Shih Tzu - History, Care, American and European Shih Tzu

A toy breed of dog of Tibetan or Chinese origin; similar to the Pekinese in shape; muzzle short but not flat; thick straight coat, especially on head, where hair cascades from top to cover eyes and ears.

Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu.
Alternative names
Lion Dog, Chrysanthemum Dog
Country of origin
Tibet
Classification and breed standards
FCI:	Group 9 Section 5 #208	Stds
AKC:	Toys	Stds
ANKC:	Group 7 (Non-Sporting)	Stds
CKC:	Group 6 - Non-Sporting	Stds
KC (UK):	Utility	Stds
NZKC:	Non-sporting	Stds
UKC:	Companion Breeds	Stds

The Shih Tzu or Shih Tsu (獅子狗 pinyin: Shīzi Gǒu, Wade-Giles: Shih-tzu Kou) is a breed of dog originating in Tibet. The Shih Tzu is reported to be the oldest and smallest of the Tibetan holy dogs, its lion-like look being associated with a Buddhist deity. The Shih Tzu's hair can be styled in a short, summertime cut or a well-groomed long hair like that used for conformation shows. Because Shih Tzus have hair and not fur, they do not shed in the same way as many dogs.

The AKC Shih Tzu breed standard calls for the dog to have a short "smashed" snout, large eyes, a slight underbite, and a tail that waves above its torso. Mumford described the breed in an American Shih Tzu magazine, giving a picture of the versatile character of the Shih Tzu: "Nobody knows how the Ancient Eunuchs managed to mix together…And now here comes the recipe: A dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces of domestic cat, one part court jester, a dash of ballerina, a pinch of old man (Chinese), a bit of beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one part baby seal, a dash of teddy bear and the rest dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin."

The Shih Tzu is usually calm and gentle. you can find the occasional "guard dog" Shih Tzu or "Lazy Lucy" in a litter.

Although he is generally outgoing and friendly, the Shih Tzu definitely has an attitude that cries to be spoiled.

History

The Shih Tzu was bred to sit around the palace of the Emperor of China and bark when people or animals approached. The Shih Tzu is also known as the Chinese Lion Dog or the Chrysanthemum Dog

Care

The Shih Tzu is easy to care for, but the area around the eyes should be cleaned gently each day. Shih Tzus are considered to be brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs.

American and European Shih Tzu

There are difference between the American and European Shih Tzu The FCI standard, which is used in Europe, And then the AKC standard.