ePetsDirect Insider

 Email to a Friend Darren September 25th, 2007

Several theories exist as to how the Shih Tzu was created. It has been reported that around the year 1650 the Dalai Lama visited China and brought along three “holy dogs” from Tibet. The Dalai Lama was believed to be a reincarnation of Buddha. Tibetan monks were devoted to breeding “holy dogs” to resemble their perception of lions. Based upon this theory, it is believed the three “holy dogs” were interbred with Pekingese to create shorter muzzles, broader heads, smaller dogs in general and is quite possibly the foundation of today’s Shih Tzu breed.

Some people believe the Shih Tzu was created by crossing Lhasa Apsos with Pekingese. Another theory is that the Tibetan Spaniel was bred with the Pekingese to create predecessors of the Shih Tzu.

Others believe the Shih Tzu developed centuries ago in Tibet and reached China originally as a purebred. The answer to just how the Shih Tzu were created still eludes us today. Its origin is steeped in mysteries and legends. The Shih Tzu is generally as the result of interbreeding original Tibetan “holy dogs” and various “lion dogs” in China. It is also generally accepted that the oldest and smallest of the “holy Dogs” are the ancestors of today’s Shih Tzu.

Through time the Shih Tzu has had many nicknames:

1. Lion Dog
2. Holy Dog
3. Fu Dog
4. Chrysanthemum-faced dog
5. Sleeve Dog
6. Under The Table Dog
7. Shih Tzu Kou
8. Lhasa Lion Dog
9. Lhasa Terrier
10. Tibetan Poodle
11. Shock Dog
12. Imperial Shih Tzu
13. Teacup Shih Tzu
14. Imperia/Teacup Shih Tzu
15. Standard Shih Tzu

After World War II, there were very few Shih Tzus in Europe. A few of the larger specimens reached the U.K. from China. Of these few larger size Shih Tzu, many had medical problems or died at an early age. The problems could have been caused by poor living conditions, insufficient food or food of low quality.

Breeders began breeding as many of the remaining Shih Tzu as possible. They did not remove a Shih Tzu from the breeding program just because it wasn’t a perfect specimen of the breed, and at that time, who really knew what was a perfect specimen of the Shih Tzu anyway. The result of these breedings resulted in Shih Tzu much larger than was ever seen in the Chinese Imperial Palace during the days of the Empress Dowager. Eunuchs tried desparately to keep the very exquisite, small treasures of the Imperial Palace from reaching anyone outside the Palace. There were even instances where some Eunuchs fed the Shih Tzu glass just before releasing them to others outside the palace and then committed suicide themselves.

Despite all their efforts, however, Shih Tzu managed to survive. We are blessed today with these exquisite creatures, and regardless of what their nicknames have been or is now, the fact that we have Shih Tzu at all is quite a miracle.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon

Popularity: 2% [?]

• Dog Breeds , Dogs , Shih-Tzu
•  Email to a Friend
• Comments(0)

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

 Email to a Friend Darren September 25th, 2007

Shih Tzu, originally uploaded by Pixel Spit.

Popularity: 2% [?]

• Dog Breeds , Dog Photos , Dogs , Shih-Tzu
•  Email to a Friend
• Comments(0)

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

 Email to a Friend Darren September 25th, 2007

In 1952 Elfreda Evans deliberately bred a Shih Tzu to a Pekingese. This was the “unthinkable,” and was not taken well by many. However, Ms. Evans felt there were just too few Shih Tzus available to breed and those that were available were much too large and too inbred. She believed because the Shih Tzu were so closely related they were developing too many faults.

One of the greatest moments in Shih Tzu history was in 1963. A Shih Tzu named Champion Ellingham Kala Nag won Best of Breed at Crufts, the most renowned and respected dog show in the United Kingdom. The Shih Tzu began winning hearts all around the world.

In spite of its appeal the Shih Tzu was not accepted as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club until 1955. It was then listed in the Miscellaneous Class. By 1964 there were approximately 400 Shih Tzus registered in the United States.

