Shih Tzu’s are a wonderful breed of dog that make loyal pets. The name is pronounced, “sheed-zoo” and it means lion. These little balls of fur will steal your heart. This breed is friendly, outgoing and loves to cuddle. Shih Tzu’s make an excellent companion and will follow you everywhere you go. They come in many different colors including gold, white, black, and silver.
Shih Tzu Dog Facts #1- Shih Tzu’s were bred to look like a lion
Their hair grows extremely long and looks like a lions mane. If you brush their hair regularly it will grow to the floor.
Shih Tzu Dog Facts #2- Shih Tzu’s were bred for royalty in China
Shih Tzu’s were so precious to China they refused to share them with the rest of the world. This was a breed reserved for royalty in China from 17th century until 1930.
Shih Tzu Dog Facts #3- Lhasa Apso from Tibet and Pekinese from China
These dogs were bred by Buddhist monks for royalty. They were intended to be guard dogs for the palace. They are a combination of Lhasa Apso and Pekinese.
Shih Tzu Dog Facts #4- Shih Tzu’s life span is 12-14 years.
Shih Tzu Dog Facts #5- Hereditary Disease.
Shih Tzu’s can be more susceptible to kidney disease (renal dysplasia) and kidney stones. My little guy eventually succumbed to kidney disease at 15 years of age. The last few months of his life he had to be given fluids on a regular basis to feel better. It was only then that I learned Shih Tzu’s have a higher rate of kidney issues than many other breeds. They are also one of the top ten breeds that suffer from renal dysplasia.
Shih Tzu Dog Facts #6- About 27,282 Shih Tzu’s are registered every year according to the AKC. Shi Tzu’s are in the top 10 of the most popular dogs in United States.
http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats_2006.cfm
Shih Tzu Dog Facts #7- Shih Tzu’s are one of the oldest breeds in existence.
Shih Tzu Dog Facts #8- Price Range
Registered Shih Tzu’s with champion bloodlines from breeders will usually sell for about $2500. If you find a purebred in the paper that is registered but no champion lines they will usually be about $800-$1000. Unregistered Shih Tzu’s will usually be a few hundred dollars. Occasionally, you can find one of these dogs at the pound but will have competition in adopting him.
Shih Tzu Dog Facts #9- Shih Tzu’s weigh about 10-16 lbs and are approximately 10 inches tall. They have short legs and are longer than tall.
Shih Tzu Dog Facts #10- Joined AKC Toy Group in 1969.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
You may have too many cats if…
Here are 10 clues that you may have too many cats. I have 6 indoor cats plus maintain feeding stations for the multitude of outdoor feral cats in my area. This is a list of 10 things to look out for that may tell you when you have too many cats.
You may have too many cats if you give up on the lint roller and accept wearing cat hair on all of your clothes.
You may have too many cats if you haven’t seen an insect in years.
You may have too many cats if the cat food bill makes up more than half of your weekly grocery bill.
You may have too many cats if the neighbors drop by with a bag of cat food saying they would like to donate to your cat charity.
You may have too many cats if there are fake furry mice and balls with bells in every room.
You may have too many cats if you get a linoleum floor for your house instead of carpet because it is much easier to clean up.
You may have too many cats if you find it difficult to fall asleep without the sounds of purring in your ear.
You may have too many cats if you turn off the TV to watch the cats.
You may have too many cats if you notice the new bird feeder never needs new seed added.
You may have too many cats if you try to use the can opener quietly for fear of being mobbed by cats.
My most recent rescue was a kitten I named Ms. Owlee Hoot because she resembles an owl. She was only about 4 weeks old and was trapped under the hood of a car on a hot day. It took two men to get her out!
I also have 2 orange brothers named Spisiak and Scooby. A neighbor had them and was planning to drop them off at the pound when they came down with a respiratory infection. Today they are healthy and enjoy hanging out with each other.
Mookie was a feral cat that seemed to be accident prone. Every time I saw him he would have a new injury. I was able to catch him for veterinary care and decided to keep him indoors permanently. He is my most affectionate cat and loves to spend his days sprawled out on my couch.
Bob is a 25 lb. fat cat. He was found outside in severe respiratory distress. Turned out he was having something like a heat stroke. I put up flyers everywhere but no one ever claimed him.
Last but not least is Alex. Alex was a cat being kept in a backyard cage in 105 degree weather with no shade. They said it was OK because they would hose him off once a day! Crazy huh? They didn’t want him and said they couldn’t find a home for him. I took him home with me that day.
That is how I ended up with 6 cats.
You may have too many cats if you give up on the lint roller and accept wearing cat hair on all of your clothes.
You may have too many cats if you haven’t seen an insect in years.
You may have too many cats if the cat food bill makes up more than half of your weekly grocery bill.
You may have too many cats if the neighbors drop by with a bag of cat food saying they would like to donate to your cat charity.
You may have too many cats if there are fake furry mice and balls with bells in every room.
You may have too many cats if you get a linoleum floor for your house instead of carpet because it is much easier to clean up.
You may have too many cats if you find it difficult to fall asleep without the sounds of purring in your ear.
You may have too many cats if you turn off the TV to watch the cats.
You may have too many cats if you notice the new bird feeder never needs new seed added.
You may have too many cats if you try to use the can opener quietly for fear of being mobbed by cats.
My most recent rescue was a kitten I named Ms. Owlee Hoot because she resembles an owl. She was only about 4 weeks old and was trapped under the hood of a car on a hot day. It took two men to get her out!
I also have 2 orange brothers named Spisiak and Scooby. A neighbor had them and was planning to drop them off at the pound when they came down with a respiratory infection. Today they are healthy and enjoy hanging out with each other.
Mookie was a feral cat that seemed to be accident prone. Every time I saw him he would have a new injury. I was able to catch him for veterinary care and decided to keep him indoors permanently. He is my most affectionate cat and loves to spend his days sprawled out on my couch.
Bob is a 25 lb. fat cat. He was found outside in severe respiratory distress. Turned out he was having something like a heat stroke. I put up flyers everywhere but no one ever claimed him.
Last but not least is Alex. Alex was a cat being kept in a backyard cage in 105 degree weather with no shade. They said it was OK because they would hose him off once a day! Crazy huh? They didn’t want him and said they couldn’t find a home for him. I took him home with me that day.
That is how I ended up with 6 cats.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
