Differences and Similarities of Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso

The Shih Tzu is one of the breeds of dogs that have their hair parted in the middle. This is called “parted-coat” breeds. Another important distinguishing grooming pattern of the Shih Tzu is the topknot tied up with ribbons or bows.

A pin brush is used on The Shih Tzu for regular grooming sessions. For a Shih Tzu coat that has not been groomed regularly or neglected a soft wire slicker brush is used.

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Basics of a Shih Tzu Dog Show

If you have never gone to a Shih Tzu or any breed dog show you might wonder exactly what the judge will be doing.

The judge will look into the mouth of the Shih Tzu or other dog breed to check for the correct number of teeth and the bite. I mean after all, do you ever see a winning Miss America with no front teeth? The same holds true for Shih Tzu and other dog breeds in the show ring. Missing teeth is a disqualification in many of the breeds.

He will also check a male to be sure he has two testicles. A missing testicle is a disqualification.

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Basics of a Shih Tzu Dog Show

Basics of a Shih Tzu Dog Show
by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com)

Photo: Olive Oil, Teacup Shih Tzu, of Stain Glass Shih Tzu. Olive was born to our Danny Boy and Gidget. She is soooo adorable. She will turn to a solid silver with black mask and some white accents. She is mine!

If you have never gone to a Shih Tzu or any breed dog show you might wonder exactly what the judge will be doing.

The judge will look into the mouth of the Shih Tzu or other dog breed to check for the correct number of teeth and the bite. I mean after all, do you ever see a winning Miss America with no front teeth? The same holds true for Shih Tzu and other dog breeds in the show ring. Missing teeth is a disqualification in many of the breeds.

He will also check a male to be sure he has two testicles. A missing testicle is a disqualification.

During this inspection the judge will feel various parts of the Shih Tzu or other breed of dog, searching out the angles of the shoulders and hips, the head and ribs. This is especially true with the heavily-coated breeds like the Shih Tzu. You can't tell exactly what the structure of a heavily-coated Shih Tzu is without hands-on examinations. Some of the smaller breeds are examined on a raised table. If you see a handler lift the Shih Tzu or other dog breed from the table to the ground with one hand under the chin and the other hand using the tail, they do this to avoid messing up the Shih Tzu's hairstyle. It is not uncomfortable for the dog at all.

The hands-on examination tells the judge a lot about the Shih Tzu or other dog breed, however, seeing the Shih Tzu move tells him even more. This is called "gaiting." The judge will determine how the Shih Tzu move around the ring, whether it be all together or one at a time, up and down or around and around. There are a lot of variations in how the judge performs the gaiting. The judge wants to see the Shih Tzu move from the rear, from the front and from the side. The judge has an experienced eye and seeing different views of the Shih Tzu in motion reveals different things.

In the AKC and UKC rings, all Shih Tzu or dog breeds are shown at a trot. In England and some other countries dogs and the Shih Tzu are often walked around the ring. There are many different handler "styles" when gaiting a Shih Tzu show dog.

After examining and moving all the Shih Tzu, the judge might just point to the winners, or he might place the winning Shih Tzu at the front of the line and have them all go around the ring one more time before pointing to the winning Shih Tzu.

How does the judge make a decision? He considers how closely each Shih Tzu comes to its own breed standard. There are many, many aspects to the Shih Tzu breed standard in which the Shih Tzu must pass in order to win in the show ring.

When you first start going to shows try to consider them as an exploration of new activities. Think more about how you feel about the sport in general. Notate the sport's good and bad aspects and not so much about your hopes to win once you get into the ring. The absolute best part about Shih Tzu dog shows is doing something with your Shih Tzu.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our newsletters. I raise Shih Tzu puppies for pets or show prospects. Puppies are sold with a health guarantee.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Breeding to the AKC Shih Tzu Standard

There is more than one area of the Shih Tzu that is considered in terms of "breeding to the AKC Shih Tzu Standard. I have been on Shih Tzu Puppies for sale websites in which they will state: "We breed to the AKC standard." We do not breed "imperial or teacup" Shih Tzu. Our Shih Tzu weighs 9 to 16 pounds. They do not weigh below the AKC standard of 9 pounds. And they will go on to say: "My goodness, why in this world would anyone want to steer away from the AKC Shih Tzu standard." If you take a quick look at the pictures of some of the Shih Tzu they are breeding from you will see rather quickly that most of them have excessive eye white (which shows very plainly in the picture). Excessive eye white is not breeding Shih Tzu to the AKC standards. There should be very little if almost no eye white at all showing on a perfect example of an AKC standard Shih Tzu. You might have the right weight there, but if the rest of the standard is missing, "you are not breeding Shih Tzu to the AKC standard."

