Shih Tzu - description of the breed and character of the dog

The Shih Tzu legend covers many centuries; dogs are called Tibetan because of their origin. For a long time only wealthy people could afford the breed, they often met Shih Tzu in the emperors' estates. They were carefully monitored behind numbers, punishing any attempts to take pets out of the state. Over time, the traditional influence has become weaker, so the breed began to slowly spread around the world. Initially, the dogs were kept by the European nobility, later it became available to ordinary people.

Breed standard

Dogs are called noble because their entire appearance literally screams about it. Due to their delicacy, shih-tzu is referred to as royal dogs, which are excellent companions and ideally fit into the circle of the rich.

1. The breed has a pronounced gender superiority, which affects the appearance.Males are larger than females, differ muscular physique and developed musculoskeletal system.
2. If you adhere to the global standards that are inherent in this breed, it is worth noting the growth of pets. It can vary between 23-28 cm. In this case, the weight differs in terms of 4.5-8 kg.
3. Particular attention is paid to wool, it is necessarily shiny, flowing in straight curls. The undercoat is dense, with oily lubrication near the skin. According to the external characteristics of the dog is somewhat similar to chrysanthemum.
4. The tail of the Shih Tzu is high, quite fluffy. The limbs are short compared to the general body. But the muscular frame is developed quite well, especially in males. The pads are soft, fleshy.
5. According to the standard, slight waviness of the coat on the edges of the hairs is allowed. The body of the dog is stretched, strong, rectangular shape. The chest is developed, slightly falling between the legs. The back is smooth, smoothly flows into a developed rounded croup and lower back.
6. The head is wide and round, there is a sharp transition from the frontal part to the muzzle. Widely spaced eyes - this is a highlight, they are round, large, slightly covered with eyebrows and hair.
7. Eye color depends on the type of wool color.The square shortened muzzle does not have hanging skin, it is taut. The beard and mustache are characteristic signs of Shih Tzu, they must be well-groomed.
8. The ears do not stop, fall down and press to the head. Possess sufficient length, wide. But due to the large amount of wool, it is difficult to determine the size and length of the ears.
9. If you adhere to the breed standard, there are no limitations in terms of coloring. Shih Tzu can be any color. Very often there are pets with some melirovaniem, that is, there are light strands all over the body.

Breed character

1. First of all, it is worth mentioning that dogs of this breed are very mannered. At the first meeting with a stranger, they seem to look down, show suspicion and caution. It may seem to some that the pets of this breed are arrogant, and for good reason. They care about the owners only.
2. Shih Tzu love attention, stroking, they care and cherish. Little fluffy pets are very touchy and do not tolerate neglect. However, even with such a character, pets are famous for their delicacy and pride.They will not be imposed when the owner is busy. Patiently wait for their portions of affection.
3. If you are looking to buy a puppy as a family pet, be prepared to become a dog owner with the character of Narcissus. Shi-tzu can get along with other pets, but only if they have been side by side since childhood.
4. Many people believe that shih-tzu is the ideal dog for communicating with children. But, despite the small size, they can snap, if the child will pull the tail or strongly impose. Everything depends on upbringing, but one should not allow permissiveness from children towards the pet. Also, the breed is jealous, can be offended if they prefer it to someone else.
5. If you raise the dog correctly, it will not be aggressive, disobedient, or too apathetic. The presented breed is famous for its long life. On average, the pet's age can range from 15 to 19 years. Shih Tzu is not chosen as the authority of one family member, the breed is faithful to all members of the household and equally loves them.
6. Because of its naivety, the breed does not have the qualities of a guard. However, this does not prevent the dog from barking at strangers and at danger of biting the leg. Some people call little dogs “lion-hearted.”Experts do not recommend getting a dog to people who have small children. Shih Tzu will not tolerate bullying.
7. But if the child is already of a conscious age, then such a dog will be an ideal ally for him to play. The breed is not opposed to frolic in nature, the dog will bring a stick or be able to run around the yard for hours. Cheerful, they are extremely nice.
8. Due to their late maturity, some members of the breed may remain “children” forever. It is especially often observed that representatives of the Shih Tzu family up to 3 years old remain puppies, naive and inquisitive.
9. The main distinguishing feature of the character is the sensitivity to the mood of the host. Shih Tzu understands literally a half-word, what is wanted of her. She can read by eyes, intonation, gestures. Therefore, does not require hard parenting.
10. The dog is not deprived of intelligence, it can easily be taught basic commands or certain tricks. Since dogs are easy to learn, they are turned on not only as a pet of the family, but also as an exhibition pet.

Features of training

1. In order not to face further difficulties, it is necessary to start training in time. When the pet grows up, one can say that its character will be formed independently with minimal intervention. Therefore, if you want to train a dog to certain commands, you need to start from an early age.
2. It is better to carry out such activities in a playful manner, so as not to force the dog to do something through force. The team “To me” is studied in a park or other place with a limited territory. They call the dog a word and after arrival give a treat.
3. If you do not train the dog to elementary teams like "Quiet", then you will encounter signs of bad manners to the fullest. The dog will bark at any occasion, and the barking is loud and sonorous, it may cause inconvenience.
4. If you plunge into the past and explore the origin of the breed, they were previously shepherds. To this end, the dogs needed to bark in order to drive the cattle. Some habits are enshrined in the nature of pets. Therefore, if you do not like this, wean.
5. To start raising a dog is necessary from the early days. It is better to get recommendations breeders before buying a puppy.They will accurately indicate in what order such events are held.
6. From the first days you need to establish that you are a leader, not a dog. Otherwise, there will be little use of education. But at the same time there is no need to shout at the dog, speak measuredly, do not be nervous. Otherwise, the shih tzu will simply cease to perceive commands.
7. All difficulties arising from the education of the dog can be solved by revising the approach. The breed is famous for its sensitivity and sensitivity, so in this case it is better to gingerbread than a whip. If you try hard, you can teach shih tzu to circus tricks and other difficult teams.

