After the fall of the Imperial Palace breeding continued outside
the palace in the homes of both the Chinese and foreign
families. Kennels were developed that produced the Tibetan Lion
Dogs, or the Lhasa Lion Dogs, as they were sometimes called.
There was a lot of confusion during this time period trying to
distinguish between the Tibetan breeds and there was no central
registration system until the 1930s. The Apso and Shih Tzu types
were grouped under several different names: The Tibetan Poodle...
Read more...
Hobbies
There has been a strong opinion in shih tzu history that the
Tibetan Lion Dog is the result of a cross between the Lhasa
Terrier and the Pekingese, which occurred out of the mixing of
the two breeds in Tibet and China.
The dogs of each country had been taken to the other from time
to time by tribute envoys and officials. The cross in Tibet,
that had been taken out of that country by way of India, has
been called the Apso, while the cross in Peking has been called
the Tibetan Poodle or Lion Dog. ...
Read more...
Hobbies
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...
Read more...
Hobbies
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 ...
Read more...
Hobbies
There is no fixed color for the shih tzu according to the
American Kennel Club standards. The standard weight set by
American Kennel Club is 9 to 16 lbs. However, all colors are
permissible, and the shih tzu comes in such a variety of colors,
different tones, shades and combinations of colors that surely
contributes to the great popularity of this breed. Some shih tzu
fanciers or purchasers are more interested in what color they
want in a shih tzu than what size or anything else the shih tzu
can...
Read more...
Hobbies
I did not create the "labels" Imperial or "Teacup." These words
were already set in stone before I ever came on board. I picked
up the terms only because potential customers were asking me for
"Imperial Size" or "Teacup Size." I RARELY get a request for a
"Standard" size shih tzu as defined by the American Kennel Club.
Since these words of Imperial Shih Tzu and Teacup Shih Tzu were
so common to describe a particular size of shih tzu and I was
seeing these are the terms people place in search eng...
Read more...
Hobbies
A shih tzu that displays a fit of coughing, sneezing or snorting
and who may appear unable to breathe could actually have a very
minor diagnosis of: Inspiratory Dyspnea. This is not Kennel
Cough and should not be mistaken for it. This has to do with the
physical structure of the shih tzu, and the incomplete closure
of the nasopharnyx (above the soft palate). It is Inspiratory
Dyspnea, commonly referred to as "reverse sneezing," or a type
of air hunger.
Swallowing will help stop the attack.
So ho...
Read more...
Hobbies
This year, the latest craze in Christmas decorating is going
back in time. Homeowners seem to be less interested in the
icicle-type lights and the use of single color strands. Baby
boomers seem to be harkening back to the days of their youth, by
bringing back the full color glory of traditional Christmas
lights.
Lawn ornaments have become a must-have for the decorating elves
in your neighborhood. Families everywhere are installing huge
lawn ornaments, many consisting of animated light patterns....
Read more...
Hobbies
There's something about our human nature that enjoys being
competitive. It is built within us and almost mimics primitive
behavior. We seem to have this inner desire to be the "top dog"
-- doing things quicker and smarter. It is sort of like
self-preservation. We desire to go the distance through all
hardships and never stop.
This nature is very profound in athletes but we all have it to
some degree. We are naturally competitive and sometimes even
with ourselves.
In sports, we usually always are...
Read more...
Hobbies
As any keen mountain biker will know, there are some important
rules to follow and bike handling skills to master before
subjecting yourself and your bike to the thrills and spills of
off-road riding.
Although most of us ride within our capabilities most of the
time, riding on different trails in hot weather conditions can
present a new set of challenges requiring some new biking skills
and knowledge.
Here in Southern Spain, I spend most of my time riding in warm
and dry conditions, on shale/gra...
Read more...
Hobbies