Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance, personality, and health requirements. Here’s what you need to know about the Shih Tzu:
This particular breed of dog originated from Tibet, although it has now become a highly popular breed in Western countries. The name “Shih Tzu” is pronounced (sheet zoo) and can be spelled a number of ways depending on the country. In fact, in China, the name sounds more like the American “sherbet” with “adds” on the end. Although the Shih Tzu is a tiny dog its name translates to “lion dog” of the Forbidden City, which is for the original resemblance to a lion and not so much size.
When first developed, the Shih Tzu had a very specific purpose in life – to sit or lie around the Emperor of China’s palace, alerting the royal family of approaching people or animals. While the exact breeding to create the Shih Tzu is not 100 percent certain, most people believe it started as a mix of Lhasa Apso, which was already a Tibetan breed, and the Pekingese. What we do know is that of all breeds in the world, the Shih Tzu is one of the oldest.
Physical Appearance
Once you lay your eyes on a Shih Tzu, you cannot help but fall in love. This tiny, furry breed is simply adorable with a long, flowing double coat and undeniable face. Although the hair of the Shih Tzu can be styled or groomed in a variety of ways, most people will keep the long hair brushed to a silky shine and hair pulled back with a barrette out of the dog’s eyes.
Keep in mind that this dog’s hair continues to grow much like that of a human, and it does not shed. Therefore, the dog needs ongoing grooming. Additionally, because this breed has hair and not fur, it is an excellent choice for individuals with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. The Shih Tzu is bred in a number of colors, which include:
* Black
* Gold
* Gray
* Tan
* White
* Combination Colors
The Shih Tzu is a very alert and lively breed with a wonderful personality. For instance, this breed is highly devoted to its family, loves children and other animals, and is comical. The muzzle is short, eyes large, the tail waves up over the back of the dog, and you would notice a small under-bite. For show purposes according to the American Kennel Club, the Shih Tzu should be between 8 and 11 inches tall. As far as weight, the Shih Tzu averages between 9 and 16 pounds.
Temperament and Personality
Although the Shih Tzu is an alert dog, it is also very gentle and calm. Keep in mind that the Shih Tzu can be very playful too, especially while a puppy. Somewhat on the sensitive side, both discipline and training needs to be handled with a soft hand in that the breed can become fearful.
It is important to socialize your new Shih Tzu, helping to build its confidence with people and animals. As a devoted companion dog, you will find that people of all ages and lifestyles can enjoy this breed but it does require appropriate one-on-one time with its master. The Shih Tzu is not just a beautiful breed of dog but also one that brings intelligence, loyalty, laughter, and attentiveness to the home.
Health
While there are many reasons for having a Shih Tzu, the ease of care is definitely at the top of the list. Typically, daily grooming habits are important. For instance, the dog’s eyes can water and tear so they need to be wiped off with a damp cloth or cotton ball several times a day. Additionally, with the long hair, the Shih Tzu needs to be brushed daily. With good grooming, proper diet, and adequate exercise, this breed is hardy.
The only real health risk is due to the short snout. Because of this feature, the Shih Tzu does not handle hot temperatures well. In fact, this particular breed does much better in regions with a milder climate, making breathing easier. Other possible risks, although rare, include liver, heart, and back problems.
Dan Stevens
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/getting-to-know-the-shih-tzu-87294.html
How can I keep my Shih-Tzu from getting into the garbage?
She is 3 years old, and loves digging through the garbage. I’ve only had her for 4 months, so I don’t know if this is a new habit or not. Short of putting the garbage cans on counters, tables, etc., which is unsanitary, does anybody know of a solution to keep her from getting into the trash?
Use a cap-ful of bleach. Let her get a little smell of it. Dogs don’t like it, it won’t hurt them, and when the garbage has had a little bleach sprinkled on it, they usually stay away from the garbage.
Bleach won’t hurt the dog, when we are at a public pool, the smell is bleach. This works if you have outside cans too.
References :
get trash cans with lids
References :
you are going to have to be firm with her, my cat use to do that if he turned it over he;d run and I’d pick him up take him right back to it and scolded him he got the message and doesn’t;t do it anymore. be firm tell her. NO! good luck
References :
we keep it in a seperate room with a door and keep the door shut she she cant get into the trash
References :
Pour a little pinesol in the container, the smell should deter her from the trash.
References :
I had the same problem with one of my dogs. I would discipline her when I got home and she obviously knew it was wrong, but kept doing it. Don’t you wonder what they’re thinking? I guess either they don’t think of the consequences until after the fact or they just decide its worth it!
My kitchen garbage can has a swinging lid. I duct taped a traditional mouse trap to the lid and swung it inward. When my dog went to go into the garbage, she nudged the lid and the mousetrap snapped and scared the hell out of her. She never got into the garbage again.
This may sound like a bad idea, but you have to take precautions to make sure the mousetrap cannot snap onto the dog’s nose, foot, etc. I set mine on the lid right up next to the base, so that it snapped on the base holding the lid, and couldn’t snap on the dog. I don’t know if it would work with every dog, but its worth a shot. I had to resort to this after foul-smelling substances (bitter apple, bleach, etc.) didn’t do the trick.
References :
I had to lock my garbage in a kitchen cabinet with a hook attachment because my 5 lbs. doxie would still be able to open the door LOL
References :
When you say garbage, is there food in this garbage? Or just paper products etc? Check with the previous owner if you can to see if she did it before. If this is a new behavior, it could just be a test to see what she can get away with, and who is the boss or leader of the pack. You can keep her out of the room with the garbage. If that isn’t possible, then securely cover it. Empty it often. Let her know you do NOT like this behavior. If you catch her getting into the garbage, a firm NO, and basicaly ignore her and give her no possitive attention. If the deed has been done, and you did not catch her doing it..be upset at the mess she has made, not the dog, and be annoyed that you have to clean it up. Tzu’s can be stubburn and it may take a while to fix this habit. But don’t give up…She will learn what makes you happy and what upsets you. For the most part Tzu’s and most other dogs just want their human happy. Also, if you catch her in the act, you can try to distract her by clapping your hands or rattling change or something. It also depends on what is in your "trash" if it is food, she is after the food. I put my "Trash" container in the cabinet under my sink where he can’t get at that trash. Other products like paper trash, close the doors where those containers are. Limit her access to those containers. She will learn, give her time..you have only had her a few months and she needs to learn YOUR rules. She needs to know you are the "Alpha" and are the boss.
My Tzu did this for a very short time until he realized I didn’t like it. He doesn’t go into the garbage anymore.
References :
Have 2 Shih-Tzu’s-stubburn little guy and girl, but well worth the time and patience to show them I was the Alpha.
the best way to have her stop is to prevent it… is to put the trash up out of the way or get a trash can with lids
References :