Mini Shih Tzu is a tiny dog that looks like a toy. Chinese for luxurious silky hair, which on the muzzle looks like a whisk lush chrysanthemum, called her chrysanthemum dog. Breed name with Chinese translates as lion cub. According to legend, a small dog was a companion of Buddha in his wanderings around the world. If on the way they faced with danger, the dog turned into a formidable lion and defended Awakened.
Content
- 1. History of origin
- 2. Description of the breed mini shih tzu
- 2.1. Quality of coat and colors
- 3. Character and disposition
- 4. Training and education
- 5. Care and health
- 6. Diseases of the breed
- 7. Feeding
- 8. Keeping a dog
- 9. The cost of puppies
- 10. Photo of a mini Shih Tzu
- 11. Video about mini Shih Tzu
- 12. Nurseries
Origin history
Scientists managed to trace material traces of Shih Tzu right up to XVI century. The engravings and miniatures of this period depict dogs, Outwardly very similar to modern Shih Tzu. But in some they were mentioned in ancient scrolls as early as 624 A.D. 
There are various versions of the origin of Shih Tzu. According to one of them, the breed was bred by crossing several breeds – bred in Tibet more than 2 centuries ago, Lhasa Apso and Pekingese, not less ancient breed. Antiquity of the breed is confirmed by published in 2004 research data. According to them, Shih Tzu is part of the group of 14 ancient breeds of dogs, and its genetic material has many in common with the progenitor – the wolf.
In 1653, during the visit of the Dalai Lama V to the Middle Kingdom for exchange with titles he presented the emperor with several outlandish lion dogs, who immediately became not only the favorites of the yard, but also a symbol power, the object of worship. Hidden and carefully guarded in the bowels of the magnificent palace of the emperor in Beijing, the dogs did not leave him until the 30s of the last century.
According to another version, Shih Tzu was presented to the Ambassador of Norway, who introduced Europe to such a rare animal. The breed was recognized in 1934 by British dog handlers, in 1940 the AKC (American Kennel Club) entered Shih Tzu in his register of purebred dogs.
Description of the breed mini shih tzu
Despite the existence of various prefixes to the name of the breed, approved a single standard FCI No. 208 for Shih Tzu. According to the standard, The appearance of Shih Tzu should correspond to the following parameters:
- The skull is large, rounded. Stop expressed. The front part is flat, wide, somewhat square in shape. Length from the nose mirror to the foot 2.5 cm. There are no wrinkles on the face.
- The nose is straight or slightly raised (snub-nosed). Top edge the mirrors should be in line or slightly below the edge lower eyelid. The mirror is large, with well-opened nostrils, black color. Solid or spotty brown dogs pigmentation of the nose should be in tone with the main color.
- The teeth are small, white. Jaws wide, strong with tick-shaped bite. A small snack is allowed.
- Eyes are large, widely spaced, supreme the bend point of the eyeball is flush with the orbit (non-convex). The shape is oval, the color of the iris is dark. At dogs with a light coat are allowed a lighter color irises. With a direct look, the whites of the eyes are not visible.
- The ears are large, hanging. The inflection is located below the top of the skull. They are covered with long, adorning hair, therefore merge with the “mane”.
- The neck is long enough with a beautiful bend, which allows the dog regally hold his head.

- The body is strong, knocked down, somewhat oblong. The back is straight, wide, strong. The chest is wide very lowered.
- The limbs are short with strong bones and good muscle. Located parallel under the body. Paws strongly rounded with dark, strong pads.
- The tail is long, high set, profusely pubescent with decorating hair. Holds up so that is flush with the crown of the head.
Shih Tzu moves smoothly, as if flowing, proudly carrying decorated heavy head hair. Raised tail visually balances the little dog, making her elegant and sophisticated.
The differences between standard shih tzu and mini are in weight. The growth of the dog should not exceed 27 cm. The standard weight is 4.5-7.5 kg, and the mini has less 4.5 kg Only a dog, aged 15 months, not exceeding 4.5 kg, can be considered mini shih tzu. Such a “baby” is breed marriage and can no longer participate in breeding.
Quality of coat and colors
The coat is long with a small undercoat. The rest of the hair is straight, slight waviness is allowed. The hair on the head should not interfere see the dog, and move on the trunk and limbs.