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Be a Shih Tzu Show Dog Spectator First

Photo: Ginger of Stain Glass Shih Tzu


If you are planning to show your Shih Tzu, your first experiences with conformation should be as a spectator. You need to do some studying and practicing before actually going into a show with your Shih Tzu. Leave the Shih Tzu behind.





The first thing you will want to purchase at the show is a show catalog. Don't miss out. Clubs often run out of these early in the day. The show catalog is like a scorecard. They are usually for sale on the superintendent's table.





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Tips on How to Become a Successful Shih Tzu Show Dog Breeder

If you decide to enter the show ring with your Shih Tzu one of the greatest benefits will mostly likely be an enhanced appreciation for the sheer beauty of the Shih Tzu. Just think about it, even if you only own one Shih Tzu yourself, at the shows you will see dozens and hundreds of Shih Tzu. Most of these Shih Tzu will be in prime health and perfectly groomed. By observing, and asking questions when the opportunity arises, you will begin to see some of the differences in the Shih Tzu that you may not have noticed without going to the shows. You may be surprised at how much you learn about the Shih Tzu and maybe even your own Shih Tzu during these events.

Shih Tzu showing should also teach you some facts about yourself. You might think you will be a nervous wreck on stage in front of all those people, but then find yourself not at all that nervous, but full of pride and poise that your Shih Tzu shares in some of the qualities of the other Shih Tzu. Or you might feel like you will never lose it at a Shih Tzu dog show no matter what happens, and then the first time, someone else says a slightly less than kind remark about your very own beloved Shih Tzu, that you just fall to pieces and tear out in a rage at that person

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The Shih Tzu Belongs to the Toy Group

Photo: Ginger of Stain Glass Shih Tzu


How did our different dog breeds come into existence? People created each breed by choosing dogs with the desired qualities and breeding them to each other. People designed some dogs to hunt, others to herd, some to guard and some for companions. Our Shih Tzu is in the companion group of dog breeds.





According to the American Kennel Club a breed is defined as: "A relatively homogeneous group of animals within a species developed and maintained by man."

Show Dog Requirements for the Shih Tzu and Other Purebred Dogs

Photo: Juliet of Stain Glass Shih Tzu

There are rules and regulations you must follow if you want to show your Shih Tzu or any breed of dog. Among those rules are:

* To compete in conformation, your Shih Tzu or other breed of dog must be a purebred registered with a kennel club. * Purebred Shih Tzu or other purebred dogs adopted from shelters or rescue groups can get a special listing which allows them to compete in performance events, but not in conformation. * Registration papers must accompany the Shih Tzu or other breed of purebred dog to participate in dog shows. * The UKC welcomes mixed-breed dogs to compete in performance competitions. * Shih Tzu and other purebred dogs must be intact to compete in much of conformation. * The Canadian Kennel Club has a class for spayed and neutered dogs to show in conformation. * The Australian Shepherd Club of America is also trying out the idea of a class for spayed and neutered dogs to show in conformation. * You do not have to own the Shih Tzu or other breed of dog. You can show someone else's dog. There are professional handlers also.

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The Biggest Event in the Dog Kingdom

Photo: Ginger of Stain Glass Shih Tzu (Just look at that face, looks almost human.....


What is the biggest event in the dog kingdom? A dog show is the answer to this question. It is also called the "breed ring" or "the fancy." Thousands of dog shows takes place in the United States every year. Thousands of Shih Tzu are entered into these dog shows. There are only a few countries in this world that are not involved in the dog show sport. So you can imagine just how many dogs and owners are traveling to a show on any given weekend. The number has to got be absolutely astronomical!





Just what is the reason for all these people/dogs/Shih Tzu teams to leave their warm and snug homes to go to a dog show that might be held in rain, sleet or snow? Well, if you think about it, why do people go to baseball games, and basketball games and foot ball games? Probably very much the same reason people travel far and near through all kinds of weather to a dog/Shih Tzu show. There has to be more in it than just a tiny piece of silk ribbon or a trophy. And there is more to it for those who enjoy this type of sport. Many people just love the breathtaking beauty of the Shih Tzu show dogs. Others enjoy the adrenal surge when they step out into the ring for a chance to prove their Shih Tzu is the very best Shih Tzu. A person has to have a competitive side to their personality to be a part of the Shih Tzu Show Dog World.

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The First Shih Tzu Imported from the British Isles

It is one opinion in Shih Tzu History documentations that the Scandinavian imports were nearer to the direct imperial line, although those who brought the first Imperial Shih Tzu to the British Isles did so at about the same time. These early English and Irish fanciers acted according to the best knowledge available to them and went to very great trouble to secure the finest possible specimens of the breed. However, noted throughout shih tzu history, is the fact that a Danish couple were able to bring home a "palace-born" Imperial Shih Tzu.

