What Do You Need To Know About Shih Tzu Puppies?

Shih Tzu Puppies

Shih Tzu is known as a toy dog breed which only weighs 5–7.25 kg. (11–16.0 lb) with its long silky hair. The shih tzu’s breed originated from China. Shih Tzu were officially identified by the American Kennel Club in 1969. Its name is both singular and plural.

How do Shih Tzu look like?

Shih Tzu can be easily recognized as a small dog with a short muzzle and large dark eyes.

Body: soft and long double coat, drop ears covered with long fur, heavily furred tail and curled over the back

Height: stands no more than 26.7 cm (101⁄2 in.)

Weight: 4.5 to 7.3 kg (10 to 16 lbs)

Color: coat may come in any color usually seen on the forehead and to its tail

Build: longer than tall, and dogs ideally should carry themselves "with distinctly arrogant carriage"

Hair: Due to its fast growing hair, regular trimming should be done all around the body to maintain its attractive looks

Shih Tzu’s Character

Shih Tzu's nature may vary from any other dog breeds. This breed has a personality and character that is loyal, affectionate, outgoing, and alert. Regular training and proper exposing outdoors must start at a young age for the Shih Tzu to obey basic commands. Shih Tzu is an excellent watch dog due to its alertness and active nature, although it was not specifically bred for this purpose. Compared to Lhasa Apso, which was bred to be a sentinel dog that enjoys high perches and is wary of strangers, the Shih Tzu prefers to be friendly to its companions and will often offer strangers its affection. Due to its friendly nature, the Shih Tzu can easily interact well with other dogs and with children and adults. Shih Tzu dogs have been observed to get peevish if provoked which is also common to other dog breeds, so an owner should be careful when the dog is in the presence of children or at a large crowd. Shih Tzu dogs can also become spoiled if not properly disciplined while still at a young age. Overall, they are friendly and enjoyable companions.

History

According to DNA analysis, Shih Tzu’s breed are considered to be of breeds indicating "close genetic relationship to wolves".  

The first Shih Tzu breeds were imported into Europe (England and Norway) in 1930, and were classified by the Kennel Club as "Apsos".

The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were recategorised as Shih Tzu. The breed spread throughout Europe, and was brought to the United States after World War II, when returning members of the US military brought back dogs from Europe. 

Possible Health Problems

Hypothyroidism this happens to Shih Tzu when the thyroid gland malfunctions and stops producing a hormone responsible for proper metabolism. This malfunction is can be compared to immune system problems. This usually affects middle-aged dogs and happens in all breeds. This can be observed with symptoms such as hair loss, weight gain, muscle loss, and lethargy. This disease can be usually diagnosed through blood tests and can be effectively treated with drug therapy.

Intervertebral Disk Disease in the dog is a common chondrodystrophic disorder manifested by acute back pain, loss of coordination, paresis, and loss of the ability to feel deep pain sensations. This may commonly occurs in certain toy breeds, such as Dachshund, Pekingese, French Bulldog, Beagle, Basset Hound, American Cocker spaniel, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and Welsh Corgi.

Breathing problems
 
Shih Tzu's have a lot of respiratory problems related to the shape of their face and head (the brachycephalic syndrome) which affects mostly dogs with a short nose (brachycephalic breeds). An obstruction in the upper airways causes the dog to have laboured breathing. Not every brachycephalic dog will develop respiratory problems but most will to some degree or other. Severe problems may require surgery.

Other Health Issues
 Some health issues occurring in thisd breed are portosystemic shunt of the liver and hip dysplasia in standard sizes. There are also cases of Shih Tzu to become epileptic, which may result in a shortened life span if not treated immediately. Some Shih Tzu dogs are also prone to ear infections. 


Reference:
http://wikipedia.org