Shih Tzu - Canine Royalty

By Rebecca Simpson

The diminutive Shih Tzu, a blend of the Chinese Lhasa Apso and Pekinese dog breeds, has a history rich with royalty, tragedy, and loyalty. Varied forms of the breed have existed for centuries, but the dog we know today owes its existence to Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi of Tibet.

The Empress, who ascended to power in 1861, pampered her pets and bred them to be perfect companions, alert and eager to please. Unfortunately, the breed fell out of favor when the Empress died in 1908, and many dogs were killed by the new regime.

Information about the breed is scarce until the late 1920s and early 1930s, when Shih Tzus were imported to England and Scandinavia, with later generations reaching the United States and Canada. During World War II, they were popular with American soldiers, many of whom refused to leave their pets in Europe and instead brought them back to the States.

The Shih Tzu can be characterized as a lap dog with a pleasant personality and an eagerness to please the humans in its life. The dogs were bred for centuries to provide companionship, and they enjoy nothing more than lounging about in the company of humans. Their small size-nine to sixteen pounds-makes them a perfect pet for apartment dwellers and people who like to travel with their dogs.

Sometimes called "Tibetan lion dog," Shih Tzus were bred to resemble lions, with a flat face, prominent eyes, bowed front legs, and a fearsome facial expression. The breed is also known as the "chrysanthemum dog," because their wrinkled façade looks a bit like the chrysanthemum flower.

Their coat is long and slightly wavy and requires careful daily grooming to prevent mats and tangles. The results are worth the effort, as the dog's silky coat enhances its elegant appearance.

The Shih Tzu breed has been recognized by the British Kennel Club since 1935 and by the American Kennel Club since 1969, and is a popular favorite at dog shows with its long, flowing coat. Shih Tzus show in the Toy Group, competing against dogs like the Maltese, the Pomeranian, and the it's cousin, the Pekinese.

The breed is a good family dog, but its strong desire for attention from its master makes it a better choice for families with older children than families with infants. Some have been known to develop problems with jealousy when living in a home with young children. However, most Shih Tzus are affectionate, friendly and outgoing, and are only to happy to play the role of valued family pet.

The breed survived a dangerous period in the twentieth century to become the one of the twenty-first century's most popular dog. They are the ninth most popular registered breed in the American Kennel Club's 2006 most popular breed list, and this little dog's popularity continues to grow.

Rebecca Simpson, a native of Hong Kong, wrote a graduate thesis on the influence of dogs on recent Chinese royal culture. The Shih Tzu is as well known for its delightful personality as it is for its long, flowing coat. Shih Tzu information can be found online, at public libraries, and from breeders.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Simpson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Shih-Tzu---Canine-Royalty&id=866043

Choosing The Right Size of Dog

By Ashley Peach

When you are looking to adopt a dog there are many things you must consider. First you must consider if you are a good candidate for a dog. Then you have to look at the type of dog you are interested in. Many of us who are just looking for a loving pet will often go to a pet shop, shelter or other place to find a dog that we love without real regard for the breed. In some cases we are even more interested in the breed as we have been exposed to that type of breed in the past and have found that we love them. When you are looking to introduce a dog into your life you should be conscious of the actual dog breed, the care, and of course the training the dog will need to make them a great pet. In your search for a dog you will find that many dogs are extremely affectionate and need a lot of love and attention. Once you have looked at all aspects of pet care from the type of breed you are interested in you have to look at your home. Dog breeds require a certain amount of space, which means you have to be cognizant of its full grown size. You may see the puppy is a small dog and that it will fit well in your home, but what will it grow up to be?

When selecting size it is important to know some of the breeds. For instance German Shepherds, Old English Sheepdogs, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Mastiff, and several other dogs are very large. They also require a great deal of space. If you live in the city and in an apartment you may find the place is too small to fit their full grown size. While they may live in the apartment with some contentment they need a lot of exercise during the day. If you work eight or more hours as does your family then the dog will not be getting the proper amount of exercise. Therefore for these dogs it is important to have a large backyard where they can run during the day. They will also need to have walks and play time with you.

If you do live in an apartment it is better to stay with some of the smaller dogs. Smaller dogs that make great city pets include Chihuahuas, Terriers, Chow Chow's, Japanese Chin, Cockapoos, and Poodles. These dogs tend to need less space and are active inside as well as out. You will also find that Beagles are great for indoors. While these dogs tend to run around a lot and have high amounts of energy they don't need near the walking time or space. Some of the smaller dogs do require yards to make them extremely happy, but there again if you have time for a dog park or to take them outside to play you will be fine living in an apartment or small home with a small backyard.

Dog care is extremely important not only in providing the proper nutrition and exercise, but in making sure the dog can be happy within your lifestyle. Remember that most dogs require a lot of affection and attention and that while some will do well in apartments they still need the time and attention it takes to get proper exercise. So size does matter when you consider the place that you live in.

Ashley Peach is the owner of dog supplies, dog collars and leads and puppy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashley_Peach
http://EzineArticles.com/?Choosing-The-Right-Size-of-Dog&id=870205