Shih Tzu (dog-chrysanthemum, lion dog) is one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world. From the Chinese language their name (Shih Tzu, Shizi) is translated as "lion". In Russian, they can sometimes be called shitsu or shih-tsu. The motherland of these dogs is China. Until the beginning of the twentieth century dogs of this breed were forbidden dogs of the imperial court.
History of Shih Tzu breed
By tradition shih-tzu is considered to be a Chinese breed of dogs. According to one version, their homeland is Tibet. It is known that in 1653 one Dalai Lama from Tibet presented as a present to the emperor several such dogs, which made this breed forbidden, that is, only the imperial family could own it. According to some documents, we can assume that this breed came to Tibet from Byzantium at the end of the VI century, that is, from Europe. However, where they really came from is not known for certain.
In Europe, the shih-tzu reappeared through the Norwegian ambassador in the late thirties of the twentieth century, which was presented to China with a Shih Tzu bitch named Leidz. Using his connections, the ambassador managed to acquire a couple more dogs for the production of offspring and after returning to Europe he started breeding this unknown to Europeans before the breed.
The Origin of Shih Tzu
Precisely the origin of this breed is not established. According to several hypotheses and the results of genetic studies, it is believed that shih-tzu was obtained as a result of crossing breeds of Pekingese and Lhasa Apso. There are other hypotheses, but no one has yet been confirmed. Shih Tzu can be called one of the oldest rocks in the world. They are called lion dogs because of their Chinese name, which means a lion, and dog-chrysanthemums - because the location of the hair on their faces looks like a chrysanthemum flower.
Character of Shih Tzu
These little dogs, although they look beautiful and toy, that is, as decorative, are not really a decorative breed. Shih Tzu is, above all, a companion dog, and it has a distinctive character. For example, if there are several people in the house, they do not have a certain master, the shih-tzu divides his attention between everyone. Shih Tzu very much do not like to be alone and go for their masters on their heels, wherever they go. Even if the dog is asleep - it's all the same, if a person is going somewhere, then the shih-tzu is not too lazy to get up and go after him. And shih-tzu are so strongly attached to people that they often pay more attention to people than to other dogs. Such attachment to people makes this breed an excellent companion for lonely and elderly people.
Shih Tzu can not be called weak, they have a strong enough physique and they can drag a fairly large compared with them weight. However, using them as security dogs is not advisable, because they are small and affectionate.
Do not let puppies and young dogs play with young children - dogs feel like they are like themselves and are eager to play with all the energy that is available to them, which can damage the child. Shih Tzu can be kept at home, without taking to the street, which is especially important given that in adulthood, their overgrown long hair can greatly interfere with the walk and the owners, and the dogs themselves. Shih Tzu are easily accustomed to the tray. Although often referred to as a silent breed, the shih-tzu can bark loudly, and often from a very early age. If they remain alone, then they can accompany the care of the owner with weeping and whining for several minutes, but they are unlikely to bark. Most often, shih-tzu are very active and can play and run for a very long time.
Appearance
This is a small dog with long hair. Like the Maltese lapdog and the Afghan borzoi, they have the longest hair compared to their physique.
Shih Tzu can be of different colors, most often a mixture of brown, red, white and black. Occasionally, the specimens are almost completely black, and sometimes you can see white shih-tzu with a small admixture of vanilla, some people even confuse them with Maltese lapdogs. Shih Tzu, completely covered with white, does not exist.