Five Good Reasons for Getting a Shih Tzu Puppy

Here you have it, five good reasons to get a shih tzu puppy; 1. love, 2. love, 3. love, 4. love, 5. love.

1. Love in friendship 2. Love in loyalty 3. Love in empathy 4. Love in companionship 5. Love in laughter

Well, for me I have experienced them all with my beloved Jack. But there are pros and cons for bringing a shih tzu into your life. As with any dog you have to find the right one for you. Let me share with you here the nature of the shih tzu puppy that grows up to become the family dog.

Sometimes I think about the dog-and-man friendship and it escapes my imagination how no other animal has shared so much humanity as the domesticated dog. When you think of it, "Mans best friend," is really only one paw-step away from the wild dog. How did they become so willingly and happily trading in freedom for an uncertain relationship with man? Is it love; can we really call it that?

A True Small Dog Story

We may never know if a dogs emotions are anything like mans. But there have been countless stories about a dog's "love" for his master. One of my favorites, is the story about Bobby, a terrier, and his loner master, Grey, a farmer living in the late 1800's in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Bobby and Grey were always together. Everyday they would go into town to eat at the Traill's tearoom. Grey would have his midday meal while Bobby was given a bun. One day in 1858, Grey died. They laid his body to rest in the Greyfriars Churchyard. Within days after the funeral, Bobby came to the tearoom; the same time of day he and his master would come. The tearoom owner felt sorry for Bobby and gave him a bun. This become expected for weeks, and every time Bobby received the bun he would leave the tearoom with it.

One day, the tearoom owner followed Bobby. He was surprised to see Bobby heading for Greyfriars Churchyard. The little dog lay on the grave of his master and ate his scanty meal.

Bobby continued to keep his vigil laying on his master's grave for fourteen years. He died in 1872 and was buried in the Greyfriars Churchyard. The town was so touched by this little dog that could not be persuaded to leave his master. They erected a statue in Bobby's likeness at his grave.

The Shih Tzu, pronounced "shee-tzoo", can be one of the most tender and loving dogs. Small in stature; weighing between 9 and 16 pounds. The shih tzu dog has been said to have two kinds of temperament. I feel that a dogs temperament can come from their upbringing. Since it is a small dog some reports say that this kind of dog can develop Small Dog Syndrome. This means that the dog wants to be the leader of the pack.

When we met Jack he was living in a household of sixty other shih tzu dogs and puppies. He was the runt of one of several liters. He weighed in at two pounds when we first brought him home. Growing up with so many other dogs he took the peaceful approach that everyone else will go first. The other dogs all ate first, played first, got love first, and were cared for first and Jack happily stepped aside and was always last. He still does that for our other dog, which is now a smaller dog than Jack.

When we went to this breeder's house all dogs were allowed to stampede into the waiting room where we were. Jack was last. He was the only puppy to run up to us. It was as if he was supposed to be with us and he knew it!

He has been the MOST loving creature I have ever known. He is the type of dog that lets everyone in the family be the leader of the pack. Always eager to make us laugh. Always ready to do what we are doing. Always happy just to be with all of us. And most of all, always there if someone is unhappy or sick. He will stay by your side until you are feeling better!

Do you believe our pets can love us?

Would you call it love that your animal friend gives you?

The shih tzu is characteristically a friendly, playful and very lively little dog. He takes well to other animals and people. He is always the instigator for play. He bounces around in a dance to liven up any room. We often call him "mister paws", because he uses though fluffy mitts to get attention. He is especially a master with his front paws. They are strong, and he will use them to tug on your arm or grab at a toy. His play is funny and very entertaining and he won't give up until you give in and play too.

When Jack was just a puppy his fir was so downy soft. He felt and looked like a small stuffed toy. When he played in the grass, passerbys mistake him for a rabbit.

As he grew his coat changed. Still quite soft. It began to become matted because we were not combing him regularly. We took him for his first grooming and had to have him shaved fairly close so all the matted fur was gone. We love to keep his fur a little long in the cold months of the year and in the spring and summer we request the "puppy-cut". Combing regularly has made a big difference.

The other big concern for the shih tzu dog care is keeping the eyes clean. It is important to wipe them daily with a warm clean wet cloth. We keep the fur around the eyes groomed short.

The claws grow very fast, so frequently we need to trim them.

The shih tzu dog is very sensitive to high temperatures. No wonder why Jack enjoys the winter and fall the most. And give him the wind in his face and he is happy as can be.

Jack changed a lot in appearance over his five years and we know he will probably continue to change. When we first brought Jack home he was super tiny because he is the runt of the litter. He was mostly a soft tan color. He slowly changed to a true brindle and now he is mostly silver with a black mask.

The shih tzu dog originated in China. It is said to be the oldest and smallest Tibetan holy dog.

The shih tzu has been called the little snowlion and the dog with a chrysanthemum face. This breed is very old. It was bred to live in the palace of the Emperor of China. They often slept on the feet of the Emperor and barked at any unannounced people or animals.

Check out these little "imperial" puppies.

Did you fall in love with the shih tzu dog?