Shih Tzu: A Dog That Takes Your Heart
Mike Mathews
One of the important factors to consider when contemplating of choosing dog that belongs to the small and toy breeds is physical appearance. The name Shih Tzu in Chinese Mandarin translates into English as the lion dog. Shih Tzus are a long-time favorite at the Chinese Imperial Courts and were held in high esteem that the first pair left China only in 1930.
Known as the lion dog of Tibet, Shih Tzu in spite of his small size has a big heart and can display courage like no other small dog breed. One of the greatest things about this small dog is that he is a fur ball that is so full of energy that the energy instead of dissipating spreads on to everyone who touches him or plays with him. Adorable and affectionate, they need love and they give love.
Shih Tzu dogs revel in their importance and glory in the attention that is accorded to them. They desire attention so much that they would go to any extent to catch their master's attention any time by running around, jumping up and down and performing antics just to make you laugh. They are a cross between Beijing gou and the Tibetan Lhasa Apso; their history goes back almost two thousand years!
Compatibility and Usage: The Shih Tzu is not really a guard dog or a retriever but feels the most comfortable at home. He will not require too much of exercise and like playing and running around in your home. He is more of an indoor dog than outdoor dog. Since he has small legs hence it makes it difficult for a Shih Tzu to run and compete with dogs like the lab or the German Shepherd Dog.
Physical Appearance: It possesses a long, flowing double coat that requires regular cleaning and grooming. They have an over abundance of hair that you'd think they are not dogs but bundles of hair with four legs! The breed normally has a height between 9 to 10 inches and weights between 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown into adulthood.
Temperament: The Shih Tzu is a regal dog and hence has some of the regal qualities. He is a very alert dog and lively but one quality to watch out for is his stubbornness. This is an in-born quality that you can't do much about. They are considered as good watchdogs but can be extremely noisy at times. They enjoy being pampered and are usually good with children and other members of a family.
Caring & Health: With a life span of anywhere from 11 to 14 years, they are prone to suffer from liver disease, hip and renal dysplasia. Problems with their eyes are also common especially when they get older.
The Shih Tzu is a complete family dog, which loves to be a part of the family and enjoys all the attention. If you are staying in a small house or an apartment, choosing a small dog breed like the Shih Tzu is always a good decision.
Author Info: Mike Mathews is a writer and editor of the popular
http://Dog-Breed-Facts.com/ Dog-Breed-Facts.com website. His new ebook titled "http://choosingadog.dog-breed-facts.com/ Choosing a Dog For Your Lifestyle" is a fantastic resource for the prospective dog owner. Click here for other
http://www.uberarticles.com/?id=36358&b=79 unique 'choosing a dog' articles.
