Руководство по породе ши-тцу:характеристики, история и уход

Хотя это имя означает «маленький лев» на мандаринском диалекте, игривый ши-тцу далеко не боец. Первоначально выведенные для королевской семьи в Китае, эти милые собаки — прирожденные компаньоны, цель жизни которых — любить и быть любимыми.

Читайте дальше, чтобы узнать больше о темпераменте ши-тцу, истории, дрессировке, требованиях к уходу и выяснить, является ли эта королевская порода правильным выбором для вашей семьи.

Оглавление

• Характеристики ши-тцу
  • Физические характеристики
  • Темперамент и личность
  • Средний срок службы
• Советы по уходу за ши-тцу
  • Обучение и упражнения
  • Уход
  • Диета и питание
  • Жизнь с ши-тцу
• Распространенные проблемы со здоровьем у ши-тцу
• Усыновление или покупка собаки ши-тцу
• Ключевые выводы

Совет профессионала: Если вы подумываете о новом четвероногом члене семьи, вам следует подумать о стоимости страхования домашних животных — независимо от того, какую породу вы принесете домой. Несмотря на то, что у ши-тцу есть несколько заболеваний, генетически связанных с ними, несчастные случаи могут произойти в любое время и в любом месте, что приведет к неожиданным счетам ветеринара, которые могут стоить до 5000 долларов США без страховки.

Характеристики ши-тцу

Внешний вид

В среднем вес взрослого ши-тцу составляет от 9 до 16 фунтов при росте от 8 до 11 дюймов. . Это означает, что порода попадает в категорию игрушечных собак, которая меньше собак среднего, крупного и гигантского размера.

Верные наследию породы, они ходят царственной походкой, отмеченной привлекательным свернутым хвостом и роскошной шерстью. По стандартам породы ши-тцу допустим любой цвет шерсти, но обычно предпочтение отдается темному пигменту на носу и вокруг глаз.

Ши-тцу брахицефалы собаки , термин, используемый для описания собак со значительно укороченным носом и верхней челюстью. Это состояние создает несколько определяющих характеристик породы, в том числе круглую голову, выпуклые глаза, короткую морду и заметный прикус.

Темперамент и личность

Ши-тцу известны своим веселым и живым характером . Они очень дружелюбны и обычно хорошо ладят с детьми и другими домашними животными. Им нравится быть в компании своих людей, будь то прогулка в парке или просто сидение у них на коленях.

Ши-тцу не любят жевать из-за своей короткой морды, но многие любят копать, а некоторые могут быть склонны к неприятному лаю.

Средний срок службы

Продолжительность жизни собак ши-тцу колеблется от 12 до 16 лет. , средний возраст 14 лет. Большинство представителей породы доживают до подросткового возраста и считаются пожилыми собаками в возрасте от 9 до 10 лет. Вообще говоря, мелкие породы, как правило, живут дольше, чем более крупные собаки, а ши-тцу живут дольше всех среди собак.

Забавный факт:самого старого ши-тцу звали Смоки, и он дожил до 23 лет!

Советы по уходу за ши-тцу

Тренировки и упражнения

Хотя темперамент ши-тцу часто бывает дружелюбным и послушным, им все же полезно обучение послушанию и ранняя социализация. As with all dogs, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcements are helpful when training your pup.

Shih Tzus can be difficult to housebreak and may need indoor supervision for some time. Experts also recommend crate training, which can be especially helpful when you travel.

Because they were bred as lapdog companions, Shih Tzus only require minimal exercise — a short, daily walk or some indoor playtime should be enough to satisfy their need for physical activity.

Уход

Shih Tzus have a double coat that requires a fair amount of grooming, especially at long lengths. With long hair, even one day without brushing can turn their coat into a tangled mess. Perhaps that explains why most long-haired Shih Tzus are seen in the show ring, and owners typically prefer their pets to sport a lower-maintenance short clip. A shorter coat also helps prevent heat stroke in dogs by helping them stay cool.

These dogs need weekly baths but make sure to comb out any tangles before bathing and blow-dry the coat afterward to keep your pet from getting chilled. The nails should be trimmed every one to two weeks and the teeth should be brushed daily with a vet-approved pet toothpaste. Don’t forget about the eyes, as well. Wash the area around the eyes using a wet cotton ball, dog eye wipes, or a soft washcloth to minimize staining.

Do Shih Tzus shed?

Potential pet parents sometimes ask if Shih Tzus are “hypoallergenic” , non-shedding dogs if someone in the household suffers from allergies. While it’s true that people are less likely to have allergic reactions to this breed , it’s important to know that they’re not entirely allergen-free.