Shih Tzu allowed all colors. Today, breeders received many colors that are not found in Shih Tzu. If earlier the most common were golden white dogs, black and white or brown-golden-white, now except brindle, blue and solid white, there is a rare one – silver. It is a variation of sable, but strongly bleached. There are single instances of deep black colors.
Character and temper
Obviously, centuries spent in the palace of the emperor, in worship and surrounded by their own servants were not in vain. If the owner is “weak spirit, “he will soon serve the dog. Lost for parenting time will be difficult to catch up afterwards.
Since the breed was bred to become a companion to man, interior decoration and eye candy, something serious Shih Tzu does not. She will not become a hunter, guard or watchman. Shih Tzu is a great companion. She has a cheerful, playful, kind character.
Babies get along well with all family members, willingly participate in fun for children and adolescents. For a tiny dog, all people look giants, so they do not distinguish between small and big kid. Dog handlers do not recommend leaving two babies without supervision – a dog in the heat of the game can injure a child.
Shih Tzu easily gets along with pets. Judging by how a “lion cub” behaves in the presence of a cat or another dog, it’s not the result of complaisance of character, but rather condescension and neglect. “The royal person” does not consider it necessary to condescend to flickering nearby animals. However, when meeting other dogs on the street this position can be left, and the “lion cub” bravely rushes to protect his beloved master.
The tiny Shih Tzu has an explosive character and strong will, at the same time She is very affectionate, sociable and good-natured time. Such a “mixture” still complements:
- high intelligence;
- adaptability;
- attentiveness (including to the psychological attitude loved ones);
- sense of humor.
Lack of education affects the character of Shih Tzu badly. The owner who does not devote time to education can receive little tyrant with an angelic appearance.
Training and education
Shih Tzu training does not include any “dog profession”, so it is affordable even for a beginner to the dog breeder. The cleverness and mind of a doggie allows him to quickly master a minimum of teams, especially if the training is in the game form, reinforced by rewards and not bored.
Each course should take a little time so as not to tire animal. It’s impossible to be cruel to such a baby, and she doesn’t tolerate rudeness, dictate. Do not try to “break” the character lion cub. Doggie will fully interact if found have a common language with him, treat respectfully, with love and patiently to achieve goals. 
It is necessary to train a puppy from an early age. The course should Enter: Natural Ability Training Skills strictly defined place, accustomed to behavior in an apartment or home, the development of prohibitive teams that will save the baby from danger of injury.
In addition, Shih Tzu has an unpleasant feature – the desire for eating feces. Prohibition teams will teach you how to hold back a habit. Mastering standard teams, as a rule, starts from 1 year. After 12 months you can teach the dog some tricks. It will give the ability to keep her fit and develop intellectual abilities.
Care and Health
Luxurious long shih tzu wool requires careful care. To she didn’t get stuck in tricks and looked well-groomed, she needed daily comb carefully, starting the procedure from the back limbs. Before combing, moisten the coat with conditioner and gently comb in the direction of growth.
If areas of tangled wool or tangle are found, then their moisten with a product and leave for a few minutes, and then disassemble and comb, holding the “strand” at the base. For treatments use a massage brush. The final touch using a scallop with long teeth.
In addition, Shih Tzu needs to be washed only with special shampoo for long coat, and then use conditioner, preventing the accumulation of static electricity and mixing up wool. Puppies are recommended to be washed every 2-3 weeks. For adult dogs, water procedures are less common – once every 2 months if it is not an exhibition copy.
Many owners prefer to make their pets short haircuts to facilitate care. A trip to the salon needs to be planned every 2 months, then the “chrysanthemum” will have a neat smooth coat.
The longest strands on the head of the dog are located on the crown of the head. So that they do not block the view of the animal, they are tied bows or elastic bands. It is necessary to ensure that the wool is not tightly stretched. You can use hairpins for hairstyles. Them in unlike elastic bands, it is much easier to remove. Mustache and beard before eating also need to be cleaned, otherwise after eating they will have to be washed and comb.
The ears and eyes of the pet require special care. Structural features organs and pedigree diseases often cause inflammatory processes. To prevent them, you must regularly inspect and brush your ears, eyes.
Due to the characteristic structure of the jaws of the baby, it can be observed overshot, which leads to poor natural cleansing of the tooth row. To prevent dental problems in a dog, you need brush her teeth regularly and check their condition.
