The Shih Tzu is a dog breed with a long history. This breed is known to be a popular family pet. Its temperament is considered to be one of the most temperate among dogs. However, there are many health and housebreaking issues that you need to be aware of. Here are some tips to keep your Shih Tzu healthy and happy.
Famous owners
The Shih Tzu, or Little Lion Dog in Mandarin, is a high-spirited breed. These small dogs have been favored by famous celebrities for many years. They are also one of the more popular dog breeds in the world.
The origin of the Shih Tzu dates back to the ancient Chinese. These small dogs are believed to be descended from the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso. In China, these two dogs were known as “lion dogs” because they were closely related to lions.
During the Ming Dynasty, shih tzus were kept by the royal family. They were used as bed warmers and carried inside robes.
In the mid-1900s, a pair of Shih Tzu were given to the Dalai Lama by the Empress Dowager Cixi. She loved animals and spent a lot of time breeding them.
Temperate weather preference
Having a shih tzu in your life could mean spending countless hours outdoors, albeit on leash. To keep your pooch happy and warm, the trick is to make sure they get a dose of the good stuff every so often. The best way to do this is to make them a part of your family. Some ideas to consider include a dog bed or two, a warm bowl of grub, and a few good books. A little planning will go a long way. Ideally, the entire family gets to enjoy the outdoors – not just the dogs.
While you’re at it, make sure to stock up on the requisite grooming supplies. Keeping a dog’s coat dry is a major health concern, so make sure to give your pooch a spa day or two every now and then.
Housebreaking
Housebreaking a Shih Tzu can be a challenge. It requires patience, dedication and a little affection. The first step is to create a defined area in your home.
A good way to do this is to choose a specific tree or grass patch in your yard and use it as your dog’s potty spot. This area should be easy to access year-round.
In order to make this process easier, you will need to choose a cue to tell your Shih Tzu when it is time to go outside. You can do this by using a bell.
Another shih tzu-friendly method is to use puppy pads. These pads are a great idea for Shih Tzus that are afraid of rain. They can be placed in the kennel, on the floor of the pen, or hung from a holder.
Health issues
Generally, Shih Tzus are known to be healthy and long-lived dogs. However, the breed can also suffer from various health issues. While most problems can be solved through medication or regular grooming, some issues require surgery.
These dogs can have a variety of problems with their eyes, mouth, and other parts of their body. It is important for owners to be aware of these disorders. If you notice your dog squinting, swollen, or having trouble with eye movement, take him to the veterinarian.
Some Shih Tzus are prone to developing bacterial infections. They can also be allergic to airborne allergens. This can cause problems with breathing, stomach upset, and lack of appetite. Fortunately, some allergies can be treated by changing diet or using medicated shampoos.
Ancestors
The Shih Tzu is a Chinese breed of dog with origins in Tibet. It is one of the oldest documented breeds.
These dogs are closely related to the Tibetan Spaniel and Pekingese. They were originally bred as companions to the Emperor of China. In order to develop this dog, it was believed that breeders crossed short-faced Chinese breeds with small Tibetan breeds.
According to Chinese history, the first Shih Tzu was brought to China by the Dalai Lama in the 1600s. He referred to the breed as the “little lion” because of its jester-esque features.
When the Communist Revolution came to China in the 1940s, the breed was nearly extinct. However, a group of breeders began breeding them and kept them during the Communist regime. Eventually, fourteen dogs survived.
