The buoyant and bouncing Shih Tzu has been treasured by its owners for over a 1000 years. They may have originated from crosses between the Lhasa Apso, Tibetan mountain dog, and Pekingese, as giving dogs as gifts was popular between neighboring Buddhist countries for many centuries. They were a preferred house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty and received a wider audience when they were brought to England during WW2, and America soon after. These are exclusively a house pet and devoted companion. They are typically generous with their affection but are not pushovers. Their flowing, generous coats require regular grooming and maintenance to stay lovely and free of tangles.
Each AKC approved purebred breed has its own national club. The mission of these “parent breed clubs” is to improve and preserve a particular breed by advancing knowledge about its history, its health and care requirements and by assuring that the breed’s form and function remain true to its historical physical type and character: A Dalmatian, for instance, should be athletic and have a natural affinity for working with horses. A Fox Terrier should have the right body size and shape, and a drive to go after vermin.
Pet owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and others with a special love for a breed, join the parent breed club to meet like-minded enthusiasts and to support the club’s mission.
The national parent breed club is the first place for the public to go to learn about a breed or find a knowledgeable, experienced breeder.
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
