;
• does not require an active lifestyle of the owner, since she does not need regular power loads and a lot of movements;
• ideal "apartment" dog;
• quickly masters the tray and bowl, as it has natural cleanliness;
• does not cause allergies;
• has a balanced and positive character;
• gets along with other pets, even cats;
• easy to train.

The disadvantages of the Shih Tzu breed can rather be attributed to its characteristics, since each breed has its own specifics. Let's note the qualities, which we will conditionally call the minuses:

• a good watchman cannot be raised from this dog;
• needs painstaking care and daily procedures to maintain her appearance;
• cannot be alone for a long time;
• very trusting, does not show wariness towards strangers;
• requires regular visits to the veterinarian to rule out spinal problems;
• prone to diseases of the respiratory tract, kidneys, heart and eyes;
• suffers from allergies to cleaning products and is intolerant of cigarette smoke;
• has difficulty adapting to heat.

The lion's majesty of the Shih Tzu makes an ambiguous impression. On the one hand, she pleases the eye of the owner and those around her with her special grace and article, but on the other hand, her posture and expression of her face seem arrogant to many. In fact, this dog is very peaceful and with great love relates to its owner and all the household members that surround her in the family. She really suffers in the absence of attention to her person, but she never behaves annoyingly - just a Shih Tzu feels her person and knows the moments when it is better for her to step aside.

If the owner wants to communicate with her, then she will understand this from one glance. Her tail, as an "emotion indicator", will immediately start wagging. The dog will immediately run up to the owner to caress, lick his hands, from an excess of feelings he may even bite a little, but this is just a manifestation of tenderness.

Since ancient times, these dogs have become accustomed to a special attitude. The royal and imperial chambers were opened for them, which could not but affect their habits. Shih Tzu are very clean and do not create unnecessary fuss like many other breeds. Especially their owners like the fact that the "lion cubs" do not bark too loudly. Their barking can be called pleasant and melodic; it does not irritate the owners and neighbors.

It can rightfully be called an anti-stress dog due to its sensitivity to human mood. She is able to cheer and calm when the owner is depressed, to bring comfort and peace of mind to the house. A hardy Shih Tzu can patiently wait for attention, without betraying his chagrin from loneliness. At the same time, a dog of this breed is able to stand up for itself if it is offended, but to do it with its inherent dignity. These kids willingly participate in agility, as they are very smart and able to learn many commands.

In communicating with children, the chrysanthemum dog shows flexibility. A balanced character allows her to calmly endure pranks and condescend to the leprosy of babies. If children not only indulge, but also hurt the Shih Tzu, she will not tolerate and may bite back. Explain to your child that this little dog is not a toy and needs to be treated with respect.

It is especially important to talk to your child if you have a Shih Tzu puppy in your house. They have a tiny size, and these rather fragile creatures need careful treatment. Show your child how to take the puppy correctly, teach him not to squeeze the dog's belly in his hands.

Dogs of this breed are often called senior dogs.... This is because they have moderate playfulness, do not tend to run a lot, and if they are not taken out for a walk for a day or two, they will calmly endure it without any consequences. Shih Tzu will be happy to lie on the couch with the owner all day and watch TV, or just lie on their knees, thinking about something of their own.

The gullibility of the Shih Tzu is simply amazing - they see a friend in every person they meet. Communication is vital for them, they hate loneliness, and if the dog is often left alone, this will negatively affect its psyche - depression and increased anxiety are possible.

Dogs of this breed begged for cute nicknames, but their proud appearance introduces small contradictions in the charming image of a "lion cub". However, the wide choice of names for "boy" or "girl" Shih Tzu allows you to make a choice that suits the tastes of the owner.

Given the eastern roots of this ancient breed of dogs, the boy can be called Saffron, Barberry or Sherkhan. You can emphasize the good-natured and cheerful disposition with the names Prize, Bumblebee, Butch. European names will be no less suitable option for babies: Gerard, Oliver, Sebastian. Girls of this breed are called Princess, Tiffany, April. Nicknames that emphasize the playful nature of the dogs - Drop, Prank.

