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Shih Tzu A Little Dog With A Big Story To Tell

Few dog breeds have such a well-documented and exciting history as the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzus entire history is steeped in legends, myths and mystery. However, we have fossil records that tell us the brachycephalic (short-skulled, short-nosed, flat-faced) dog breeds, which include the Shih Tzu, Pug, and Pekingese originated in Central Asia. In addition, we also have written history and legends to help us sort of piece together the last 3,000 plus years of the Shih Tzus history. There are meticulously maintained Shih Tzu breeding records and pedigrees for more than 50 years as well.

Many historians believe the Asian dog breeds originated in Tibet and reached China as early as 1,400 years ago. The Chinese traded silk in exchange for pet dogs along the Great Wall of China. The Dalai Lamas also gave holy dogs to the Chinese imperial courts as diplomatic gifts and tributes during the Manchu dynasty (1644-1911). In literature the Shih Tzu is mentioned by name in the late fourteenth century.

In China breeding and raising Shih Tzu were the responsibility of the eunuchs of the imperial court. Eunuchs who produced the best dogs were rewarded with gifts. Competition between the eunuchs to produce and raise the most attractive Shih Tzu was fierce. The best Shih Tzu specimens were painted in the imperial dog books and tapestries.

The Shih Tzu was considered to bring good luck. These regal little Shih Tzu followed on the heels of emperors and empresses. If you have ever owned a Shih Tzu, you will find one of their favorite activities is following around after you and right on the heels of your feet is where they try to ride. Shih Tzu think they should make each and every step you make. I have one Shih Tzu at the present time, Duke, by name, who tries to walk with me in between my feet. It is quite amusing.

It was against the law to sell any of the royal dogs in China during the Manchu dynasty. The punishment was death.

As war dominated the political picture in Asia the Lion Dogs was added to the list of tragic casualties. By 1884 the American Kennel Club was founded and was registering thousands of dogs. There were no Shih Tzu among them.

In 1908 the thirteenth Dalai Lama gave the Empress Dowager of China some Shih Tzu-type dogs. The Empress fell passionately in love with these little dogs. She instructed the court eunuchs to maintain a breeding program for many years. Although the Empress Dowager was noted to be a cruel dictator she had a soft spot in her heart for the little Shih Tzu. The Empress Dowager was the person who most influenced the development of the Shih Tzu. At her death in 1908, some of the imperial palace Shih Tzu were sold to wealthy individuals or given as gifts to foreign dignitaries an visitors.

It is questionable as to how many of these survived as it has been noted some of the eunuchs fed the Imperial Palace Shih Tzu glass to keep them from surviving. They were so possessive of their Imperial Palace bloodlines, this was the only way they could think of to keep others from gaining access to their secrets.

The Shih Tzu, a little dog with a big story to tell has much, much more to say.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

posted by nwwhimy @ 10:42 AM 0 comments

Boxer - The Facts Every Owner Of This Dog Breed Should Know

A German breed descending from mastiffs, the Boxer was originally bred for the purpose of hunting. The first Boxers were bred to be fierce but these traits are not seen today. Boxers today tend to be gentle, loving and energetic dogs. They are stocky dogs of a medium size. Male Boxers will grow to an average height of 22 to 25 inches and weight of 60 to 70 pounds. Females Boxers will reach an average height of 21 to 24 inches and weight of 53 to 65 pounds. Boxers have an average life span of 11 to 14 years. Their coats are smooth and shorthaired, making Boxers easy to groom. In fact, Boxers tend to be 'clean freaks' and will clean themselves regularly. Generally, Boxer coats come in only two colors: brindle and fawn.

Some Boxers have white markings on them, known as flash, which can extend all over making them appear white. Boxers have short muzzles and their lower jaws extend past their upper ones. This gives them a very secure bite, something useful when they were hunting. Boxers are considered highly intelligent and easy to train. However, they can be independent thinkers and this can make them stubborn and sneaky. Though energetic they are gentle with children and other animals (if properly socialized) and make an excellent family pet.

They enjoy playing with children and will protect its family when a stranger approaches. Once introduced to the stranger, though, he will become a friend and the Boxer will greet him with enthusiasm in the future. Boxers are energetic dogs that love to run, jump, fetch and play so once daily exercise at a minimum is required. Boxers tend to be fairly active indoors and may become destructive if not given time to 'burn off some steam.' A well fenced in yard (if off leash) is also a must. Boxers are prone to many medical problems. Due to their short snouts, they tend to snore and drool, and have difficulty regulating their body temperature, making it difficult for them to live in locations where temperature extremes are common.

Boxers are also more likely to develop cardiomyopathy, sub-aortic stenosis, and hip dysplasia. Some Boxers are prone to epilepsy, and from age eight on they are more likely to get tumors than other breeds. They tend to have allergies and some Boxers may have excessive flatulence. Some white Boxers are prone to deafness. Boxers may also develop corneal dystrophy or Demodectic mange and some are prone to bloat. torsion (bloat) and if they do not get enough exercise will quickly become obese, leading to other health problems.

There is a website that has great information on Boxers and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

posted by nwwhimy @ 2:46 AM 0 comments