Lehigh Valley Shih Tzu: My Bonnie-Lass

What is a Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu (pronounced /ˈʃiːtsuː/ SHEE-tsoo, from Mandarin [ʂɨ́tsɨ]) is a breed of dog weighing 4–7.25 kilograms (8.8–16.0 lb) with long silky hair. The breed originated in China and is among the earliest breeds. Shih Tzu were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969. The name is both singular and plural.

The Shih-Tzu is a small, sturdy dog, with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall. The head is round and broad, wide between the eyes. The square muzzle is short, an inch or less from the tip of the nose to the defined stop. The nose is broad, with well open nostrils. Nose, lips, and eye rims are liver on liver colored dogs and blue on blue dogs and black on all other colors. The teeth meet in a level or under bite. The large, round eyes are dark in color, but lighter on blue and liver dogs. The large, pendant, low-set ears hang down and are covered in abundant hair. The back is level. The muscular legs are straight and well-boned. The high-set tail is carried over the back covered in abundant hair. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The double coat is dense and long, flowing down over the dog. The hair above the eyes is often tied in a topknot. There is a profuse beard and mustache and the hair on the muzzle is short. Coat comes in all colors.

The Shih-Tzu is an alert, lively, little dog. Happy and hardy, packed with character. The gentle loyal Shih-Tzu makes friends easily and responds well to consistent patient training. They make a very alert watch dog, but would probably rather lick and kiss than fight - however don't under estimate them. Once while walking with my first Shih Tzu we encountered a lose Pit Bull and my little Shih Tzu went into full protective mode. Something that was definetly not in her mannerism. Courageous and clever. Playful and spunky, this affectionate little dog likes to be with people and are generally good with other pets. Some can be difficult to housebreak, while others will take to the potty pad like a fish to water.

Height: Up to 11 inches (28cm.)

Weight: 9-16 pounds (4-7kg.)

This breed is very sensitive to the heat whether in full coat or short trim. This may be due to their short muzzle which makes breathing for them in the heat hard for them. Try as much as possible to keep them cool and out of the heat.

These little dogs require a good daily grooming using a bristle brush otherwise they WILL mat up. When kept in a long coat a topknot is usually tied to keep the hair out of the dog's eyes. Some owners opt to have them trimmed into what is called the Puppy Cut, to make the coat easier and less time consuming to care for. Make sure to keep the ear passages and area around the eyes clean. Shih-Tzu's have very sensitive eyes that need to be kept clean.

This breed sheds little to no hair and are good for allergy suffers if their coats are kept very well groomed, do to the fact that they shed little skin dander.

Life expectancy is about 15 years or more.

The Shih Tzu is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is sensitive to the heat. However, they do need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.

Do not over feed this breed or it will quickly become fat.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

My Bonnie-Lass

Well of course my Danny just had to have a pal to hang around with. So.... meet his bestest friend Bonnie-Lass.

I also got Bonnie at 10 weeks old. She is such a sweetheart and just loves to cuddle up in your lap. She also loves "cookies".

Here is a picture of here when I first got her.