Although much progress had been made, the Pekingese cross did seem to causes a setback for Shih Tzu recognition in the United States. The American Kennel Club would not recognize any of the descendants of the Shih Tzu/Pekingese outcross as purebred Shih Tzu until they were at least four generations removed from the original Shih Tzu/Pekingese mating. We do know, however, that by 1966 there were 15 registered Shih Tzu champions in the United Kingdom that were descendants of Mrs. Evans’ Shih Tzu/Pekingese cross.

By 1980 the Shih Tzu population were into the thousands and Shih Tzus were being exported to many countries around the world. In 1989 the American Shih Tzu Club developed a more descriptive standard to guide Shih Tzu breeders. Today, in the United States, the Shih Tzu ranks among the ten most popular breeds.

It seems as though the Shih Tzu’s fight for survival is finally over……

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon

Popularity: 1% [?]

• Dog Breeds , Shih-Tzu
•  Email to a Friend
• Comments(0)

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

 Email to a Friend Darren September 25th, 2007

Far away in Tibet, a country with a recorded history going back almost 1,500 years is where our Shih Tzu began. The country was noted for its devotion to Buddhism.

Some of the tallest mountains in the world edge the country of Tibet. Winters in Tibet are severe with temperatures to 14 degrees F in December. The winds in Tibet are strong and biting with hard frosts. Snowfall is light. In the summer, daylight temperatures reach a maximum of 75 degrees F with a sharp drop in temperature at night. Throughout most of the year there is sunshine and the air is dry and pure.

The people of this remote and rather mysterious land of Tibet were like so many other cultures in our world. They kept dogs in a domestic environment. There were large dogs used for guarding and small, shaggy dogs used as companions and as watch-dogs to alert the larger dogs. These small dogs were the ancestors of our Shih Tzu. The history of the Shih Tzu, however, is steeped in myth and legends, which makes it difficult to sort the true facts of our Shih Tzu.

One tale in particular, which I find interesting, is that of the small Lion Dogs were trained to turn the prayer wheels as part of the daily ritual in the monasteries. There was a belief that those monks whose life had been less than exemplary, would in accordance with the Buddhist theory of reincarnation, be reborn as one of the temple dogs.

Buddhism in Tibet recognized a large number of divine beings. Each being symbolized an aspect of life. One was Buddha Manjusri, the God of Learning. The God of Learning was said to travel with a small Lion Dog (ancestor to our Shih Tzu) that could turn into a full-sized lion and carry him vast distances on his back.

Oddly enough, there were no actual lions in Tibet, only artistic works of the animal, which were often somewhat fantastical. We cannot be sure whether the Lion Dogs were bred to resemble the drawings and statues of the symbolic lions or if the artists created their ‘lions’ in the likeness of the little dogs (ancestors to our Shih Tzu).

The snow lion was called Gang Seng and was considered to be so powerful that he could cause seven dragons to fall out of the sky with one roar. The symbolic lion was believed to have the ability to walk in the clouds. He could also speak with the voice of truth and fearlessness.

Tibet was a difficult place to get to. China was a neighbor to Tibet. Gifts from Tibet to China were sent as tribute to the Chinese emperors, among which were Tibetan Lion Dogs (ancestor to our Shih Tzu).

These little dogs traveled with the caravans on long journeys from one country to the other. A small army of eunuchs took care of the little dogs. The little Tibetan Lion Dogs (ancestors to our Shih Tzu) adapted well as they have continued to do wherever they have gone to live through the centuries.

In China, everything must have been very different from Tibet. The summers in Peking were warm and humid with a lot of rain. The winters were very cold, somewhat like Tibet, with temperatures as low as 0 degrees F in January. It is recorded that the little Tibetan Lion Dogs settled in and became great favorites of the Manchu emperors.

Most likely they were interbred with the short-faced Chinese breeds – the Chinese Pug and the Pekinese, which is probably what gives the Shih Tzu the characteristics that differentiate them from the Tibetan Lion Dogs that later became the Lhasa Apsos.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Designer dog clothes are offered on the website. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon

Popularity: 2% [?]

