By the 1930’s, the Peking Kennel Club was faced with the existence of a variety of colors. The Peking Kennel Club wanted to do justice to the facts of history regarding the highly favoured Imperial color of “Tawny or honey-coloured or Golden - The Yellows.” At that time, their Shih Tzu standard read: “All colors permissible, single and mixed. Tawny or honey-coloured highly favoured.” The British Shih Tzu standard read: “All colors permissible,” but adds the words, “a white blaze on the forehead and a white tip to the tail are highly prized.” And now the French Shih Tzu standard of the mid-1950’s comments “honey-colored and white are rare and much appreciated.”

It has been said the color “white” in Shih Tzu is recessive and such Shih Tzu should not be bred. However, there is fact that a leading French breeder in Peking - not the Countess d’anjou - had a large number of all-white Shih Tzu. There is question of who actually appreciated the all-white Shih Tzu. Was it the Westerners more than the natives of the Peking? This question arises out of the fact that there seems little doubt that a “a pure white dog, being the color of mourning to the Chinese people, was not an asset, because the Chinese people truly hate to be reminded of death.” The aversion did not apply to the white markings on the head or the tail. This could also account to the scarcity we now have of the all-white Shih Tzu. Down through time, the American Kennel Club judged them in the Miscellaneous Class, which ran “all colors are allowable but in general the darker shades predominate. The white blaze, collar, socks and tail-tip combine to create a highly prized ensemble” of a Shih Tzu.

Since the Chinese regarded the yellow-colored Shih Tzu as especially precious we can also understand that it was particularly difficult for westerners to get hold of them. In the Lion Dog Through the Looking Glass (a publication during the 1950’s) it is told that the black and white, and grey and white were the first found on the market at street fairs in China, yet even in their cases exportation was at first forbidden. It seems to me we can conclude, the Shih Tzu owners and breeders of Peking, The Chinese People, were extremely possessive of the Shih Tzu in their favoured color, of Yellow, yet were also somewhat possessive of all of the other colors as well. The Shih Tzu was surely very highly treasured by the Chinese people in those days. They were selfish with them. Makes one think they knew something about them very secret and most likely it was something that brought them great emotional pleasure. All humans are drawn to anything that brings them great emotional pleasure.

When it did become possible to export specimens of the breed, the least favoured colors were the most easily obtainable. Some years later, in the Great Britain show ring the dominant colors were black and white, grey and white and shades of brindle and white with a few solid blacks. Even today, these are the same exact colors I started out with in my breeding of the Shih Tzu. I have a few of the Chinese Yellow, honey, or golden colors. Most plentiful to purchase for me has been the black and the white, the grey and white and the brindles. I still tend to believe our deep hershey chocolate color is a “new” color in the breed, as is the “blue.” The American Kennel Club has just recently added the color “blue” to their list of colors on their AKC registration forms.

Color in the Shih Tzu is so fascinating and to me are the most beautiful shades of several basic colors of the black, gold and grey. We might even owe the highly prized white tips to the tail and on top the head to the very early French breeder who had the all-white Shih Tzu that left us few descendants. White still seems to be harder to find, and does not seem as popular as the blue and chocolate in the years of 2000. I have one white female, Bailey of whom I am hoping to produce other solid whites, but also the chocolates and blue’s as I mate her to my different males. Visit us and sign up for our NEW weekly ezine for future breedings to see what we come up with.

Connie Limon publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Coupons for shih tzu puppies and other products are offered to subscribers. Updates of available puppies. Sign up at stainglassshihtzus.com stainglassshihtzus.com

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Tags: shih tzu

Did you know the Shih Tzu can suffer from “dry eye” just like people can? Dry eye occurs sometimes when the glands of the eyes do not produce enough tears. The production of tears is necessary to keep the eyes lubricated and healthy. Without this natural tear production, “dry eyes” can occur in the Shih Tzu very similar to people’s dry eye conditions. Dry eye problems in the Shih Tzu can be treated successfully in most cases depending upon the cause. The condition is called “keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS for short) develops from a dysfunction or an underdevelopment of the lacrimal glands. The lacrimal glands are tissue that produces the aqueous portion of tears. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is very common in dogs. The dry eye condition is not only seen in the Shih Tzu. In fact, it is more common in English bulldogs, Cocker spaniels and pugs. The condition is extremely rare in cats.

Due to the fact that KCS can be difficult to diagnose, you probably should see a veterinarian whenever your Shih Tzu’s eyes become reddened. Reddened eyes in your Shih Tzu do not necessarily mean he or she has keratoconjuctivitis sicca. Red eyes is usually the first noticeable symptom, however, red eyes can also be a symptom of other conditions such as ulceration or glaucoma. Another symptom characteristic to KCS is sometimes a thick, ropy, green discharge.

