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The Shih Tzu originates from China and was originally developed to be a lap dog and companion to Chinese Royalty. The origins of this breed date back to the 1800’s, when it was developed in China during the reign of the Empress Dowager Cixi or Tz’u-shi, which explains the origins of the name. The Shih Tzu is also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog.

This dog is classified as a member of the American Kennel Club’s Toy Dog Group. The Shih Tzu was first registered by the AKC in 1969.

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Welcome New Visitor!

By Connie Limon

The average puppy or Shih Tzu puppy’s eyes open between 12 and 15 days of age. The ear canals open soon thereafter, usually within a day or two. All puppies are born with their eyes and ears sealed shut. Do not try to open them. If you force or pry open the puppy’s eyelids during any development stage, you can cause the puppy irreversible injury. Shih Tzu puppies are unable to see or hear before this time. Shih Tzu puppies are receptive to the stimuli of light and dark, noise and quiet. Some Shih Tzu puppies will open their eyes before 12 days; some are even later than the 15 days.

If all but one or two Shih Tzu puppies have their eyes open and functioning well, check with your veterinarian about the slower developing Shih Tzu puppies. A Shih Tzu brood matron’s eggs become fertilized during the breeding process at different times due to multiple inseminations. Some Shih Tzu puppies that develop later may be just simply because they were conceived at a later time.

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The Story Of The Shih Tzu

By Connie Limon

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.

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A Profile of the Shih Tzu

By Andrew Strachan

The Shih Tzu is classed by the AKC in the toy class. Being a small dog Shih Tzu’s will not need a lot of food but they can require a lot of grooming. They make excellent guard dogs as their alert nature will have them barking at the slightest sign of intruders.

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy dog, with a double layered coat; long and flowing on the outer layer, but wooly on the layer below. Although the history of the Shih Tzu is vague, it is believed to have originated in Tibet. As the lion was a strong symbol in Buddhism, the Chinese and Tibetan lamas were thought to have bred the dog to resemble a small lion. Throughout history, Chinese imperial rulers bred the Shih Tzu to keep as members of the imperial courts. This ‘royal’ heritage can be seen in their somewhat arrogant character.

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What is an Imperial / Teacup Shih Tzu? Do They Actually Exist?

By Connie Limon

I did not create the “labels” Imperial or “Teacup.” These words were already set in stone before I ever came on board. I picked up the terms only because potential customers were asking me for “Imperial Size” or “Teacup Size.” I RARELY get a request for a “Standard” size shih tzu as defined by the American Kennel Club. Since these words of Imperial Shih Tzu and Teacup Shih Tzu were so common to describe a particular size of shih tzu and I was seeing these are the terms people place in search engines boxes looking for the size THEY WANT in a shih tzu, I began using the terms as well mainly to be able to communicate with potential customers in their own language.

The smaller size shih tzu are NOT smaller just because they are UNHEALTHY. This is a downright myth or lie being spread by those who are in favor of only one size shih tzu, which they say, is the only size shih tzu that should be on the market. And the ill-will I have heard from this group of people against these little guys is almost unreal, as if these smaller size shih tzus should not have the same rights as the “standard” size, maybe not even the “right to live” if this side of the poll had its ultimate way about things. And……as if people who have these little guys for sale command a higher price, that this is proof the breeder is doing something outrageously WRONG. Well……..like I said…….RARELY does anyone ask me for a “standard” size shih tzu. There is a huge market of individuals and families who prefer these smaller sizes including me. I like all the sizes, but the smaller ones are my favorite. They are like little tiny treasures, almost always sweeter than the bigger guys. To me, they are like a rare exquisite jewel in the midst of all kinds of other jewels. They do require more work on the part of the breeder. Often, to keep them going at first because they are so small they have to be hand-fed and fed extra supplements like Nutri-cal daily. For these reasons of being that tiny treasured, exquisite jewel, rare and unique from all the rest, and because of the all extra labor involved in raising them, they command a higher price.

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Shih-tzu the Best Lap Dog Period

By Adam Lenk

The Shih-tzu is mostly known for its vibrant beauty, abounding energy, and imperial attitude. In fact, the Shih-tzu has become one of the most popular breeds among consumers searching for the unimaginably cute and playful puppy.

The Shih-tzu originates in China. It is believed that these tiny dogs originated in Tibet and then were brought to be bred in the City of Peking. The Shih-tzu quickly caught the eye of the Imperial Chinese court and were guarded protectively by their benevolent owners. Members of the Chinese royalty were so protective of the breed that it wasn’t until 1930 that the Shih-tzu debuted in Western civilization.

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Just What Exactly Is A Shih Tzu?

By Connie Limon

The Shih Tzu has long been prized solely as a companion. The Shih Tzu’s temperament is of the utmost importance. It is the Shih Tzu’s unique head and expression that actually distinguishes the breed from two other related Oriental breeds, the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese.

Shih Tzu are alert, arrogant, full of playful antics, and affectionate. Dog show judging is based on how closely each Shih Tzu entered approaches the ideal picture described in the breed standard.

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Worried About Which Breed of Dog is Best for Your Family? Find Some Answers Here

By Niall Kennedy

Ask ten experts how many breeds of dogs exist and you will get ten different answers. However, many estimate there are more than 300 breeds of dogs. Each is valued by someone or by a group of people. In fact, they exist because they were bred to have characteristics that make them well suited for specific tasks. Over thousands of years, dogs were bred to meet a variety of human needs.

Chihuahuas, Pekinese and Shih-Tzus are generally known as toy breeds - very small types of dogs, often weighing less than ten pounds. The dogs were bred to be mainly companions rather than perform physical labor. These dogs were the basis of the phrase “lap” dogs as they were easily held in their owners’ laps.

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