• Dog Breeds , Shih-Tzu
•  Email to a Friend
• Comments(0)

(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

 Loading ...

 Email to a Friend Kristi September 22nd, 2007

Popularity: 2% [?]

• Dachshund , Our Pets , Shih-Tzu
•  Email to a Friend
• Comments(0)

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

 Email to a Friend Darren September 22nd, 2007

If your Shih Tzu eats its own feces as well as the feces of its companions do not be alarmed and feel as though you have gotten a Shih Tzu from a breeder that was not reputable or some other cause. Behavioral research now says the idea that it is a dietary deficiency or a pancreatic enzyme deficiency is not even the source. Dogs in general are historically scavengers and this is believed to be a scavenger behavior.

I cannot believe how some people who have purchased Shih Tzu will call me immediately and announce: “that dog eats its feces,” or some other negative sounding remark about the Shih Tzu in particular and often they are also referring to me as the breeder as something “guile” now that they witness “that dog eats its feces.” I am forever amazed at how people do not realize dogs and Shih Tzu are “animals,” and they will all have traits peculiar to what people would do. Of course, no human in their right mind would ever eat feces, although this has occurred in the human race as well. A human eating feces, however, is very abnormal and is a reason to seek help for that individual as soon as possible. A human that eats feces is definitely mentally disturbed. Dogs are animals. They are not humans regardless of how much people domesticate them, they are still animals and will always carry some of their animal instincts with them wherever they go, and for as long as they live.

It is important for Shih Tzu owners and other dog owners to know this behavior is normal for a mother Shih Tzu or mother dog with puppies. Newborn puppies have to learn to urinate and defecate. They are not born able to eliminate their wastes automatically as human babies are.

Honestly, sometimes I feel like saying if you cannot accept that the Shih Tzu is an animal and accept some of its ways as being normal to this fact, then you need to adopt you a real live baby instead of adopting the Shih Tzu or other dogs and then being angry at the dog or the Shih Tzu or the breeder for that dog’s animalistic behaviors. I have even had people to tell me: “since that dog ate its feces, I have been turned against it,” and I sure don’t want that dog kissing me after knowing it eats feces.” Well, if you are a person such as this, you don’t need to adopt a Shih Tzu or any other kind of a puppy. Stay away from them, and if you must adopt something, adopt a human baby. But, I warn you, there will be problems with that as well.

Not everyone is able to be a Shih Tzu owner or dog owner. For those of us able to bear some of these less tasteful annoyances, hooray for us, because there is so much more to enjoy about the Shih Tzu and being a dog owner than there are those things that are negative.

A mother Shih Tzu licks the bottoms of their newborns. This licking stimulates the newborn to urinate and defecate. The Shih Tzu mother then consumes the newborn puppies’ excrement, which in the dog kingdom and as order of Mother Nature serves two protective purposes which are:

• It keeps the den area clean
• It removes smells that could attract a predator

A lot of Shih Tzu puppies and other breeds of puppies learn the behavior of eating feces from their mother and will stimulate themselves and consume their own feces. A person could go a little further and speculate the puppy is continuing the tradition of its mother to keep itself and its environment clean and to help ward off predators from its immediate environment. In the doggie kingdom, this would be considered “highly intelligent” behavior, rather than something so very awful and disgusting as it is in the world of humans. Most Shih Tzu puppies will eventually stop this behavior.

Adult Shih Tzu can learn this behavior from other adult Shih Tzu. In some cases it may also be an attention-seeking behavior, or due to anxiety or boredom. Animal behaviorist for the most part says though motivation for eating feces is just not known.

I have watched how my own Shih Tzu will follow me around when I am scooping feces, and some of them will try to get the feces up before I can get to it. In this case, I really feel they are playing a game with me, as if to say, I can get those feces before you get it. I can sit and look at the same section of feces, and nobody touches it, until I grab the scoop to get it, then there is a crew right there, ready to pick it up “first.” I call this behavior just plain “comical antics of the Shih Tzu.”