Vets typically perform at least three procedures to diagnose eye problems. The procedures include:

• A fluorescein: A stain applied to the surface of the eye to reveal corneal ulcers
• Measuring the pressure inside the eye is used to detect glaucoma (an increase in intraocular pressure) or inflammation (which results from decreased pressure)
• A Schirmer tear test: Helps to determine if the eye is producing enough tears

When using the Schirmer tear test, if the strip stays relatively dry, KCS is the likely diagnosis.

What are the causes of KCS?

KCS can be caused by many different factors, three of the most common include:

• Immune system destruction
• Congenital defects
• Side effects from drugs

When KCS is caused by autoimmune conditions, topically applied immune-modulating drugs can help stimulate tear production. You will need to apply tear replacement ointment several times a day to keep the Shih Tzu’s eyes lubricated.

If KCS is caused by drug side effects, such as the use of sulfa drugs, the dry eye condition may not be correctable.

If KCS is caused from a congenital defect in which the lacrimal glands do not develop fully and are smaller than normal, drugs that stimulate tear production may not help, since there is not much tissue available to stimulate. The congenital defects causing KCS is often seen in Yorkshire terriers rather than the Shih Tzu.

There is a remedy for those dogs affected by a congenital defect. In the case of the underdeveloped lacrimal glands, an effective treatment is a surgical procedure called “parotid duct transposition.” The procedure is usually quite successful.

Do not feel in despair about “dry eye” in the Shih Tzu. It actually is more common in other breeds. If you have a Shih Tzu with the problem, treatment can be successful.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Written by: Connie Limon Visit us at stainglassshihtzus.com stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our FREE newsletters. We provide Shih Tzu puppies for pet or show at reasonable prices with health guarantee.

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Tags: shih tzu, yorkshire terrier

There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the one that works best for you is important for creating a shih tzu that is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family. All successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any successful training program is getting the respect of the shih tzu. Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders, and to follow the direction of those leaders.

This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog training – the so called leash/collar style of training. Other articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs, often called reward training or positive reinforcement.

Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness over time. The type of training that works best will vary from shih tzu to shih tzu. It is important to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding.

Of course personalities of individual shih tzu vary quite a bit. You, as the owner of the shih tzu, know better than anyone which style of dog training will work best, so it is important to work with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly shih tzu.

Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many types of dog training, particularly in situations where the shih tzu must have a high level of reliability. For instance, shih tzu that have an important job to do, such as therapy shih tzu dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training. If trained properly, almost any shih tzu can work as a therapy dog.

In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the situation, since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective.

In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the shih tzu is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After the shih tzu has demonstrated that it understands the command, the leash is then used to correct the shih tzu if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The leash is the main form of controlling and communicating with the shih tzu in leash and collar training.

When using leash and collar training, the shih tzu must be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions without question. In order for the shih tzu to be fully trained, the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the shih tzu into a posture or position he or she does not want to take. This does not mean using force, but it does generally require some level of physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training – the leash.

It is important for every would be shih tzu trainer to understand that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is an important tool in this form of training, it is important for the shih tzu trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using whatever tools are at hand.

Even when the only tools at hand are the owner’s body and skill, the shih tzu should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower relationship between handler and shih tzu is still very important, and it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch. A properly trained shih tzu should be willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Connie Limon is a professional shih tzu breeder in the Midwestern state of Indiana. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts on shih tzu puppies are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: stainglassshihtzus.com stainglassshihtzus.com

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Tags: dog training, shih tzu

In addition to the writings of Colonel Burkhardt regarding the practice of cross-breeding the Shih Tzu with Pekingese to reduce size, there is also published information of a booklet by Madam Lu expressing a similar opinion. These writings were done by someone connected with the newly formed Peking Kennel Club. The translator of the booklet was Mr. C.S.K. Chou, but there is no identification of the actual writer was. In reference to the Lhassa Lion Dogs the passage says: “There is also every evidence to show that these dogs have been bred down from a larger-sized breed and this theory is supported by the great variety of size and weight which is found in this class of dogs.”

We have been told that the empress Dowager did not approve of the use of “cruel practices” to stunt the growth of the dogs, the passages written by Colonel Burkhardt and this unknown writer seem to imply the imperial eunuchs tried to keep the Shih Tzu small by strictly selective breeding. This selective breeding was approved of by the Empress, according to a Mrs. Dixey. The breedings were not always successful so far as producing the uniform “smaller” size Shih Tzu, which most likely accounts for the smaller size Shih Tzu appearing in many different bloodlines of breedings between larger Shih Tzu, and not that the appearance of a smaller Shih Tzu in the litter is merely the “runt” of that litter. We all know that whatever is in the past of any dog’s bloodline can appear in the present. This goes for size the same as for health or any other genetic positive or negative influence on that litter.