Care rules

1. Before you buy a puppy, learn all about the breed and its origin. It is very important to arrange a cozy "nest" in which the dog can be alone. Buy a soft house with a comfortable pillow.
2. Despite the fact that the coat is rather long, one cannot say that it is difficult to care for the breed. During walks, avoid places where there are thorns that can catch on wool and form mats.
3. With regard to the duration of stay in the fresh air, dogs love it, shih-tzu - is no exception. But there is no need for hours to be on the street in wet weather.It will not please your pet.
4. You can lose energy at home, it is enough to buy a few toys for a dog and play with it regularly. Breed amenable to schooling to the tray, it will have the way.
5. The main positive feature of the breed is the lack of caustic canine smell, so the pet is ideal for keeping in apartment conditions. But wool can be everywhere, if not daily combing the dog.
6. Due to the softness of the woolen coat quickly knocks into mats. During washing it is necessary to use dog shampoos with a conditioning effect. Also, be sure to pin the fur on the forehead with rubber bands and hairpins so that it does not spoil the eyesight.
7. Dogs do not need to wash too often, enough 1 time in 2-3 months. To lay the wool as it should, it is dried with a hairdryer and sprayed with a spray that facilitates combing. Dogs of this breed are often led to the groomers to make a beautiful and practical haircut. Take over.
8. If the dog does not attend exhibition events, but is kept as a pet of the family, it is better to cut it short for the hot season. This will facilitate movement and improve the health of the pet.Because he will be too hot in the sun.
9. Care should be taken for the eyes, avoiding their tearfulness. Consult with the vet, usually in such cases, he advises every morning to wipe his eyes with a swab dipped in tea brewing. Ears are cleaned as necessary with special lotion or cotton buds.

Feeding

1. The choice of diet should be taken with all responsibility. Consider the breed's tendency to become obese. From this it should be concluded that the feed should contain as little fat as possible. It is also strictly forbidden to give the dog food from the table.
2. Such products are very harmful to the health of the animal. The dog becomes more selective for food. Because of this, training for ready-made feeds can be problematic. It is strongly recommended to immediately teach your pet to dry food.
3. The advantage of such feeding is that you do not need to constantly prepare the dog. This feed has a long shelf life, besides all the necessary substances are concentrated in it. Give preference to proven manufacturers and only premium products.

The disadvantages and positive qualities of the breed

Minuses

1. Do not forget that any animal requires increased attention, affection and proper care. It should be noted that the presented breed of dogs does not require special skills in care. However, there are positive and negative qualities.
2. Some rules must be followed to make the animal feel comfortable. Before purchasing a puppy, talk to the breeders, the experts will talk about some of the intricacies that should be taken into account.
3. Among the shortcomings should be highlighted that such pets are very gullible and do not have any protective instincts. Unfortunately, the dogs in question do not remember the difference between infants and older children. Therefore, infants better to keep away from the pet.
4. Without fail, wool needs constant care. Otherwise, mats will be formed. It is best to trust the work of professionals and regularly visit special centers for grooming dogs. Such simple procedures will help to avoid the formation of many troubles.
5. When caring for animals due attention should be paid to the eyes, ears and claws. The last need to cut if necessary.It is strongly recommended to conduct more active walks with your pet. Otherwise, a passive lifestyle will trigger the development of obesity and problems with the bone system.
6. Unfortunately, the presented breed of dogs is prone to problems with vision and respiratory system. Often the pathology of the heart muscle and kidneys. Pet prone to the development of an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is strongly not recommended to smoke in the same room with the dog. Also limit the use of fragrant means.
7. Shih Tzu are particularly sensitive to high temperatures, so long walks under the scorching rays are strictly prohibited. In addition, it is necessary to take into account another fact, pets can not stand a long loneliness. The dog simply suffers from a lack of human attention.
8. If you are going to prepare an animal for an exhibition, it is important to understand that it will not be possible to spare money for anything. The dog will constantly need expensive procedures. Caring for your pet is very complicated, so without the help of experts can not do. Also do not forget that the Shih Tzu are very friendly.

pros

1. Among the positive qualities of the breed in question is the fact that dogs are very clean. Holding such a dog in the house you will not smell from it. Even without professional procedures, pet hair always looks beautiful and well-groomed.
2. Shih tzu is very easy to teach to the tray, so with such an important issue you will not have problems. Frequent physical exertion is simply not necessary for the dog, it is enough just to go out with her for a walk. Pet has a good quick wits and easy to train.
3. Presented breed is devoid of aggression and gets along well with other pets in the same house. If you haven't had any dogs before, Shi-tzu will suit you perfectly. With such a pet you can travel without problems. This breed easily transfers travel.
4. It is worth noting the fact that such a breed can be completely domesticated. That is, it is not necessary to walk the dog on the street, as it quickly gets used to the tray. This feature of the breed is especially important if an elderly person decides to start a Shih Tzu and he does not have the opportunity to frequently walk his pet.
5. In other cases, it is necessary to walk with the animal regularly so that no pathology develops. Shih Tzu are very energetic and they need to waste their stored energy.However, hard physical training is contraindicated. Dogs have weak bones and rather short legs.

It should immediately warn that the Shih Tzu is not for everyone. These dogs require increased attention to themselves and will not tolerate bullying by young children. The breed needs constant care, inspection and proper feeding. Such pets have a tendency to various diseases. Unfortunately, nothing can be done about it. Think carefully before you acquire a puppy.

Video: Shih Tzu Dog Breed