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Some westerner breeders challenge the assumption that the Shih Tzu from Tibet were on occasion interbred with the native Pekingese to reduce the Shih Tzu to a smaller size. However, there are those in China at the time who probably have a better position to know exactly what did happen. There are several statements made by different people who was actually in China at the time the Shih Tzu were crossed with the Pekingese. Colonel Valentine Burkhardt for one points out that th...

Reward training is often seen as the most modern method of training a Shih Tzu, but reward training is probably much older than other methods of dog training. It is possible that reward training for Shih Tzu has been around as long as there have been dogs of any breed to train. Early humans probably used some informal kind of reward training when taming the wolf pups that eventually evolved into modern dogs. Many principles of modern reward training date back many decade...

Since the Shih Tzu breed first became known to the western world there has been a variety of colors. The first and second prize winners at the Shanghai Kennel Club Show of May 30, 1930 were all black in color. These two solid black Shih Tzu were probably among the first Shih Tzu to ever appear in a western show ring. Their photographs can be seen in the China Journal June and August 1930 issues. Black and white Shih Tzu was also frequently seen of the early days in the wes...

A dog that comes inside the house needs a little extra grooming than an outside dog. By grooming daily, you keep dirt and parasites that can live in your dog's coat out of your home.

Many conditions result in dog health problems and in some breeds of dogs, the breed is prone to more health problems then others. Joint problems and heart problems account for some of these more serious health problems. When looking for a dog, you need to be aware of some of the problems that can arise in a dog’s life. Besides the everyday parasites and injuries from rough play, some dogs are prone to eye infections, ear infections and mange.

Most of the world’s dogs are undifferentiated varieties resulting from random interbreeding widely known as “mixed breeds” or “mutts.” Yet most people, including dog owners only know or talk about purebreds. This article seeks to discuss about both mutts and pedigrees and the benefits and disadvantages of owning either type.

When times get hard, just imagine all the joy you'll get from a well potty trained puppy. Potty training can be the most challenging and rewarding part of all puppy-training exercises. Potty training any puppy can be very frustrating at times, but can provide a lifetime of rewards. Being consistent while potty training will help your puppy develop a positive behavior.

The earliest “Lion Dog” in Tibet had long hair, were small in size and similar to the Maltese in type. As Tibet and China exchanged traditions and beliefs of culture and religion, the exchange of dogs became a two-way affair as well. The Chinese definitely interbred their small dogs, which were of many varieties, with the Tibetans with long hair, and the people of Tibet no doubt interbred their small dog with those from the Chinese people. The outcome of this interbreeding...

There is a highly important article presented by a Norweigan Shih Tzu fancier of which the author’s name is not given. It is thought to be almost certain, however, the article was written by Dr. Walter Young, author of Some Canine Breeds of Asia. The article was published in Peiping shortly before the first Peking Kennel Club Show. The articles states: “at least as common as good Pekingese in Peiping are the Tibetans, the shock-headed long-coated little dogs which came to ...

If this is your Shih Tzu matron’s first litter she may become nervous or even terrified. Your attitude at this time is very important. The manner in which a Shih Tzu matron accepts or rejects her offspring is often in direct response to your attitude or even the whelping box site. Normal Shih Tzu puppies are plump and firm at birth. They have good muscle and skin tones. The skin on the abdomen, feet and mouth is pink. If Shih Tzu puppies cry continuously or constantly...

While your Shih Tzu is doing her part with the delivery, you can gently but firmly grip the Shih Tzu puppy’s sac with the aid of a towel or diaper. Hold the Shih Tzu puppy in a position of presentation to prevent it from being withdrawn back into the birth canal. Each time your Shih Tzu matron has a contraction the Shih Tzu puppy is closer to birth. You, as a Shih Tzu mid-wife need only to the hold the Shih Tzu puppy to prevent withdrawal and allow Nature to work. Sometime...

It is really significant to tutor a dog the appropriate conduct while it is yet inexperienced. We all know the importance of playing and having fun with an original pup or dog, what is too as significant is the demand to tutor this animal expected behavior, which is for it to recognize behaviors that are satisfactory and those that are not. The better warranty that the dog will hear and keep all it has been taught, is that the lessons must be taught while the dog is yet a...

Cats have internal health problems that cause skin conditions in cats. Pruritus affects the skin of cats because of the nerve fibers that control sensations such as pruritus, pain, temperature and touch. In cats, pruritus affects the grooming habits and some scratching is associated with this skin condition. When a cat has excessive grooming habits it may lead to hairballs, military dermatitis, changes in color of the fur and alopecia.

I understand that Apso means dog, but could also mean “goat-like” or “shaggy” in the Tibetan language. To the Tibetan people it was used to mean “Temple Dog.” In that connection it became known as “Lion Dog.” All these meanings were a long time ago. It seems I read repeatedly that many people understand and agree it was about 1650 that three temple dogs, holy dogs (they called them), were sent to China and that from these three came the Shih Tzu. It seems there are many (from...

