Shih Tzu for sale

Shih Tzu for sale: breed

James Mumsford, an American teacher and songwriter, perhaps best described the Shih Tzu: "No one knows how the old dogs managed to mix together: 'part lion, a few teaspoons of rabbit, a few ounces of cat, part jester, part ballerina, a pinch of old man, a bit of beggar, a spoonful of monkey, a spoonful of baby seal, a couple of ounces of cat, and for the rest, dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin'.

The Shih Tzu is a small, regal dog with long, abundant coats, a distinctive face that melts many hearts and a friendly attitude. The breed can boast an elegant background: it was originally kept by Chinese royal families during the Ming Dynasty.

With their flowing hair sweeping the ground, the Shih Tzu looks snobbish, fit only to lie in a palace on silk cushions. Nothing could be further from the truth. Shih Tzu dogs are beautiful, but they are also friendly, lively, devoted companions.

Its personality is enormously appealing, making it hard to resist this breed. The Shih Tzu simply won't let anyone ignore him. He was bred to be a friendly companion - no hunting, no herding, no guarding. He loves nothing more than to meet and greet friends and strangers alike.

This member of the 'Toy Group' is not only good-natured and friendly, but very adaptable. It is equally suited to city apartments as it is to life on a country farm. He adores children and gets on well with other animals. However, although the Shih Tzu is a sturdy dog, its small size puts it at a disadvantage. Adults should always supervise interactions between children and dogs, and this is particularly important for the Shih Tzu, to prevent it accidentally injuring itself during rough play.

Interestingly, the Shih Tzu is sometimes called the "chrysanthemum dog," a nickname that describes the way the hair on his face grows in all directions. It looks like a flower with the nose in the center.

A unique feature of the Shih Tzu is their lower jaw is slightly wider than the upper, and the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside when their mouth is closed.

Shih Tzu legends abound. Buddha is said to have traveled with a small dog fitting the description of a Shih Tzu. As the story goes, one day several robbers came to the Buddha with the intention of robbing and killing him. The little dog turned into a ferocious lion and made the robbers flee, saving Buddha's life. The lion then turned into a fun-loving little dog, which Buddha picked up and kissed. The white dot on many Shih Tzu's head marks the spot where Buddha kissed his faithful friend.

Many also believe that Fu dogs, the guardians of Buddhist temples, are representations of Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu for sale: brief history

The origins of the Shih Tzu are ancient, mysterious and controversial. A recent study has revealed that the Shih Tzu is one of the 14 oldest dog breeds, and dog bones found in China have proven that dogs have been around since 8,000 BC.

Some believe the breed was developed by Tibetan monks and given as gifts to Chinese royalty. There is also speculation that the Shih Tzu was developed in China by crossing other breeds with the Lhasa Apso or Pekingese. Regardless of where the breed developed - Tibet or China - it is clear that the Shih Tzu has been a prized companion since ancient times. Paintings, art and writings from the Tang dynasty of China (618-907 A.D.) depict small dogs similar to the Shih Tzu. References to dogs appear again between 990 and 994 A.D. in documents, some paintings and sculptures.

In the 13th century, Marco Polo reported that the Mongol emperor Kubla Khan kept small 'lion' dogs with trained hunting lions - not as prey, but to keep the lions calm. Some believe these dogs were Shih Tzu.

During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Chinese royal families kept Shih Tzu-type dogs, and the chrysanthemum dog was mentioned in several documents from that period. They were supposedly small, intelligent, docile dogs that strongly resembled lions.

Not much is said about the dogs in documents from the 1700s to the early 1900s, but many pieces of art from that period depict small, plump, happy dogs.

In 1861, Shih Tzu became popular in the Imperial Court after a royal concubine became Empress of China. One of Empress T'zu Hsi's first royal decrees was that anyone who tormented palace dogs would be put to death. Empress T'zu Hsi had a great love for animals and carried out extensive breeding programs. During Empress T'zu Hsi's reign, the Dalai Lama presented her with a magnificent pair of Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu are said to have had their own palace. After her death in 1908, many royal families competed to produce dogs with the finest coats and colors. Because of the competition, breeding practices were kept secret. Poor quality dogs were sold on the market, and good quality dogs were often given as gifts to foreign visitors or Chinese nobles.

In 1928, the first pair of Shih Tzu was brought to England from Peking by Lady Brownrigg, wife of the Quartermaster General of North China. In 1933, Mrs. Hutchins brought a Shih Tzu from China to Ireland; this dog was eventually bred for Lady Brownrigg. These three dogs formed the foundation of Lady Brownrigg's kennel.

Maureen Murdock and Philip Price, her nephew, were the first to import and breed Shih Tzu in the United States. There were three Shih Tzu clubs by 1960: the American Shih Tzu Association of Florida, the Texas Shih Tzu Society and the Shih Tzu Club of America. In 1963, the Shih Tzu Club of America and the Texas Shih Tzu Society merged to form the American Shih Tzu Club. In 1969, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the Toy Group.

Shih Tzu for sale: size

Males and females are 23 to 27 cm tall and weigh between 4 to 7 kg.

Shih Tzu for sale: personality

All dog breeds have a purpose. Historically, the Shih Tzu was created to be a companion. It simply wants to be by your side. So don't expect it to hunt, guard or retrieve, that's not its style.

Affection is their dominant characteristic, and your lap is their favorite destination. They are happiest when with their family, giving and receiving attention. They are attentive and lively and may bark at newcomers. Don't worry though, they'll befriend your guests the minute they walk in.

