The Shih Tzu is a beloved breed known for its small size and long, flowing coat. These adorable dogs have a long history dating back to ancient China.
In fact, the Shih Tzu was a favorite among Chinese royalty, often kept as companions in the imperial palace. Their gentle nature and outgoing personalities made them perfect for palace life.
With their small size, weighing between 9 and 16 pounds, Shih Tzus are ideal for city living or for families with small children. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
Etimología y Historia
The name "shih tzu" is rooted in Chinese history and culture. It literally translates to "lion dog" in Chinese.
The breed was originally created to resemble the majestic lion, a symbol of power and protection in traditional Chinese art. This is why it's also sometimes referred to as the "Pekinés", or "lion dog" in Chinese.
In Chinese, the name "shih tzu" is romanized from the characters 獅子, which mean "lion".
Related reading: Shih Tzu Lion Dog
Etimología
The name "shih tzu" is rooted in Chinese, literally translating to "lion's child" as this breed was bred to resemble the majestic lion. The name comes from the Chinese characters 獅子, which indeed mean "lion".
In Chinese, the breed is also known as "Xi Shi" dog, named after Xi Shi, considered one of the most beautiful women in ancient China. This is a testament to the breed's regal and elegant nature.
The shih tzu was originally referred to as the "Chrysanthemum dog" in England during the 1930s, a nod to its delicate and charming appearance.
Take a look at this: Lion Cut Pomeranian Dog
Historia
The word "Historia" has a rich history, and its meaning has evolved over time. In Latin, "historia" referred to a narrative or a story.
The word's Latin root is "historia", which comes from the verb "historiare", meaning "to inquire" or "to investigate". This sense of inquiry and investigation is still a key part of the word's meaning today.
The concept of historia as a written record of events dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, who kept detailed accounts of their histories.
Características
The Shih Tzu is a small dog, slightly longer than tall, with a height of around 26-27 cm at the cross and a weight that oscillates between 4.5 and 8.5 kg.
Their head is relatively small compared to the rest of their body, with a short snout and very large, dark eyes. The ears are also quite large and hang down, covered in so much hair that they seem to be a part of the coat on the neck.
The Shih Tzu has a soft double coat, with a long, dense coat that requires regular grooming. Their tail is also very hairy and curls up over their back.
Explore further: Large Mountain Dogs
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small dog, typically not weighing more than 4 kg.
They are ideal companions that don't take up much space on the couch.
Their adorable appearance is often compared to a stuffed animal.
To maintain their beautiful coat, they require daily brushing to prevent tangles.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is one of the smallest dog breeds that can thrive in city life.
Their name may not be familiar, but they're also known as the sausage dog or Teckel.
One of the key characteristics of the Dachshund is that they are well-suited for city living, making them a great choice for urban dwellers.
They are a popular breed that has been adapted to live in small spaces, requiring minimal exercise and care.
You might like: Dachshound
Características
The Shih Tzu is a small dog, typically around 26-27 cm tall and weighing between 4.5 and 7.3 kg, with a weight of up to 8.5 kg.
Their head is relatively small compared to the rest of their body, with a short muzzle and large, dark eyes.
Their ears are quite large and hang down, covered in fur that makes them look like part of the coat on their neck.
The Shih Tzu has a double-layer coat that is soft and requires regular grooming.
Their tail is also heavily coated and curls up on their back.
They are known for their distinctive, slightly arrogant gait.
One notable characteristic is their prognathic bite, which is required in the breed standard.
A fresh viewpoint: English Mastiff Large
Apariencia
The Shih Tzu is a small, furry dog with a unique appearance. Their fur can come in a wide range of colors, including various shades of gold, white, and brown.
Their coat can be a single color, such as gold or black, or a combination of colors like liver and white or black and tan. Some Shih Tzus even have a solid blue coat.
One thing to note is that the perlé mottled pattern is not considered part of the breed standard.
Their long, silky coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Take a look at this: Yorkshire Terrier Black and Gold
Personalidad y Temperamento
The Shih Tzu is a loyal and affectionate breed that thrives on human interaction.
They are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs, but their friendly nature means they often greet strangers with affection.
Shih Tzus are highly social and love being around people, which makes them great companions for families with children.
However, they also value their personal space and may appear distant at times.
Their outgoing personalities make them easy to get along with, and they tend to get along well with other dogs.
With proper handling and gentle play, Shih Tzus can even become great playmates for kids.
But remember, they are small dogs and need to be treated with care and delicacy.
Overall, the Shih Tzu's friendly and adaptable nature makes them a great choice for city living or life in a small apartment.
Más Sobre Esta Raza
The Shih Tzu is a friendly and outgoing breed that thrives on human interaction.
They are highly social dogs that require regular attention and playtime to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Shih Tzus are intelligent dogs that can be trained with positive reinforcement and consistency.
Their small size makes them a great companion for apartment dwellers, but they still need regular exercise to stay healthy.
Shih Tzus have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great breed for families with children, as long as the children are taught how to handle them gently.
Shih Tzus are prone to certain health issues, such as eye problems and respiratory issues, so regular veterinary check-ups are crucial.
Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a great breed for first-time dog owners who want a low-maintenance companion.
For your interest: Are Shih Tzus Good with Kids
Sources
- Las 22 razas de perros más inteligentes y listos del mundo (nuevoestilo.es)
- 375 nombres de perros bonitos, originales y populares con sus significados (nuevoestilo.es)
- razas de perros blancos pequeños (nuevoestilo.es)
- razas de perros pequeños no ladran (nuevoestilo.es)
- 10 razas de perros pequeños y peludos (mundodeportivo.com)
- Estas son las razas de perros que no sueltan pelo (lavanguardia.com)
- «14 Insane (but true!) Facts About Shih Tzus - Shih Tzu Daily» (shihtzudaily.com)
- «Shih Tzu - Historia y Leyendas | HealthGuidance.org» (healthguidance.org)
- «Leyendas del Shih Tzu» (nationalpurebreddogday.com)
- html «Historia de la raza canina Shih Tzu» (everythingshihtzu.com)
- el original (ukcdogs.com)
- «Historia del Shih Tzu: Cómo se salvó de la extinción al perro real tibetano» (akc.org)
- uk/shih-tzu/breed-history «Historia de la cría - Shih Tzu Club UK» (theshihtzuclub.co)
- el original (perros-raza.com)
- Shih Tzu (wikimedia.org)
- Shih Tzu (mistermascotas.com.mx)
Featured Images: pexels.com