Dogs can be the greatest source of love and happiness in our lives. However, they can also be a source of endless frustration. Usually the difference between a well-behaved dog and a chaotic dog is training. Dog training is an art and a science. Thee are many videos and books written on the subject and a lot of good information can also be found online. One of the most basic training commands is “Sit.” It is also one of the most useful.

so let’s say you have recently been bitten by the aquarium bug. Maybe you had the chance to visit one of the many impressive public aquariums open for view. Or perhaps one of your friends had convinced you of the many benefits of owning one after showing you his remarkable display of aquatic treasures. In any case, the scenario ends the same way, after being confronted by such a magnificent spectacle of nature’s scaly creatures, you make some casual but persistent inquiries and after a few short minutes of mental calculation, you figure that maybe…just maybe you can also afford to have one of these watery wonderlands for your very own.

Commercial chemical flea treatments usually work rather quickly and are easy to use, unfortunately, some pets and their owners are allergic to them and need a natural flea remedy. Fortunately for both the pet and pet owner, there are a number of ways to get rid of fleas naturally. These remedies work for both dog fleas as well as cat fleas. The first thing you’ll want to do is wash all of your household bedding, rugs and furniture covers that your pet may have come into co...

One question that bothers the pet owner while sending the dog for training is, will my dog be cared well while being trained? The more convenient answer would be to train your pet yourself or by a reputed professional.

Of course then the issue of how to remove fish waste and debris will rear its unpleasant head. This is where the Whisper Power Filter 5-15 steps in. As unpleasant as a task as maintaining aquarium cleanliness is, it is an integral part of marine pet care and ensure that your water going friends provide you with pleasure for many months and years to come.

Throughout the entire period of Shih Tzu development in the United States no other topic about the Shih Tzu has been more hotly contested than Shih Tzu size. When the standard was established it was hoped all Shih Tzu fanciers would settle down and breed exactly to that standard. It has never been the case. Controversy over Shih Tzu size still rages. These differences of opinion cannot be dismissed as being “the smaller sizes are only rejects or Shih Tzu puppies born with exc...

A Shih Tzu show dog kennel should practice preventive medicine as the means of maintaining optimum health. The Shih Tzu show dog must be available for showing for extended periods of time. Preventive medicine is much more practical and is kinder to the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu show dog must have routine checks for parasites and a strict maintenance of inoculations. Being in the show ring presents more chances of being exposed to disease germs. It is imperative that the Shih ...

Have you ever had a dog that tests you constantly? A dog that will look at you when you give a command with an expression that says, "What's in it for me?" One who will obey for a little while, then sneak away or adjust your command to fit its needs? I call this kind of dog STRONG WILLED and will share I how trained my STRONG WILLED DOG.

The same tensions that occur in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder occur in dogs and Shih Tzu occasionally. Arising out of stress and conflict the obsessive-compulsive behaviors have some soothing effects on mood. Prevention of dogs from engaging in their particular compulsions can create anxiety in its own right. There are two factors that seem to be necessary for the development of compulsive behaviors in dogs and Shih Tzu occasionally. Obsessive-compulsive behavi...

The term "dog whistle" is commonly referred to the human powered type of device. By human powered this means that the pet owner themselves blows into the whistle to make it function properly.

The Head: The show dog judge will ask you to place your Shih Tzu show dog on the table. The Shih Tzu show dog judge will then get the first close look at your Shih Tzu’s expression. He will be looking for proper shape and dark eyes. He will check the length of your Shih Tzu’s nose. He will look for the “correct” slightly-undershot bite. The Shih Tzu show dog judge will evaluate the shape of the top of your Shih Tzu’s head. He will check to see that the hair pulled up in th...

Your Shih Tzu matron will keep her whelping box clean the first few weeks. She will stimulate her Shih Tzu puppies to eliminate and ingest their wastes. Newborn Shih Tzu puppies are born incompletely developed. The Shih Tzu matron must stimulate them to urinate and defecate or the puppies become toxic and die. The whelping box still needs to be cleaned and disinfected daily. Use ¾ cup Clorox bleach to one gallon of water. Clorox bleach is highly effective against Parvo vir...

Generally speaking Shih Tzu should not be aggressive at all. However, with any breed of dog aggressive behaviors can and do occur. Do you understand what it means if a Shih Tzu bares its teeth at you? Is your Shih Tzu warning you to back off or is your Shih Tzu simply smiling? If your Shih Tzu suddenly snaps at you – is this a failed bite or a warning that a bite might be coming next? The truth is these are typically aggressive behaviors that can range from visual warnings to...

Shih Tzu puppies, like children, will never be perfect in behaviors. A certain amount of tolerance is expected, but it is well to understand a Shih Tzu puppy’s messages so you can react to reshape unwanted behaviors when limits are exceeded. All puppies are “mouthy” during the teething process, however, there are exceptions in that you will encounter Shih Tzu puppies that just won’t take no for an answer and keeps chomping on people’s hands instead of those objects given h...

There are two types of dog shows licensed by the American Kennel Club. One is the all-breed show. The all-breed show includes classes for all the recognized breeds, and groups of breeds such as all terriers, all toys. The second dog show is the specialty show for one particular breed that also offers championship points. A benched show is one where the dog show superintendent supplies benches (cages for toy dogs). Each bench is numbered and its corresponding number app...

Cats or felines as they are referred to in the scientific nomenclature are one of the popular species to have won the love of the humans as their pets. Cats being small and indoor type pet who loves to be around its owner than be in the outer expanse where they might fall prey to more strong animals around.