9781422279403

Chapter 1 Introducing the Shih Tzu A lthough this dog comes in a small package, the Shih Tzu con- siders himself to be a big dog. With his superb temperament, character, and good looks, it is easy to understand how this little dog can steal your heart away. The Shih Tzu (pronounced SHEE-dzoo; the plural is also Shih Tzu) was bred primarily as a companion, and you could not wish for a better friend and playmate. He is so adaptable, suited to town or country, prepared to rest quietly by your chair, romp in the yard, or enjoy long country walks. A close friend thought I was somewhat eccentric when I referred to one of my Shih Tzu as a “little person”— that is, until the lady owned one! The Shih Tzu is so tuned in to his humans that it is astonishing, and for me and many others who have the pleasure of owning these little dogs, there is no better companion. Here we have a breed that is, thankfully, born without many health problems. We are lucky that the Shih Tzu is a relatively long-

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