Shih Tzu for sale: health

Shih Tzu dogs are generally healthy but, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Not all of them will have any of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

If you are buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you the health records of the puppy's parents. Health certificates prove that a dog has been tested and recovered from a specific condition.

• Allergies are a common condition in dogs. There are three main types: food allergies, which are treated by eliminating certain foods from the dog's diet; contact allergies, which are caused by a reaction to a topical substance such as bedding, flea powders, dog shampoos or other chemicals; and inhalant allergies, which are caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust or mold. Treatment may include dietary restrictions, medication and environmental changes.
• Canine hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that can cause pain and weakness.
• Patellar luxation: This is a common problem in small dogs that occurs when the patella, which has three parts – the femur (thigh bone), kneecap and tibia, is not aligned properly. This causes a limp or abnormal gait. It is a condition that is present at birth, although the actual dislocation does not always appear until much later. The friction caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease. There are four degrees of patellar luxation, ranging from grade I, an occasional dislocation that causes temporary dislocation of the joint, to grade IV, in which the tibia is severely out of place and the patella cannot be manually realigned. Severe degrees of patellar luxation may require surgery.
• Juvenile renal dysplasia (JRD) is a genetic defect of the kidneys seen in young dogs. The dog suffers from excessive thirst and urinates frequently. He loses weight, vomits and has vigor. Currently, there is only one definitive test for the disease that can be performed on breeding dogs - a wide-web biopsy of the kidneys, which is highly invasive and carries many risks. There have been swab tests developed by geneticists but, so far, none of them appear to be 100% reliable.
• Bl bladder stones and bladder infections can be caused by several factors, such as excessive protein, magnesium and phosphorus in the diet or long periods between urination. Bladder infections can be caused by bacterial or viral infections. If your Shih Tzu is urinating frequently, has bloody urine, seems to have difficulty urinating or is suffering from a loss of appetite, take him to the vet for a check-up.
• Eye problems are not uncommon among Shih Tzu breeds, as their large eyes swell. Disorders include keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea that can lead to a corneal ulcer and blindness; proptosis, when the eyeball is detached from the eye socket and the eyelids become fixed behind the eyeball; distichiasis, an abnormal growth of the eyelashes at the edge of the eye, leading to rubbing of the eyelashes; progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative disease of the visual cells of the retina that progresses to blindness; and dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), a dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva. Contact your vet immediately if you notice redness, irritation or excessive tearing.
• Umbilical hernias are common among the Shih Tzu breed. Quite often, they are caused by delayed closure of the abdominal midline. If the hernia is small, it may close as the puppy matures. Sometimes surgery is needed to correct the problem.
• A portosystemic shunt of the liver is a congenital abnormality in which blood vessels allow blood to bypass the liver. As a result, blood is not flushed from the liver as it should be. Surgery is usually the best treatment.
• Reverse sneezing occurs when the dog is too excited, swallowing food too quickly, or allergens are present. The dog makes a sound and may become alarmed. Talk soothingly to them and try to get them to relax to shorten the episode. Some say that pinching the nostrils closed so the dog is forced to breathe through their mouth is the quickest way to stop reverse sneezing.

Shih Tzu for sale: care

For the Shih Tzu it doesn't really matter where he lives as long as he's with you. It is a very adaptable dog that can be comfortable in a small small-town apartment or a large suburban or country home. He is definitely a house dog and should not be left outside, although he does enjoy a bit of play in the yard.

Shih Tzu is content with short walks every day. Not a particularly active dog, he's content to sit on your lap, wander around the house, play with his toys or run to the door to greet visitors.

Like other short-faced breeds, the Shih Tzu is sensitive to heat. They need to stay indoors in an air-conditioned room or one with fans on hot days so they don't suffer from heat exhaustion.

Although naturally docile and friendly, the Shih Tzu needs early socialization and training. Like any dog, it can become shy if not properly socialized when young.

Shih Tzu for sale: feeding

Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals.

Note: How much your dog eats depends on its size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like humans, and not all dogs need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more food than a less active one. The quality of the dog food you buy also makes a difference - the better the dog food, the more nutrients and satiety it will provide, without you having to constantly check the bowl.

Shih Tzu for sale: coat color and brushing

The Shih Tzu's long, silky coat is gorgeous and comes in several colors: black, black and white, gray and white or red and white. A white tip on the tail and a little white swirl on the forehead are much appreciated.

Maintaining a gorgeous coat is demanding. Daily brushing and combing is necessary to prevent tangles, and bathing - once a week - is required just as often. In fact, many Shih Tzu lovers give up and hire a professional groomer. At about 10 to 12 months of age, the coat changes.

Brush your dog's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurks inside. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Remove your nails once or twice a month. Start getting him used to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Frequently handle his paws and check his mouth. With a positive experience full of praise and rewards, you'll lay the groundwork for easy vet exams and other maneuvers when he's an adult.

Shih Tzu for sale: relationship with children and other animals

The Shih Tzu is a wonderful pet. It gets along with other dogs or animals, and its docile personality makes it a good companion for children. Children should sit on the floor to play with a Shih Tzu puppy so there is no risk of carrying and throwing them. Children should also learn to keep their fingers away from its protruding eyes, which can be easily injured.

As with every breed, however, you need to teach children how to approach and touch dogs and always supervise any interaction between them to prevent any biting. Teach your child never to approach the dog while eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food. No dog, however friendly, should be left unattended with a child.