A Pet's View / June 2007
Imperial Imp
Some successful recipes have surprising ingredients, but the traditional formula for a Shih Tzu could be anticipated by even casual observers - “a dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple ounces of old Chinese men, a bit of beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one part baby seal, and a dash of Teddy Bear.”
The Shih Tzu was bred purely for the pleasure of its company and they are first, foremost and forever, wonderful companions. They are intelligent, entertaining house mates, happy to perform comic antics for an audience, willing to amuse themselves when everyone is busy or ready to share a rainy afternoon on the couch.
Recent DNA analysis confirms Shih Tzu as one of the oldest dog breeds. They are one of the oldest and smallest of the Tibetan holy dogs, but associated with China, where they were revered as palace pets. Consequently, they expect to be treated as royalty, but the compact little creatures are obliging, good natured rulers. Dogs resembling the Shih Tzu are found in documents and paintings dating from the 16th century. In the 17th century, the dogs were brought from Tibet and bred in the forbidden City of Peking, probably by crossing Tibetan Llhasa Apso’s and native Pekingese. Also known as the Chinese Lion Dog or Chrysanthemum Dog because its face looks like the flower, the Shih Tzu became a favorite of the Imperial Chinese court, and for years, the Chinese refused to allow the little dogs to leave the country. The first pair were finally imported to England in 1930, after the fall of the Chinese empire.
The Shih Tzu was recognized in Britain in 1946 and by the AKC in the US in 1969. Of the 139 AKC breeds, Shih Tzu are 12th in popularity with over 30,000 new individuals registered each year. The breed pronunciation varies, but “sheed zoo” or “shid zoo” are preferred. Spelling is Shih Tzu or Shih-Tsu.
Small but sturdy, Shih Tzu’s are the least delicate of all toy breeds. They carry themselves with a noble, proud posture that befits their aristocratic ancestry. Outgoing and self-assured, with the most magnanimous sense of noblesse oblige, they make friends quickly and get along well with other pets.
The long, flowing double-coat is a Shih Tzu trademark, but what captures the heart of Shih Tzu fanciers is the dogs’ unusually expressive dark eyes and the intelligence behind them. The Shih Tzu expression is warm, sweet, wide-eyed and understanding. Shih Tzu’s move in jaunty, effortless four wheel drive, with their head high and their elegant tail arched gently over their back, the very picture of aristocracy.
Happy and affectionate, the spunky little ‘lion dog’ can be quite opinionated and stubborn. Living with a Shih Tzu is much like living with a three year old.
Eager to please and quick to learn, Shih Tzu’s respond poorly to harsh treatment or punishment. They enjoy obedience training only if it’s low-key and motivational. They are not outside dogs, don’t like to be alone and are very sensitive to extremes of heat and cold. Short walks suffice for exercise though a small fenced yard is ideal for playtimes.
Shih Ttzu’s who keep a long coat must be brushed daily to prevent knots and tangles. Family pets are often happier with a short cut that emphasizes their distinctively arrogant carriage. They shed very little and are considered a hypoallergenic pet.
Although there is considerable size variation, Shih Tzu Tzu’s are generally 9-10½ inches at the withers, but not less than 8 or more than 11 inches. They come in all colors, from pure white to pure black, red, brown, gold, silver, and almost every mix of colors. They usually weigh between nine and sixteen pounds, but love to eat and are excellent negotiators, so weight watching can be an ever-losing battle. Their teeth need regular attention, as they tend to be lost early, but Shih Tzu’s live about fifteen years or longer.
Joyful, clever and keenly alert, the companion dogs need to be with people, whether they live in a palace or an apartment. With an abundance of self esteem, they’re happy to educate lesser folk on the proper treatment of royalty. If someone is uncertain about their next move, a Shih Tzu will cheerfully grab a toy and throw it around as an example. And no one enjoys a good laugh more than a Shih Tzu. If you laugh at a Shih Tzu caper, the little jester will immediately do it again. PL
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