Shih Tzu Dogs

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The Shih Tzu is a member of the toy dog group which got its name from the Chinese, meaning "Lion Dog". However, even though this dog breed is typically associated with China, research shows that the Shih Tzu's original origins actually date back to the 17th century in the land of Tibet.

Most dog breeds become listed as official members of the American kennel club as far back as the 1800s and into the early 1900s. However, the Shih Tzu was not officially recognized by the AKC until the late 1960's. That decade dawned an explosion of Shih Tzus as household pets and as its popularity grew, the AKC took notice and registered the breed.

Shih Tzu dogs are known to be a bit on the spunky side, yet extremely friendly and sweet. They are very lovable lapdogs who enjoy playing and running around with their owner. These animals are wonderful house pets and are great with children. In fact, the Shih Tzu scores high on the "friendliness scale" when it comes to other dogs, other pets, and even strangers

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Males and females all colors, including RARE CHOCOLATES, solid black, solid red, black/w, red/w. We come in every color; some, part white with color (called parti's) and others, one color allover (called solids).

The head is rounded, with a profuse beard and mustache, short hairy muzzle, and black nose (except in liver-colored dogs which have liver noses). There is a definite stop. Its drooping ears are fringed with long hair, and its snout is short and square. The dog's coat is long and thick, and comes in many different color combination. Cute puppies have very sharp teeth, and they are happy to use your hands, feet, nose, hair, etc, as a chew toy. Needless to say, a teething puppy and a small child do NOT make good companions!

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The hair coat is naturally long and dense and requires daily care. The hair of the face is typically tied on top of the head as a topknot. It describes the physical appearance and other desired qualities of the breed otherwise known as type. Some characteristics, such as size, coat quality, and movement, are based on the original (or current) function for the dog. This fueled an effort to breed for gold and whites and led to the virtual disappearance of many other colors from the show ring. Today many breeders would love to have more solid blacks, black-masked golds, black and whites, and platinum silver and whites with black tippings, but these colors are recessive and it has become very difficult to find quality dogs that are genetically capable of producing them. The Shih Tzu must never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty. Substance-Regardless of size, the Shih Tzu is always compact, solid and carries good weight and substance.

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Shih Tzu dogs that are in good health have a lifespan of up to 14 or more years. The only major health concern that seem to be common with this dog breed is CHD. Minor concerns include PRA, renal dysplasia, otitis externa, patellar luxation, KCS, entropion, portacaval shunt, and inguinal hernia.

Veterinarians recommend that all Shih Tzu dogs be specifically tested for hip dysplasia, eye problems, and DNA for renal dysplasia. Occasionally, the following health problems may occur: dental problems and cataracts.

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