A Shih Tzu named Lung-Fu-Ssu was one of the first three Shih Tzu to have been brought to Europe from Peking. A woman by the name of Miss Hutchins brought the black and white dog to Ireland in 1930 and exhibited him at the Cheltenham Show in 1933

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Shih Tzu Grooming Tips - Coat Handling Basics

Use gentle action. When bathing, thoroughly wet the coat with warm water, apply shampoo and gently squeeze the suds through the coat to cleanse rather than scrubbing the hair back and forth. Use a gentle, all natural shampoo such as HealthyPetNet Herbal Blend shampoo, which is a unique blend of herbs and other ingredients to soothe dry, itchy and irritated skin as well as to condition dull, brittle or normal coats. It gently cleans away dirt without drying and leaves the skin and coat fresh, clean and healthy. The shampoo has a fresh, peppermint smell. Always follow a shampoo with a creme rinse.

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Dog Bows

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Fleece t-shirts

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My Shih Tzu Puppy Chews a lot - Especially on Me

Photo: Stain Glass Shih Tzu "Jitterbug"

Puppies who chew are normal. Chewing is a natural and necessary puppy behavior. Puppies at about four months of age are more prone to chewing because this is when they usually start teething. Other dogs that chew, especially when you are not at home, may be suffering from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety requires an entire new behavior treatment plan. In this newsletter, I want to give you a few tips for your typical, normal-behaving puppy chewer!

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Purchase Fleece T-shirts at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Purchase Professional Topknot Bows and Everyday Dog Bows at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu Receive a FREE gift with every bow order.

Stain Glass Shih Tzu Available Puppies

Hypoglycemia: A Common Problem in Toy Breed Puppies

One of the main things a new owner needs to take precautions against is a new puppy developing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia can occur without much warning and within hours of a puppy going to a new home, missing a meal, or does not eat full meals, gets chilled, overtired or exhausted from too much handling or playing. It occurs more in the toy breeds, but can also occur in larger breeds. Signs are a depressed affect or mood, weakness, wobbly gait, jerky, lethargic. The neck may get stiff. The head may appear to be tilted to either the left or right and teeth may be clamped tightly together. These are all signs this puppy is having a drop in their sugar level and if left untreated will progress to convulsions, seizures or coma and can then be fatal.

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Purchase warm and cozy handmade Fleece t shirts at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

I raise Shih Tzu puppies for sale bred from champion bloodlines in a variety of colors. We have the AKC small standard, imperial and teacups. We also provide dog books, warm and cozy fleece t-shirts and topknot bows (professional and everyday bows). Visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our helpful newsletters to keep up-to-date on our available puppies plus valuable information all about the Shih Tzu.

Let's Talk About Vaccines

There is no universal protocol for canine vaccination schedules. Many vets recommend more vaccinations than most dogs require to be protected from contagious diseases. A lot of vets use the vaccination schedule they receive with the vaccinations they buy from drug companies. Vets are now realizing to trust vaccine makers may not be the best thing to do. Vaccine makers are in the business of selling vaccines.

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Purchase warm and cozy hand-made fleece t-shirts at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Most Influential Breeder in Early Days Shih Tzu

The most influential breeder in the early days of the Shih Tzu in North America was Swedish-born Ingrid Colwell. Noone has equaled her contribution to the breed. She was the daughter of Ingrid Engstrom.

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Life With the Shih Tzu Part II

In part I of this series of articles about life with the Shih Tzu I discussed the beginning steps of daily grooming of your Shih Tzu. In this article I will continue that discussion.

Once you have the hair on the tummy and legs all brushed out, flick all the body hair up and over the back before brushing it downwards again, a layer at a time, using the nylon and bristle brush. You might like to spray each layer lightly with water or a crème rinse and water mixture before brushing. You now have the Shih Tzu still lying on its side. You reason you want to work in layers like this is that you are able to brush right to the skin and remove all traces of hair that would start to mat and tangle. If the Shih Tzu is standing you can brush all day and only reach the top layer of the coat. It is really necessary to brush to the skin on a Shih Tzu. Use the comb only when it is necessary to take out a tangle you encounter.

When the first side is finished, turn the Shih Tzu over so he lies on his other side and repeat the process. If you are lucky enough to have a Shih Tzu that will relax and go to sleep this is such a blessing for the both of you. If you are gentle enough and teach the Shih Tzu that this is a time of "relaxation and pleasure" you might just have one that does sleep during brushing sessions. If you have a regular daily brushing routine you will be sure to find skin problems or parasites before they become very serious. When you have both sides of the Shih Tzu's coat thoroughly groomed and free of knots, stand the Shih Tzu up, facing away from you. Straighten the parting down the center of the back, using a comb or the tip of a blunt knitting-needle. Position the Shih Tzu to face you and groom the hair on the chest and neck. There is usually a knot or two behind and under the ears. Take particular care to clear these out.

