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Background
 The
Shih Tzu was first bread in China (Tibet) many hundreds of
years ago. The Chinese believed that they were sacred, when
a Shih Tzu came walking down the streets it was a custom to
make way for him.
It was
a great honour to be given a Shih Tzu. For many hundreds of
years it was the customary for the Dalai Lama to give the
Chinese Emperor the finest specimens of such a dog.
It was believed that the Chinese jealously guarded the Shih
Tzu and were very reluctant to let them out
of the country. It wasn't until sometime between the First
and Second World War that a few were smuggled out of the country.
It is
said that Buddha Manjusri, the God of learning, had travelled
around the four quarters of the World disguised as a priest,
travelling with him was a small "HaPah", a pet dog.
This little dog could in the blink of an eye transform into
a great lion carrying Buddha on his back. There are images
drawn of "Spirit Lions" and "Dog Lions"
in sacred places such as carvings on the pillars in temples
around Tibet. "Dog Lions" are believed to be earthly
beasts known under the name menegerie. The Lamas theory about
the Lions is that they are the mountain spirit and that the
lions have the power to project themselves in and instant
between places, can change their size and can become visible
or invisible at will.
Many
images are of the symbol of "Gang Sing" or "Snowlion"
they have a very strong resemblance to the Shih Tzu. The Snowlion
is mentioned in the ancient scrolls, it is said that he is
King of all animals. It has three powers, the  ability
to jump, turn around and walk back in mist and clouds. His
voice, the voice of the Middle Way that is the voice between
truth and courage, when it is heard it subdues all. Its power
is so strong that when it roars, seven dragons fall from the
sky. This ancient, magical description of the Shih Tzu easily
describes the courageous little dog as it is today, the name
Shih Tzu means "LIONDOG"
Character
It
is not easy to explain the Shih Tzu's character. To understand
and realize this special little dog's personality you need
to own one, or should I rather say let one own you.
A James
Mumford wrote a lovely description of the breed in an American
Shih Tzu magazine which is as follows:
"Nobody
knows how the Ancient Eunuchs managed to mix together…..
And now here comes the recipe:
A dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces
of domestic cat, one part court jester, a dash of ballerina,
a pinch of old man (Chinese), a bit of beggar, a tablespoon
of monkey, one part baby seal, a dash of teddy bear and the
rest dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin
This
gives a very good picture of the very versatile character
of the Shih Tzu and how very special his personality is.
Grooming
The
Shih Tzu needs a daily grooming. It is wise to get him used
to and to teach him as a puppy to take a daily grooming with
a soft brush. You could for example sit on the floor with
him and turn him on his back in your lap and brush his stomach
to get him used to the process. Check daily to see that the
eyes and beard are clean.
 Everyone
has his or her own method of grooming, with time you will
find out or put together your own method of grooming, but
it is always advisable to start out by getting advise from
someone with knowledge e.g. the breeder. At around 7 months
the puppy starts to loose it's puppy coat, this is the period
when special care has to be taken with the undercoat as this
is often the period when trouble with grooming starts as the
undercoat starts to knot and if not seen to and combed through
the undercoat becomes matted. During this period it is advised
to comb through the coat daily and remove all knots and matted
hair. Do NOT bath the dog unless you can easily comb through
the entire coat.
It is
necessary to keep an eye on the Shih Tzu's nails and they
are very vulnerable and need cutting weekly.
Shih
Tzu need bathe weekly with a good canine shampoo and conditioner.
One just has to choose for ones self what method is preferred
for personal use regarding grooming the Shih Tzu.
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