Raza de Perro Shih Tzu: Historia, Características y Adopción

The Shih Tzu is an ancient dog breed that originated in Tibet and was later introduced to China, where it became a favorite among royalty. They were bred as companions for the emperors and were known for their loyalty and affectionate nature.

The Shih Tzu has a distinctive appearance, with a long, flowing coat and a flat face. Their coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

One of the most unique characteristics of the Shih Tzu is their friendly and outgoing personality. They make great family pets and are often described as "lap dogs" due to their love of human companionship.

The name "shih tzu" comes from the Chinese word for "lion", as this breed was bred to resemble the majestic animal. The characters 獅子, which mean "lion", are the basis for the breed's name.

In Chinese, the breed is also known as the "perro Xi Shi", named after one of the most beautiful women in ancient China. This is a nod to the breed's regal and elegant nature.

The shih tzu was originally bred in the monasteries of Tibet, where it was considered a sacred animal.

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The name "shih tzu" comes from the Chinese word for "son of the lion", as this breed was bred to resemble the lion, just like the Chinese lion guardians depicted in traditional Eastern art.

This breed was originally known as the "perro león" in China, but "shih tzu" is the romanization of the Chinese characters 獅子, which mean lion. The Wade-Giles romanization was used when the breed was first introduced to the US, but now Pinyin is used, making it "shīzi".

In Chinese, the pronunciation is approximately SHI|dzə. The shih tzu is also referred to as the "Xi Shi" dog, named after Xi Shi, one of the most beautiful women in ancient China.

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The Shih Tzu's origin story is fascinating. It shares a common history with the Pekingese, originating from the monasteries of Tibet and China, where they were considered sacred dogs.

These little dogs were highly valued by the nobility in China, where they were pampered like royalty. In fact, the Shih Tzu was a favorite of the imperial court.

The Shih Tzu's name, "Shih Tzu", means "lion" in Chinese, but it's not because they're fierce like lions - it's because they were bred to resemble small lions. According to legend, Buda had a dog that could transform into a lion.

The Shih Tzu's ancestors were likely a cross between a Lhasa Apso and a Pekingese. They've been around for a long time, with records showing they lived in Tibetan monasteries as far back as the 7th century.

In the 14th century, Shih Tzus were brought to China as tributes to the emperor and quickly became palace favorites. However, with the rise of communism in China, the number of purebred Shih Tzus dramatically decreased.

Today, the Shih Tzu is a beloved companion dog, cherished for its gentle nature and stunning coat.

The Shih Tzu is an ancient dog breed with a rich history. Its origins date back to the monasteries of Tibet.

In the 7th century, small Shih Tzus already lived in Tibetan monasteries. A thousand years later, they arrived in China as tribute to the emperor.

The Shih Tzu quickly won over the hearts of the palace and became the favorite of the royal court. However, when communism took over in China, the number of breeders decreased significantly.

This was because the Shih Tzu was associated with the old China and the aristocracy, which didn't fit with the new regime's image. By the mid-20th century, only 14 purebred Shih Tzus remained.

Some European breeders refused to give up on the breed and continued to breed them outside of China. They crossed them with Pekingese to expand the gene pool and avoid inbreeding.

As a result, the Shih Tzu arrived in Great Britain and eventually spread to the rest of the world. Today, Great Britain is the guardian of the Shih Tzu breed.

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The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed, typically not exceeding 26-27 cm in height, and weighing between 4.5 and 7.3 kg, or even 8.5 kg in some cases.

Their head is relatively small compared to their body, with a short muzzle and large, dark eyes. The ears are quite large and hang down, covered in so much fur that they seem to be part of the neck's fur.

One notable characteristic is their prognathic bite, which is actually required in the breed standard.

Their fur is a double coat, soft and smooth, and they have a long, densely populated tail that curls over their back.

Shih Tzus are known for their distinctive way of walking, with a hint of arrogance. They have a unique appearance that sets them apart from other breeds.

Their fur is long and luscious, although it often requires regular grooming, which can lead owners to cut it short.

The Shih Tzu's muzzle is relatively flat, which can make breathing difficult in hot or exercise-intensive situations.

Here are the key characteristics of the Shih Tzu breed:

The Shih Tzu is a dog breed known for its beautiful and diverse coat colors.

Their fur can range from various shades of gold, white, and brown.

Some Shih Tzus have a distinctive gold coat with a black mask.

Others can be found in a pure black, liver, liver and white, or brindle pattern.

You might also see a white coat with grey, or a white coat with black and tan markings.

On rare occasions, a Shih Tzu might even have a solid blue coat.

Additionally, some Shih Tzus have a unique honey-colored coat, or a black coat with white markings.

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The Shih Tzu's temperament is one of its most endearing qualities. They are loyal, affectionate, and sociable dogs that thrive on human interaction.

