The Shih Tzu is a special dog from the heart of Tibet. Its quality as a temple guardian is reflected in its character: the Shih Tzu is a proud animal, but still has a very open and friendly nature. It needs contact with its people and is a loyal companion. Tibetan monks see it as a descendant of the lions in dog form that are said to have surrounded Buddha.
Content: Shih Tzu
- profile
- Special features
- Nutrition
- Health and care
- Origin and history
- The right accessories
- Conclusion
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Shih Tzu - Profile
- Character: Intelligent, lively and attentive, friendly and independent
- Size: Small
- Height: 20-28 cm
- Weight: 4-7 kg
- Life expectancy: 10-16 years
- Coat type: Long, slightly wavy coat with moderate undercoat
- Colour: All colours permitted, with multi-coloured specimens requiring a white forehead blaze and white tail tip
- Special features: Silky fur
- FCI Group: Companion and Toy Dogs
Shih Tzu - Special Characteristics
Shih Tzu is Chinese for lion dog. In fact, the cute little four-legged friend has a sometimes cat-like nature. He may be a little arrogant, but he rarely refuses to have fun. The mix of a playful but independent character makes the dog very interesting. His aversion to submission makes training the mini lions not always easy. But you don't have a will-less dog either. Unfortunately, the guards of Tibetan temples tend to bark . With a little patience and consistency, however, this habit can be broken.
The Shih Tzu is very small and compact and has long, silky hair with a light undercoat. A special feature of the Shih is its hair that continues to grow. The round head has long floppy ears and the tail wags over the back. The Shih Tzu comes in a variety of color combinations, with two-tone specimens with the "Buddha's kiss", a white blaze on the forehead and on the tip of the tail, being the most popular.
Training a Shih Tzu is not overly difficult. However, you should use a certain amount of consistency and natural authority to teach the dog the necessary obedience. A well-trained Shih Tzu is a great family and companion dog that can bring you a lot of joy.
Shih Tzu - The right diet
There is not much more to consider when feeding a Shih Tzu than with other dog breeds . The most important thing is that the diet is balanced and that your little companion enjoys eating the food. It is important to ensure that the food has a high meat content and does not contain any unnecessary additives or fattening agents. In addition to feeding dry and wet food , the little one is also suitable for BARFing. With biologically appropriate raw feeding, the dog is fed raw meat , vegetables and fruit. Vitamin and mineral supplements are also fed.
The right amount of food depends on the age and activity of your dog. The manufacturer's recommendations are often helpful here. Puppies get several meals a day. However, adult dogs only need to be fed 1-2 times a day. The Shih Tzu is not actually prone to obesity. Nevertheless, you should avoid giving him small things to eat outside of feeding times. This is not doing the dog any favors. Once you have taught the little one to beg, he will not stop so quickly.
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Shih Tzu - Health and Care
The coat care of the little one should not be underestimated. The long silky coat tends to mat and should definitely be brushed daily and combed with a metal comb. Once a month you can bathe the dog and care for the coat with a dog shampoo. If this happens too often, the natural protection of the skin is damaged and your little companion can develop skin problems. In addition, the coat must be trimmed every now and then, as the hair grows back constantly. You should be particularly creative above the eyes. The hair on the forehead can also be tied up in a ponytail. Claw care, checking for ticks and dental care are, in addition to regular visits to the vet, elementary components of dog care and should not be neglected with the Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzu - Origin & History
The Shih Tzu has a really interesting history. According to legend, the founder of the Buddhist faith, Siddharta, was always surrounded by small dogs that could transform into lions. Tibetan monks thought they recognized the Shih Tzu as Buddha's "little lion dog" and entrusted them with guarding the temples. The animals were bred further at the Chinese imperial court in the 17th century and developed into prestige objects with strong characters. In the early 20th century, the dogs came to Great Britain, where they were recognized as a breed in 1940. The patronage for the temple dogs still lies in the heart of the Commonwealth, from where the breed spread throughout the world.
Shih Tzu - The right accessories
The most important thing for keeping a Shih Tzu is the basic equipment: water and food bowls, a dog basket, leash , harness or collar and a first aid kit for dogs. You should also have the right equipment for grooming at home. This includes scissors or a dog trimmer, a brush, a comb and a metal comb for removing knots and matting.
Treat your little friend to a few dog toys. The little rascals especially enjoy logic and search games. You can teach the Shih Tzu many tricks with treats. A particularly popular tool for this is the small clicker, which is also used to train dolphins. Just try a few things out - you'll see: the Shih Tzu is very capable and willing to learn!
Conclusion
The Shih Tzu, with its proud character and silky coat, embodies the elegance of Tibet. As a loyal companion and temple guardian, it combines history and charm. Its significance ranges from Buddhist legends to the modern family dog, which impresses with its lovable nature.
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