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Life with the Shih Tzu Part I

If you want that perfect show dog look in your Shih Tzu you might as well relax to the fact that it involved brushing, brushing, brushing, and daily brushing. A thorough head-to-tail groom is often needed at least every other day if not "daily." However, Shih Tzu coat textures are very different. You might get by with once weekly brushing if the Shih Tzu's coat is the type of texture that does not mat and tangle easily. If you have only one Shih Tzu, grooming should not be a problem. It can be quite pleasurable for you and your Shih Tzu. It can be an excellent time to bond with each other, and have nice close little chats with each other. Where do you start? A good place to start grooming your Shih Tzu is on the tummy, the chest and inside the legs.......perhaps......there are other opinions of course, but in this article I will direct you to start with the tummy, the chest and inside the legs. You will need to have your Shih Tzu lie on his side on the table (be sure you have a nice, sturdy table to groom your Shih Tzu). There is nothing worse than a grooming table that wobbles around, except of course a grooming area that is not organized. You also need to have all your equipment organized and ready to use.

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Preserving the Show Dog Shih Tzu's Coat

Preserving the Show Dog Shih Tzu’s Coat

by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com) The Shih Tzu's coat for the show rings requires extra care. Some show people actually keep their Shih Tzu confined and caged to preserve the coat, or they wrap the coat or oil it. Those who do keep their show Shih Tzu confined and caged pay a price in loss of muscle tone in their dogs. Not all show people practice these methods for preserving their Shih Tzu's long show dog coats. It is also a myth that all show people do not allow their show Shih Tzu to go for long walks, to play and just in general to lead a normal life. For those who do allow their show Shih Tzu do lead a normal life keeping the coat glamorous requires a lot of extra effort, and much more grooming than for the pet Shih Tzu. Coconut oil is considered helpful as a means of preserving the coat of a show dog Shih Tzu. If you do oil the show dog Shih Tzu coat you must remove the oil completely before each show. If you do not remove all the oil the coat appear limp and feel wrong. It can also be uncomfortable to be around a Shih Tzu that has been oiled. There are good oils on the market, however, that do not have this effect on the coat and it may be worth trying them if the Shih Tzu's coat seems to need it. Wrapping the coat in tissue paper protects the Shih Tzu's coat, but you lose some of the pleasure of seeing your dog in full coat with his hair flowing as he moves. I do think this is a beautiful, beautiful sight of the show dog Shih Tzu. The tissue wrapping sort of reminds me of the days when women ran around the house for house with their hair in curlers. Probably the best thing to do if you are just starting out taking care of your Shih Tzu show dog's coat is to experiment with different methods of preserving the coat until you find what works best for your dog. Much the same type of procedures a pet owner must go through, although a lot more intense and time consuming as the Shih Tzu show do requires so much more in the way of grooming. One thing is for certain if you start out with "bad hair" it is virtually impossible to make it good enough for the show ring. When purchasing your show potential Shih Tzu it is wise to study the lines to find out which have good hair in their genes. This way you can just continue to keep it looking good. The topknot and whiskers also need very special attention on the show dog Shih Tzu. The white whiskers on a parti-coloured Shih Tzu must be really, really white to look good. It seems this is especially true for the black and white Shih Tzu. Some older methods of keeping the whiskers white was to wash them at least once a day with a solution of boracic powder, a teaspoon to a pint of water. This mixture is wiped into the whiskers, being careful to get none in the eyes and then rinsed away. One of the keys to keeping whiskers white is above all to dry them immediately and keep them dry. An older method of drying them was to work in some fuller's earth or talcum powder, brushing this out and repeating until the hair was absolutely dry. If you allow the Shih Tzu to dry his own whiskers he will rub and rub until dry doing nothing but harm to the length of the coat. Another problem you run into with all this washing is that the hair becomes dry and brittle. You will need to dress the whiskers with a little coat conditioner from time to time. A method of preserving the hair of the topknot is to use several bands along the length of the hair to hold it to the back of the head. You can also plait the hair to achieve the same purpose. Use neither of these methods just before a show as both methods will cause kinks in the coat of which you do not want. It is always wise to review the rules of the American Kennel Club about the use of oils and conditioners on the coat of a show dog. Any substance used to alter the natural color, texture or body of the coat is usually prohibited.

Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale. Visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our newsletters. We have the Shih Tzu in a variety of colors, the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.