Shih Tzu: Man\'s Best Friend

Shih Tzu: Man\'s Best Friend

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The Shih Tzu dog breed survived a tragic history to become one of the most popular toy breeds around today. Shih Tzu historical information reveals that the breed has roots in royalty.

The Shih Tzu originated as the pampered pet of Tibetan Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, who bred the dogs prolifically between 1861, when she came into power, and 1908, when she died. Her successor disdained the little dogs and everything they represented. As a result, many dogs were killed after the Empress's death. Surviving Shih Tzus belonged mostly to foreigners and members of Chinese nobility, who had received the dogs as gifts from the Empress.

Information about the Shih Tzu breed is scarce until the late 1920s and early 1930s, when Shih Tzus were imported to England and Scandinavia, with later generations reaching the United States and Canada. During World War II, Shih Tzus were popular with American soldiers, many of whom refused to leave their pets in Europe and instead brought them back to the States.

The Shih Tzu is a small, lightweight dog, weighing from nine to sixteen pounds. Its size makes it well suited as a lap dog and a pet for city dwellers. The dogs have been bred for centuries to provide human amusement and companionship. They are eager to please and thrive when they are the center of attention.

The dogs were bred to have a lion-like appearance, with their flattened facial muscles, bowed legs, bulging eyes, and intimidating facial expressions earning them the nickname of "lion dogs." Their wrinkled faces were also said to resemble chrysanthemum flowers, giving rise to the breed's second nickname of "chrysanthemum dog."

The Shih Tzu's long, wavy coat adds elegance to its appearance. Acceptable colors for the breed's coat are solid gold or black, or a variety of multi-colored combinations. Diligent daily grooming is required to keep the coat from tangling and matting, but the results are well worth the effort, as the Shih Tzu's coat is a hallmark of the breed.

The dog makes an excellent family pet but is equally content to be a companion for a single owner or a couple without children. The Shih Tzu is happiest when it is the center of attention, so families with infants or very young children are advised to wait until the children are a bit older before purchasing a Shih Tzu, to avoid potential problems with jealousy.

The Shih Tzu breed makes an excellent pet for singles, couples, and families alike. However, because being the center of attention is so important to this dog, families with infants may want to wait until the children are a little older before purchasing a Shih Tzu to avoid any problems with jealousy that may develop. In general, the dog was bred to be a good-natured, friendly companion, and will gladly befriend the children in any family that offers it a home. The breed is extremely popular, placing ninth on the American Kennel Club's 2006 rankings of breed popularity. With its regal history, its pleasant disposition and its convenient small size, the popularity of the Shih Tzu is certain to increase in the twenty-first century.

About the Author:
About the author: Rebecca Simpson is an avid lover of the Shih Tzu and owns a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shih Tzu. Among other topics there, you will find out more about Shih Tzu Tibetan Lion Dogs plus a whole lot more.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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