Shih Tzu
Chapter One
What Is a
Shih Tzu?
For hundreds of years, Shih Tzu have been bred to be human companions,
and their friendly, outgoing personality reflects this fact. In pre-revolutionary
China, it was a status symbol to own a dog who had no utilitarian function, such as
hunting or guarding. Shih Tzu were highly prized in the imperial court, where they
lived lives of luxury.
Because the Shih Tzu has always been intended as a companion, in both
show dogs and pet dogs the correct temperament is of the utmost importance.
Shih Tzu are alert, arrogant, and affectionate. They love people and other dogs,
big and small. Everyone is this breed's friend. It is most unusual and highly
undesirable for a Shih Tzu to be nasty, overly aggressive, nervous, or shy.
But people love them for their looks, as well. The Shih Tzu's unique head and
expression distinguish the breed from two other related Oriental breeds, the
Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. Although the Shih Tzu is classified by the
American Kennel Club (AKC) as a member of the Toy Group, the dog is solid
and sturdy. Many consider the Shih Tzu to be a big dog in a little package, in
both temperament and substance.
The Shih Tzu breed standard describes the ideal specime ... read full excerpt from Shih Tzu: Your Happy Healthy Pet, 2nd Edition ebook