Eating feces is still a problem in that it exposes the Shih Tzu to parasites and diseases. The behavior is easier to prevent than cure. Do not allow the opportunity to arise. Keep the Shih Tzu’s area as clean as possible and dispose of feces promptly. This is probably the best possible solution for the problem.

You should also consult with your vet about other possible solutions to the Shih Tzu eating its own feces, and/or the feces of other dogs.

Author: Connie Limon, breeder of pet and show prospect Shih Tzu in a variety of colors. Website provides a wealth of information. Please visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our newsletters. Puppies are sold with health guarantee and are bred from champion bloodlines.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon

Popularity: 35% [?]

• Dogs , Shih-Tzu
•  Email to a Friend
• Comments(0)

(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

 Loading ...

 Email to a Friend Darren September 18th, 2007

Small dog breeds are great pets, but since their personalities are all different, it’s a good idea to look at their individual characteristics to see if they fit with your lifestyle.

Pomeranians:

Pomeranians developed from a much larger dog breed and seem to have retained the mellow character. They are good with children if they have been raised with them from puppyhood. They are playful and active. They tend to bark and require daily grooming.

Chihuahuas:

Chihuahuas are an interesting small breed. I have raised several herds - and that is a good word for a group of chihuahuas - and their temperment is a bit different from other small dogs. They can be very aggressive towards other dog breeds. I adopted one chihuahua who kept attacking a German Shepherd who finally bit her. After she got out of the hospital she went after him again. I ended up with her because she wasn’t going to quit attacking bigger dogs. Some chihuahuas will growl and nip at small children. Good points - chihuahuas are very loyal and affectionate. They don’t require as much exercise as other small breeds so they make ideal pets for apartment dwellers or older people. They are good with cats.

Boston Terrier:

Good with children and other animals, the Boston terrier is a good small dog for families. They are suitable for any lifestyle. They can be aggressive chewers. Their short coat is easy to keep clean.

Jack Russell Terrier:

This dog breed is only for the most active owners. They love to chase balls, can hop onto a table with ease and can be aggressive if not trained properly. Very intelligent and lively, they require a lot of attention and discipline.

Maltese:

This small dog breed can be very protective of its owner. It is not suitable for families with children because they are very fragile.

Shitzu or Shih tzu:

Good natured and non-aggressive, these friendly little dogs make great family pets. They require daily brushing but their hair is non-shedding. Good with other animals.

Bichon Frise:

These little dogs make good family pets. They are good with children as well as other animals. Very intelligent, easy to train and lively. Their coat doesn’t shred.

Dachshund:

Not a hound but a terrier bred to go after vermin, the breed is lively and affectionate. Good with family members but will become aggressive to children outside the family. They make good watchdogs and will bark frequently to alert their owners.

Pekinese:

Very fierce and loyal, these little dogs are not good around children or other animals. These are good dogs for the elderly. Their coats require a good deal of grooming.

Skye Terrier:

Great with children, okay with other dogs but not tolerant of cats. This unique breed makes a fine pet. Distrustful of strangers.

The next step after selecting a breed is to find a reputable breeder. To get more information, visit us at www.dog-match.com/small-dog-breeds

Popularity: 3% [?]

• Bichon Frise , Boston Terrier , Chihuahua , Dachshund , Dog Breeds , Jack Russell Terrier , Maltese , Pekinese , Pomeranians , Shih-Tzu , Skye Terrier
•  Email to a Friend
• Comments(0)

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

 Email to a Friend Kristi September 13th, 2007

Just wanted to introduce our inspiration for starting ePetsDirect.com. She is our little fur ball of joy. Keltee is a very small 5. 5 pound Shih Tzu. She was easy to train and understands many words, hand gestures and other commands. She has become such a fun member of our family.

Popularity: 6% [?]

• Our Pets , Shih-Tzu
•  Email to a Friend
• Comments(0)

(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

 Loading ...