The years immediately following the 1912 revolution, Colonel Burkhardt also tells us the mating was very haphazard. Some 20 years later there is still complaints in Madame Lu’s booklet regarding the “great variety of size and weight.” The same could have been said of the Empress Dowager’s Imperial Palace Goldfish which probably increased in size with the breakdown of controlled breeding. The Empress Dowager had many other pets besides the Shih Tzu.

There is strong support for the above viewpoint in the China Weekly Chronicle of June 10, 1934. The report was on Peiping’s First International Dog Show held on June 7, 1934. The paper states that the Lhassa Lion Dogs were, “on the whole, disappointing in spite of their numbers, showing too much deviation from the standard, especially in size, suggesting the necessity of careful breeding to the standard in the future.” Well, what exactly was that standard? The official Peking Kennel Club’s official standard did come until four years later. It is uncertain what standard is referred to at this earlier date, but is strong evidence that the question of size in the Shih Tzu has always, absolutely always been a very hot and controversial issue. I am not totally surprised about the myths and lies being spread in the years of 2004 onward about the production of smaller size Shih Tzu being a direct cause of someone being an irresponsible breeder and in-breeding or line-breeding close relatives just to achieve a smaller size Shih Tzu and obtain more money for that Shih Tzu along with the lies that these smaller type Shih Tzu are very “sickly, full of health problems, and only the runts of the litter.” This is not the reason we have smaller Shih Tzu among us.

All Shih Tzu breeders should have a strong grasp of Shih Tzu history to be able to communicate the facts surrounding the development of our present day Shih Tzu . (Please see Shih Tzu – The Hotley Contested Shih Tzu Size Part III).

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: stainglassshihtzus.com stainglassshihtzus.com

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Tags: shih tzu

Everyday more and more money is being spent on pets including the Shih Tzu. The professional Shih Tzu groomer is a rather unique entry in the professional world. Outside the family and the Shih Tzu’s vet, the professional Shih Tzu groomer is the one person closest to the Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy.

If you plan to use a professional Shih Tzu groomer, the groomer will see your Shih Tzu regularly either monthly or bi-monthly. A knowledgeable professional Shih Tzu groomer will be able to supply you with advice on matters of health, breeding, boarding and various Shih Tzu products. The extent to which the professional Shih Tzu groomer fills these roles affects the relationship between the groomer and Shih Tzu owner. A close bond between the family and the professional Shih Tzu groomer is desirable.

The Shih Tzu Grooming Shop:

Many professional Shih Tzu groomers start out in their basements or spare room in their house and then graduate to their own shop on Main streets in towns throughout the country. Although a Shih Tzu groomer should have knowledge of how to groom all breeds of dogs, specializing in the Shih Tzu breed can be a unique opportunity for those who love the Shih Tzu exclusively. The Shih Tzu breed is one of the top 10 favorite family pets. Their popularity continues to grow, therefore, to specialize in Shih Tzu grooming would definitely be a professional groomer’s own unique niche.

Quality training:

Be sure to seek out the best instruction available. This instruction should come from licensed, qualified instructors in state-approved locations with adequate space and facilities. Proper training is the most important part of your investment. Without proper training, there is no business. Good dog grooming instruction means training in grooming all breeds with access to dogs of as many breeds as possible. Specializing in Shih Tzu grooming can come later. The school’s reputation is most significant. Check with your State Education Department, the Better Business Bureau and other consumer agencies to determine the reputation of the schools you choose. Make a personal visit to the school.

Shih Tzu Grooming Shop Site:

Once you are fully trained and/or you have built up a customer base while working out of your home you begin to consider setting up a shop. Go where the action is. Shih Tzu pet owners will like locations in a good part of town, one with good parking. If funds allow, a busy shopping mall would be an excellent location for a Shih Tzu Grooming Salon.

An important factor to consider when deciding on a location for your Shih Tzu grooming shop is the element of competition. Is there already a grooming shop in your chosen location? And how long has the shop been in business? If the grooming shop has been in business for quite some time, you may want to choose another location.

Zoning

Most state laws are loose about zoning requirements for dog grooming shops and so would be the same case for a Shih Tzu grooming shop. Usually a commercial area or on a main street there are no problems with zoning. If you begin your grooming at home, you may have to cope with complaining neighbors if the traffic begins to become congested in the neighborhood, etc. You will need to check your local zoning laws in a case such as this.

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: stainglassshihtzus.com stainglassshihtzus.com

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Tags: dog grooming, groom, shih tzu