Shih Tzu dogs are one of several breeds that have human-like hair, rather than fur. And, just like humans, they will shed their hair every day. The difference is that the long strands of shed hair get caught within the coat, then brushed out with grooming. Therefore, the dander on Shih Tzus that typically triggers allergic reactions in people stays trapped , rather than released in the environment then falling onto the ground, furniture, or clothing.

This is true of most mature breed members, but as younger pups develop, pet parents often wonder "Why is my Shih Tzu puppy shedding so much?" Around nine to 12 months of age, the Shih Tzu coat evolves from a puppy stage with short, thin hair into a thicker adult coat. During this three-week period, Shih Tzus shed very profusely due to the increased volume of hair and require more thorough brushing.

Диета и питание

As small breed dogs, Shih Tzus only need up to one cup of dry dog food a day , divided into two or three meals. Because they’re not high-energy dogs, these tiny pups are prone to weight gain, so be sure to limit the number of treats you offer. Your veterinarian will recommend the proper meal and snack portions for your pet at each stage of development based on their unique needs and medical history.

You can nourish your pet’s luxurious coat from the inside out through a protein-rich diet balanced with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids . Quality nutrition will also help optimize muscle and joint health, as well as their overall wellbeing.

Don’t forget to keep your dog’s bowl filled with fresh water throughout the day; Shih Tzu dogs have higher heat sensitivity than other breeds, so they might be more thirsty than usual.

Living with Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus love apartment living and could be a great choice for pet parents who are limited in space. They require little exercise but be especially careful with physical activity in hot, humid weather. Brachycephalic dog breeds are more prone to heat stroke because their shortened muzzle inhibits their ability to cool themselves off efficiently.

As born lapdogs, Shih Tzus typically need a lot of attention. They thrive on human company and enjoy training because it makes them the center of attention. When these needs are unmet, you might find them to act out through excessive barking or destructive behavior around the house.

Shih Tzus are great with children and will readily extend their affection to strangers. However, don’t count on your pet Shih Tzu to guard the home; they’d probably give intruders a very warm welcome.

Common Shih Tzu health issues

Due to their undershot jaw, Shih Tzus frequently experience oral health problems such as misaligned or missing teeth. In some cases, they may not lose their baby teeth before their permanent teeth come in, which might require a vet visit for extraction.

Their prominent eyes also make Shih Tzus more prone to issues such as cataracts, retinal detachment, corneal dryness, and progressive retinal atrophy. They’re a generally healthy dog breed, but as with any other breed, there are certain health conditions owners should be aware of, such as:

• Дисплазия тазобедренного сустава
• Patellar luxation
• Ушные инфекции
• Umbilical hernia (a condition caused by incomplete closure of the umbilical ring after birth)
• Portosystemic liver shunt (an abnormal vessel that allows blood from the intestine to bypass the liver)

Совет профессионала: Shih Tzu health insurance is designed to provide a financial safety net should your pet ever encounter a hereditary condition, common illness, or accidental injury. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your canine companion has access to the gold-standard veterinary care they deserve, with less stress placed on your personal finances.

Shih Tzu breed history

Historically, Shih Tzus were bred as house pets and in the 14th century, they made their way into Chinese royalty. The Chinese royals did not allow Shih Tzus to be traded outside of the nobility until 1930 when the first members of the breed were brought to Europe. The breed arrived in the States after WWII and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969.

Adopting or buying a Shih Tzu dog

Organizations like American Shih Tzu Club and Shih Tzu Rescue can inform you about rescue opportunities and provide breeder referrals. You can also check local animal shelters and see if there are any Shih Tzu rescues in your area.

If you are interested in dog breeds similar to Shih Tzus, consider checking out the Maltese, Lhasa Apso, Bolognese, and Silky Terrier. There are also many popular Shih Tzu mixed breeds, such as the:

• Shih Tzu-Poodle (Shoodle)
• Shih Tzu-Maltese (Malt-Tzu)
• Shih Tzu-Yorkie (Shorkie)
• Shih Tzu-Chihuahuas (Shichi)

Whether you’re buying a Shih Tzu puppy or rescuing an adult, be sure to take your pet to your vet as soon as possible. Your vet will be able to spot any issues and will work with you to set up a preventive pet care regimen and a nutrition plan that suits your pet’s needs.

Ключевые выводы

• Exceptionally playful and friendly, Shih Tzus make affectionate and loyal companions for families with children.
• These cute dogs require extra grooming and a little more patience with training, but their affection and loving nature make it all worthwhile.
• In general, Shih Tzus are a healthy breed, but they can have a disposition towards certain health conditions like hip dysplasia, as well as eye, ear, and respiratory problems. Should you notice anything out of the ordinary, be sure to discuss your concerns with your vet.