Shih Tzu requires gentle care, and in order to maintain its beautiful appearance, you need to perform a number of hygiene procedures.

A couple of times a month, the dog needs to be washed well with shampoo. Before the procedure, drip the eyes with a special agent that protects them from the effects of shampoo. The optimum water temperature is 39 degrees Celsius. Remember to trim or untangle any tangles before the dog is in the bath.

Some owners wash their Shih Tzu after every walk because they collect a lot of dust and dirt. Much depends on the living conditions and climate: some have a clean yard near the house, some don't. It is better to bathe the dog in the evening after a walk, so that it does not catch a cold on the street. At the end of the procedure, blot her coat with a towel, you can also use a hairdryer.

The inner corner of the eye is a place where dirt constantly accumulates in the Shih Tzu, which means that it needs careful care. In addition, you should watch every day for tangled hair around the eyes. Generally, Dogs of this breed should be combed daily using a comb with frequent short teeth.

You need to clean your Shih Tzu ears every week. Ear hair can impair your dog's hearing, so it is best to remove hairs with tweezers. In order not to provoke inflammation, sprinkle these places with dry boric acid. Hanging ears are washed with 10% hydrogen peroxide solution. The best way to clean your ears is as follows:

1. drip peroxide into the ear canal;
2. make a light massage of the auricle, moving from head to tip, the duration of the procedure is less than a minute;
3. then tilt your head to one side and the other so that the remaining peroxide flows out;
4. you can remove dirty liquid with a cotton swab.

Tartar often prevents the gums from adhering to the Shih Tzu's teeth, causing them to become inflamed.To prevent this common ailment, sometimes give your pet apples, crackers or carrots. He will gladly chew on such food and remove harmful plaque from his teeth. You can brush your teeth with a cotton swab sprinkled with simple, fragrance-free tooth powder.

Experts advise Shih Tzu breeders to:

1. the dog's diet should contain tomatoes or unsalted tomato juice;
2. you can lubricate the gums with propolis;
3. A mixture of baking soda and 3-5 drops of lemon juice is good for canine gums, but you need to apply it once a week.

It is advisable to trim the hair in the area of ​​the fingers - this facilitates the hygiene of the pet. After a walk, you need to inspect the pads for damage, because during the walk the doggie can step on shards of glass, sharp stones or other dangerous debris. The distance between the fingers can also clog. If chewing gum is stuck on the wool, it will not be possible to clean it - the stained fur will have to be cut off.

When walking on rocky terrain or asphalt, the pet's claws will be grinded naturally, and the pet will not need a pedicure. If you walk mainly on soft ground or grass, then you need to cut your claws. Otherwise, over time, they can break, and this is painful for the pet.

If due to circumstances you are unable to give your Shih Tzu the proper attention, you can make grooming easier with a short haircut. Of course, it is a pity to remove such a long, beautiful coat, but in some situations this is the best way out. In this case, the fur coat is cut to the maximum.

Model Shih Tzu haircuts can be varied. For a puppy, with pants. An interesting option is a teddy bear haircut. The master tries to evenly cut all the wool, making the head as rounded as possible due to the specially trimmed wool. Girls usually leave more hair as they can be used with different hairstyles.

Short hair is usually brushed with a massage brush, and long hair with a comb. There are special collars that allow you to radically deal with tangled strands. It is believed that a dog of this breed does not shed.

Dry food is very convenient, which is why many owners prefer to give it to the dog. In addition, it contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals, so the owner does not need to give additional feeding. If your pet eats natural food, and you want to transfer it to dry food, then do it gradually over two weeks or even a whole month. It is important to follow the serving size recommendations on the packaging. There must be a drinking bowl near the plate, since such food makes the animal feel thirsty.

Natural food has its benefits, however, it is important that the puppy's diet is the same as it is used to in the nursery. When purchasing a puppy, ask the breeder what food the dog usually ate. This will help to avoid digestive problems, as new foods should be introduced into the Shih Tzu diet gradually.