One of the things I love about Shih Tzus is their friendly nature. They get along well with other dogs and children, making them a great addition to families.

However, Shih Tzus can be a bit mischievous at times. They love to play and can get overexcited, especially around children.

Despite their playful nature, Shih Tzus are also known to be quite affectionate. They love to cuddle and receive attention from their owners, and they're not picky about who gives it to them - they'll even offer affection to strangers!

Shih Tzus are highly social animals that require regular interaction and attention from their owners. They can become bored and destructive if left alone for too long.

In terms of intelligence, Shih Tzus are not the most obedient breed. They can be a bit stubborn at times and may not always listen to commands.

The Shih Tzu's coat requires daily attention, with regular brushing and combing to prevent matting. This breed's hair grows constantly, making it prone to tangling.

To keep their coat in good condition, Shih Tzus need to be brushed daily, and even multiple times a day. Their hair can easily become matted and dirty, so regular grooming is essential. In fact, their coat is so prone to matting that it's recommended to brush them daily to prevent this.

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Their coat also requires regular bathing, but not too frequently, as this can strip their skin of its natural oils. When bathing your Shih Tzu, be sure to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for dogs.

Here are some tips for bathing your Shih Tzu:

In addition to their coat, Shih Tzus also require regular exercise and attention to their health. They are prone to certain health issues, including eye and ear infections, so regular veterinary check-ups are essential.

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The Shih Tzu is a generally healthy breed, but like all breeds, it's prone to certain health issues. They have a relatively long lifespan, ranging from 11 to 14 years.

Their large, protruding eyes require extra attention to prevent eye infections, so regular veterinary check-ups are a must.

Some common health issues in Shih Tzus include:

Their short, flat face can cause breathing problems, and they're also prone to joint issues like luxación de rótula (kneecap dislocation) and displasia de cadera.

Adopción de un Shih Tzu no es una tarea fácil, pero si es lo que queremos, debemos tener muy claro que queremos que un nuevo integrante de la familia.

Es importante investigar qué perros pueden haber con características similares al Shih Tzu y acudir a una protectora, perrera o asociación de perros.

Un criador responsable no dispondrá de más de 4 o 5 camadas, ni reproducirá antes del año de edad, tanto de la madre como del padre, para darles un cuidado prenatal conveniente y respetar sus necesidades y salud, y la de sus cachorros.

Additional reading: Perros Shih Tzu

Adoptar un perro no es una tarea fácil, pero con la ayuda adecuada, podemos encontrar el compañero perfecto. Adoptar un shih tzu requiere un proceso serio y considerado.

Para iniciar el proceso de adopción, es fundamental tener claro qué tipo de perro queremos para nuestra familia. Un perro no es un juguete, sino un animal que requiere cuidados y cariños constantes.

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Una de las mejores opciones para adoptar un shih tzu es acudir a una protectora, perrera o asociación de perros. Estas organizaciones suelen tener perros con características similares al shih tzu, lo que facilita la búsqueda de nuestro compañero ideal.

Investigar y conocer las opciones disponibles en nuestras zonas es crucial para encontrar el perro perfecto.

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We carefully select and breed our dogs at Amare de Domi Canes, focusing on their character and health first, and then their beauty and pedigree.

A shih tzu ideal to us is a small, happy, affectionate, and calm dog without health problems or snoring, more stylish than chubby.

Shih tzus typically have 4 to 6 puppies per litter, depending on the parents.

A responsible breeder won't have more than 4 or 5 litters and won't breed before the parents are a year old.

This allows for proper prenatal care, including ultrasounds and veterinary check-ups, and ensures the mother gets the care she needs during and after the birth.

Reproductive dogs should be supervised by a veterinarian, vaccinated, and dewormed, and get enough socialization, grooming, and exercise for their breed.

Only by doing all these things can you get a healthy and balanced puppy.

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The Shih Tzu has different standards depending on whether it's recognized by the FCI or the AKC. The FCI has a slightly more relaxed standard.

The FCI allows for a maximum height of 27 cm at the cross, while the AKC has a range of 22.8 to 26.6 cm. This means that Shih Tzus recognized by the FCI can be slightly taller than those recognized by the AKC.

The FCI also allows for a weight range of 4.5 to 8 kg, while the AKC has a narrower range of 4 to 7.2 kg. This means that Shih Tzus recognized by the FCI can be slightly heavier than those recognized by the AKC.

In terms of bite, the FCI allows for a scissor bite or a slight prognathism, while the AKC only accepts an overbite. This means that Shih Tzus recognized by the FCI can have a slightly different mouth structure than those recognized by the AKC.

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Here's a summary of the differences between the FCI and AKC standards for the Shih Tzu:

These differences can affect the appearance and temperament of the Shih Tzu, so it's essential to understand the specific standard being used.