Care is also required for the pet’s paws. Periodically need to cut claws and clean the hair between the fingers. Small dogs may be injured while jumping from sofas, armchairs, steps stairs. It is recommended to monitor the dog and put it down, and if necessary, climb stairs – carry it on your hands.
Breed diseases
Shih Tzu is a strong dog with pretty good health. The most common diseases that affect small “lion cubs” are:
- eye diseases: inversion and eversion of the eyelid, cataract, exfoliation retina, conjunctivitis, keratitis, aberrant cilia;
- spinal diseases;
- problems with heart;
- fungal skin lesions.
Due to the structural features of the skull and jaw, Shih Tzu may be breathing problems, early prolapse, deposition tartar.
Feeding
Shih Tzu has excellent appetite and no predisposition to food allergies, so it’s best to feed them with natural foods. IN the composition of the diet should include:
- boiled sea fish;
- boiled quail or chicken eggs;
- slightly stewed meat – rabbit, beef;
- porridge – rice, buckwheat, oatmeal (for puppies – on milk);
- cottage cheese;
- vegetables and fruits (for puppies it is better to make vegetable puree with the addition of vegetable oil or sour cream).
You can not include in the diet:
- fatty meat, pork;
- raw offal;
- river fish with small bones;
- corn grits;
- legumes and soy.
Under the strictest ban are: sweets, smoked meats, bakery products. For natural feeding, add vitamin and mineral complexes. If an adult “lion cub” feed dry food, then it must correspond to the growth of the dog and be of good quality. The size and portion size calculated depending on the age of the doggie.
Dog keeping
Shih Tzu is a room dog that does not tolerate overheating and hypothermia. Therefore, the berth should be located far from drafts or heating appliances. The lounger is equipped comfortable, medium hardness mattress with a removable cover. Dogs love to be in constant contact with the owner. If there is such opportunity, then a berth can be placed next to his a bed. 
The mischievous, playful Shih Tzu should have different toys, not only training jaws, but also providing food for the mind. Eating place equipped with bowls for feed and water. They should be as high as possible. wide and low so that the dog does not smeared and did not swallow air.
Those owners who can not provide regular walking doggie 1-2 times a day, you should think about a home toilet. For this The goal is a cat tray or diaper. But more naturally move this process to the street, so with shih tzu you need to regularly walk.
Although small dogs do not require intense training and long walks, but outdoor games will benefit pets. Moreover, the mobile, active, energetic Shih Tzu with pleasure will accompany the owner on jogging, walking or travel.
The cost of puppies
Shih Tzu in our country is a fairly popular breed, therefore There are no difficulties with acquiring a puppy either in Ukraine or in Russia. But popularity and a large number of nurseries did not affect the price puppies. In Ukraine, it ranges from 3,500 to 20,000 UAH. In Russia the cost of a dog from a kennel varies from 15,000 to 40,000 rubles. The price depends on the rarity of color and purpose.
Photo mini shih tzu 





Video about mini Shih Tzu
Nurseries
In Ukraine, puppies are sold as monobreed kennels, and private breeders:
- “FORWARD UKRAINE”, http://forua.com.ua/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=6&Itemid=10;
- “KAZKOVYY LEV”, http://uashitzu.0pk.ru/viewtopic.php?id=145;
- “MOYA OTRADA SHOW BEST”, https://www.pedigreepedia.com/en/%D0%A8%D0%B8-%D1%82%D1%86%D1%83/breeder-17-288.html;
- “RETURN TO EDEM”, http://lider-lifedog.com.ua/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=120:yourkshirskiuterier.
All nurseries are located in Kiev.
In Moscow, “chrysanthemum” can be purchased in the nurseries:
- Chesvet Line, http://chesvet-line.ru/;
- “Star Show Bon Ami”, http://dog.pet2me.com/en/club/id/4577/;
- “Elegant bow”, http://dog.pet2me.com/en/club/id/2801/;
- Klarus Hall, http://dog.pet2me.com/en/club/id/1727/.
With the acquisition of a puppy, a mini Shih Tzu will have to wait, previously enrolling in the waiting list, as such puppies born very rarely. Moreover, acquiring a puppy, you can not be sure that he will not grow a dog of normal size.
Shih Tzu is an amazing doggie in this small but strong body the spirit and courage of a ferocious lion is concluded. The dog is fearless noble, brave like a lion.