It is best to feed your Shih Tzu with raw rabbit or poultry, as they are low in fat and high in protein. Of cereals, the most suitable options are rice or buckwheat with the addition of chopped meat. Shih Tzu are also fond of dairy products - kefir, cottage cheese, and sometimes they can also enjoy vegetables. Puppies are fed well-boiled milk porridge with boiled meat or fish, baby food.

It is useful to give cottage cheese with a small amount of sour cream - this strengthens the skeleton of the animal.At six months, the owners begin to cook porridge for their four-legged friends in water or broth, adding oil to them.

It is necessary to start training the animal in a timely manner, so that the already difficult character of the Shih Tzu does not become even more problematic - the dog will bark for no reason, behave like a spoiled naughty child. If you manage to find the right approach to the dog, and your training will be like a game, then your pet will quickly master many commands.

You cannot shout at the dog during classes, you need to speak in a calm, measured voice. And also experts do not recommend jumping from one command to another, so that the dog does not get confused. Intelligence of this breed can be estimated as average, but it is quite enough for teaching teams.

The Shih Tzu training course is designed for companion dogs. This breed is not a service breed, it cannot become a guard, and its natural dignity does not allow it to perform sophisticated circus tricks. In the course of training, she will learn how to do some fairly simple exercises, follow commands. Do not be surprised if, in the middle of a class, the dog suddenly decides to interrupt it - this sometimes happens with this breed.

The Shih Tzu can easily master the litter box if the owner begins to train the dog to use it from childhood. The dry closet is always placed in one place. Its bottom is lined with an absorbent cloth. It takes a little time to accustom an animal to a diaper, but at first you will have to tirelessly monitor it.

Usually, a puppy has a desire to go to the toilet 15 minutes after eating, a maximum of half an hour.... Watching him, you carry him to the tray at the right moment. At the first failures, you do not need to punish the puppy, you can only express grief with intonation. If successful, be sure to praise the baby and give him a treat.

To take the dog for walks, buy some accessories for him. Muzzles are rarely used for Shih Tzu, but a leash with an adjustable length and a collar must be in your arsenal. In wet weather, wear clothes such as a raincoat or overalls. They will protect your pet's luxurious coat from dirt. In general, Shih Tzu are not very fond of walking in bad weather, they are more willing to spend the whole day at home, relieving themselves in a tray.

They walk with the Shih Tzu only on a leash so that the baby does not get hurt by other dogs or hit by a car. They often attract passers-by - as soon as they go out into the street, these dogs find themselves in the center of everyone's attention, and they like it.

According to the owners, the Shih Tzu are, indeed, comfortable companion dogs, capable of openly demonstrating love for the household, but at the same time they are not too annoying. Apparently, they somehow guess about their majestic origin, and this is reflected in their character - they are proud, neat and have a sense of their own dignity. Their cute appearance makes them stroked over and over again. This is a good "anti-stress" breed that allows its owner to relax in her company and recuperate, she does not require constant active games, jogging and other.

People who have already kept different dogs, and can compare them with each other, consider the Shih Tzu "the golden mean". Their character is quite balanced, all qualities are expressed in moderation, which is very convenient in everyday life. Adults usually do not bark if they were raised in a timely manner - only puppies can do this.

However, most owners of the breed believe that caring for it cannot be called simple, and the character, in fact, can become a big problem for the dog, if you do not train it from puppyhood. Rough dogs not only bark for no reason, they behave arrogantly and treat household members like attendants. This is because they were not informed in a timely manner that they were not the main ones in the house. In special cases, dogs of this breed can even shit in an apartment, despite a sufficient number of walks.

Another point that confuses many owners of these little lion cubs is an aggressive attitude towards other dogs. If the forces are unequal, then the Shih Tzu can suffer greatly from his obstinacy and get a slap in the face. Don't let him get into conflicts, especially with fighting dogs. In addition, the Shih Tzu can be jealous of his master of other pets, usually this applies to those animals who appeared in the house after him.

Then your dog will behave with dignity both at home and on the street, and will not allow himself too much. She will show you her love, and you can find a wonderful four-legged friend in her face.

For the characteristics of the Shih Tzu breed, see the video below.