ForYourCanine.com

One Of The Oldest Breeds Of Dogs: The Shih Tzu

There is a big reason that when many people see an advertisement claiming Shih Tzu puppies for sale, they perk up and take notice. Shih Tzus have been one of the more popular breeds of dogs for many centuries. They not only have a unique appearance, but they also have a unique history and character.The Shih Tzu breed of dog originated in China and is distinguishable by its long flowing hair and its short stature (fully grown, they stand between 8” and 11” tall). Known also as the Chrysanthemum Dog for their facial appearance resembling the famed flower, DNA analysis has proven Shih Tzus to be one of the oldest breeds of dogs we have.

The life span of a typical Shih Tzu is 11 to 14 years and as a breed they experience few health problems when compared to most other breeds of dogs. Most of the standard health problems suffered by Shih Tzus involve their facial structure and how it affects their ability to drink properly. It is best to monitor the dogs while they drink from time to time as water can enter their nose and impact their breathing ability. Shih Tzus are sensitive to high temperatures and because of this, many airlines will not ship them in their planes.

A couple benefits that Shih Tzus have is that they do not shed and are hypoallergenic, so people with dog allergies have been known to own these dogs and not suffer any symptoms. With proper care from the puppy stage onward, these dogs can bring many years of enjoyment to a family.

Mar 11, 2008 | | About Dogs