
Shih Tzu is a small, energetic and proactive dog. The weight of Shih Tzu is around 4-7 kg. in both males and females with a height of 20-28 cm. Shih Tzu has long double coats with one or two colors of gold, dark and light brown, black, and brindle which are mostly based on white. Shih Tzu has a round and broad head with a short muzzle and large and big dark round eyes.
Shih Tzu Pictures
Origin Country of Shih Tzu :
DNA analysis placed the ancestors of today’s Shih Tzu breed within the group of “ancient” breeds indicating a “close genetic relationship to wolves”. Ludvic von Schulmuth studied the skeletal remains of dogs found in human settlements as long as ten thousand years ago. Von Schulmuth created a genealogical tree of Tibetan dogs that shows the “Gobi Desert Kitchen Midden Dog”, a scavenger, evolved into the “Small Soft-Coated Drop-Eared Hunting Dog who would fight lions in packs” which evolved into the Tibetan Spaniel, Pekingese, and Japanese Chin. Yet another branch coming down from the “Kitchen Midden Dog” gave rise to the Papillon and Long-haired Chihuahua and yet one more “Kitchen Midden Dog” branch for the Pug and Shih Tzu.
You will find several theories about the origins of today’s breed. Theories relate that it stemmed from a cross between Pekingese as well as a Tibetan dog known as the Lhasa Apso. Dogs in the course of ancient occasions were selectively bred and observed in Chinese paintings. The initial dogs in the breed were imported into Europe (England and Norway) in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as “Apsos”. The very first European typical for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, along with the dogs that were recategorized as Shih Tzu. The breed spread throughout Europe and was brought to the United States immediately after Globe War II, when returning members of the US military brought back dogs from Europe. The Shih Tzu was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 within the Toy Group. The breed is now recognized by all the important kennel clubs within the English-speaking world.[citation needed] It is also recognized by the Cynologique Internationale for international competitors in Companion and Toy Dog Group, Section 5, Tibetan breeds.
Shih Tzu’s range from 8 – 11 inches.
Weight:
Shih Tzu’s range from 9 – 16 pounds.
Colors:
Shih Tzus are white with either silver, black, or brown.
Coat:
Shih Tzus have extended, dense, and straight coats. Daily grooming is important to keep the Shih Tzu’s coat soft.
Temperament:
The Shih Tzu is a gentle but lively dog. This affectionate dog breed is excellent with men and women and is thought to be a loved one’s dog.
Health Concerns:
The Shih Tzu is susceptible to kidney disorders. Teeth need standard veterinary attention
Life Expectancy:
The expected life span of the Shih Tzu is 11 to 14 years.
Living Environment:
Shih Tzus do well in apartments provided they obtain normal physical exercise. Mainly because of the Shih Tzu’s small size, an adequate amount of exercise may be met by vigorous indoor activities or with short outdoor walks.
AKC Group:
The Shih Tzu is in the toy group.