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History
The Shih Tzu is believed to have originated from Tibet. It is one of a number of lion-dog breeds, and was considered as a traditional annual custom for the Dalai Lama to present a dog to the Emperor of China. It is there that the dog was given its name. 'Shih Tzu', being the Chinese word for lion.
As foreigners were unwelcome in China little was known about this dog for centuries. Even when foreigners were given permission to enter China great lengths were taken to prevent the dog from leaving the country.
Eventually in 1930 Sir Douglas and Lady Brownrigg managed to transport the breed into Britain.
The modern Shih Tzu is thought to have been cross-bred with the Tibetan Lhasa Apso and the Chinese Pekingese.
The Shih Tzu as a pet
The Shih Tzu is a very friendly and energetic dog. It is generally very good with children
and requires regular exercise. It is very alert and makes a good family pet. It also requires plenty of regular grooming. |
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Height:
25-27cms
Weight:
5-7kg
Lifespan:
13-14 yrs |
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Colour:
any colour with a white blaze on the forehead and white tip to the tail are highly desirable. |
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Coat:
Dense, straight, long top coat and good undercoat. |
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Click photo for product guide |
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Lawrence Slicker
Small Tender Care
The classic soft slicker brush. Light aluminium construction with cushioned pad for gentle grooming.
Made in England |
Sterling price: £3.00
Dollar price: $4.35 |
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Braun-Wettberg Brush
Small Pure Bristle
Using only pure bristle with a pneumatic rubber pad. All woood from managed forests. Made in Germany |
Sterling price: £5.25
Dollar price: $7.61 |
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Spratts Comb
No. 73
15mm fine tooth comb. Made from solid brass with heavy duty chrome plating. Made in Sheffield, England |
Sterling price: £6.50
Dollar price: $9.42 |
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Grooming your Shih Tzu
Grooming requirements: The coat requires regular brushing with a medium-stiff bristle brush. The brushing should commence under the chin, making sure that each layer of hair is brushed right down to the skin, and continuing along to the hind legs. The coat should be parted down the centre of the head and continued down the centre line of the back to the root of the tail. Carefully brush out the feathering on the tail. When brushing feathering on the ears make sure that there is no matting behind them. Unfortunately hair grows in the ear canals of the Shih Tzu, this requires gentle, but regular removal with artery forceps, which is best done by first powdering the ear to make the hair more brittle, making the removal easier, and less painful on the dog. Carefully comb through the feathering on the legs, and the hair between the pads on the feet should be removed by scissoring.
Tools required:
Slicker brush, medium size stiff bristle brush, comb for feathering and scissors
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