Shih Tzu, also known as the Lion Dog, originated in China and is a very ancient dog breed. Here's a detailed breakdown of Shih Tzu:
1. History and origins.
Shih Tzu is a dog breed with a history of more than 2,000 years and originated in China. They were pet dogs kept exclusively for royalty in ancient courts, so they were also known as "court poodles". It is rumored that this dog was crossed from ** dog and Peking dog, and was later introduced to the United Kingdom and became the pet dog of the British royal family. Shih Tzu was recognized by the United Kingdom in 1935 and by the United States in 1936.
2. Appearance and body type.
Shih Tzus are smaller in size and generally fall under 20 cm in height. They have a round head and large, rounded eyes that are dark in color. The ears are large, erect, triangular in shape, and located on either side of the top of the head. The neck is short and stout, the body is compact, the chest is broad, and the abdomen is close to the ground. The limbs are short, stout, and muscular. The tail is long and bushy, often curled on the back. The coat color comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, gray, etc.
3. Personality and characteristics.
Shih Tzu has a very gentle, friendly, and loyal personality. They love to get around people, especially with family and children. Shih Tzus are very intelligent, easy to train, and have a good memory. They are very loyal to their owners and can easily show dependence and trust in their owners. In addition, Shih Tzus also have a high sense of vigilance and protection, being wary of strangers and other animals.
Fourth, breeding and management.
Shih Tzus need regular grooming and trimming to maintain a neat appearance and a healthy **. A moderate amount of exercise and an adequate diet need to be provided every day. When it comes to training, Shih Tzus are very intelligent and easy to train for basic command and skill training. In addition, Shih Tzus usually live for around 12-15 years.
5. Health and Disease
Shih Tzus are generally in relatively healthy physical condition, but there are some common health issues to be aware of. For example, due to their small size, Shih Tzus have relatively fragile bones and joints, so care needs to be taken to avoid risky behaviors such as strenuous exercise and jumping from heights. In addition, the respiratory system of Shih Tzu is also more sensitive, so care needs to be taken to avoid allergens and irritants. When it comes to diet, Shih Tzus need to take care to control the calorie and fat content of their food to maintain a healthy weight and physical condition.
6. Cultural values and social impact.
As a dog breed with a long history and unique appearance characteristics, Shih Tzu also has an important influence in terms of culture and society. In China, Shih Tzu is regarded as a part of Chinese culture and tradition, and it is also one of the important representatives of Chinese pet culture. In Western pet culture, the Shih Tzu is also seen as an elegant, noble, and precious dog breed that is widely bred and loved. In addition, due to the characteristics of Shih Tzu's personality, such as gentleness, friendliness, and loyalty, they are also used as **dogs and assistance dogs to help people relieve stress and improve their psychological condition.
In conclusion, Shih Tzu is a dog breed with a long history, unique appearance characteristics, and rich cultural connotations. By knowing and recognizing the characteristics and cultural background of this dog breed, we can better understand their value and significance, and better care for and protect this precious pet breed. At the same time, the presence of Shih Tzu also reminds us to respect and protect animal diversity, so that different species and creatures can thrive together on the planet.