Shih Tzus!

Shih Tzus are so awesome so why don't you have a look at some facts about them!

#1. "Pronunciation: Americans commonly pronounce the Shih-Tzu as SHEET-sue, however, the actual original Chinese translation is - sure-ds

In the Chinese pronunciation the "ds" is pronounced the same as the "ds" at the end of the word "Words". It is Chinese Mandarin, and translates directly to "lion". That is where the term "lion dog" comes from. The moniker "chrysanthemum dog" and "sheet-sue" are common in America, but are both inaccurate American renditions of the original Chinese."

#2. "The Shih-Tzu is a small, sturdy dog, with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall."

#3. "The head is round and broad, wide between the eyes."

#4. "The nose is broad, with well open nostrils."

#5. "Nose, lips, and eye rims are liver on liver colored dogs and blue on blue dogs and black on all other colors."

#6. "The teeth meet in a level or under bite."

#7. "The large, round eyes are dark in color, but lighter on blue and liver dogs."

#8. "The large, pendant, low-set ears hang down and are covered in abundant hair."

#9. "The back is level."

#10. "The muscular legs are straight and well-boned."

#11. "The high-set tail is carried over the back covered in abundant hair."

#12. "The double coat is dense and long, flowing down over the dog. The hair above the eyes is often tied in a topknot. There is a profuse beard and mustache and the hair on the muzzle is short. Coat comes in all colors."

#13. "The Shih-Tzu is an alert, lively, little dog."

#14. "Happy and hardy, packed with character."

#15. "The gentle loyal Shih-Tzu makes friends easily and responds well to consistent patient training."

#16. "They make a very alert watch dog."

#17. "Courageous and clever."

#18. "Playful and spunky, this affectionate little dog likes to be with people and are generally good with other pets."

#19. "Some can be difficult to housebreak."

#20. "The Shih Tzu needs all of the humans in the house to be pack leader, with the rules of the house made consistently clear."

#21. "Give this dog rules, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do. Be their firm, stable, consistent pack leader. Take them for daily pack walks to burn mental and physical energy. Their temperament will improve for the better, and you will bring out the sweet, trustworthy dog in them."

#22. "Height: Up to 11 inches (28cm.)"

#23. "Weight: 9-16 pounds (4-7kg.)"

#24. "Prone to slipped stifle and spinal disc disease caused by a long back and short legs. Also ear infections, eye problems and early tooth loss. Tends to wheeze and snore and can have respiratory problems. These dogs gain weight easily and should not be overfed."

#25. "The Shih Tzu is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is sensitive to the heat."

#26. "The Shih Tzu needs a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. Do not over feed this breed or it will quickly become fat."

#27. "Life Expectancy: About 15 years or more."

#28. "These little dogs require a good daily grooming using a bristle brush. When kept in along coat a topknot is usually tied to keep the hair out of the dog's eyes. Some owners prefer to have them trimmed to make the coat easier and less time consuming to care for. Keep the ear passages and area around the eyes clean. Shih-Tzu's have sensitive eyes that need to be kept clean. There are special drops you can buy to put in them if needed. Ask your vet what to use on your dog. This breed sheds little to no hair and are good for allergy suffers if their coats are kept very well groomed, do to the fact that they shed little skin dander."

#29. "Sixteenth century documents and paintings show dogs resembling the Shih-Tzu. The Shih-Tzu is said to have descended from crossing the Lhasa Apso or Tibetan mountain dog and Pekingese, in the city of Peking in the 17th century. The dogs were favorites of the Chinese royals and were so prized that for years the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give away any of the dogs. It was not until the 1930s that the first pair was imported to England, when it was discovered by English soldiers during World War II. The Shih-Tzu was recognized in Britain in 1946. The AKC recognized the breed in 1969."

Info from: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/shihtzu.htm
Shih Tzu puppy pic from: http://puppydogweb.com/gallery/shihtzus/shihtzu_004.htm

Shih Tzu lying down pic from: http://www.gibdogpetsuppliesblog.com/category/dog-news/shih-tzu/