Info on Shih Tzu and Yorkie breeds

[Ann]

Shih Tzu


Height: Male [10-11 in.]Female [10-11 in.]

Weight: Male [9-16 lbs.]Female [9-16 lbs.]

History

The best information indicates that the Shih Tzu originated in Tibet, where it was kept in temples as a scared dog. It is known that they were occasionally given to the emperors of China during the 17th century as a tribute of great honor. There are paintings dating back as early as the 16th century showing dogs resembling a small lion. If translated the Shih Tzu's name means lion. In the early 1930's a Shih Tzu puppy was presented to Queen Elizabeth and this really started the breeds start in England. The breed's popularity didn't pick up into the United States until the late 1960's to early 1970's.

Temperament

Shih Tzus are sturdy, bouncy extroverts that make delightful family pet. The spunky but sweet dog is both a gentle lapdog and a vivacious companion. They have an upbeat attitude and love to play and romp. They are affectionate to their family and good with children. They are surprisingly tough and can have a stubborn streak to them. They are a lively watchdog and bark to alert any new circumstances. Because of their fun loving personality, they are usually a great companion not only for people but other animals as well. Introductions should always be supervised but they tend to get along well with everyone. It is important that this breed it kept active in games or just being loved. They like to have a lot if attention and be in the middle of everything. They will be happy to follow you anywhere but with all the hair can be a lot of work to clean up afterwards. It can be quite a sight to watch them romping around with their coat flowing in all directions as they play. Being a people-oriented dog, they cherish being loved and will sit and cuddle on your lap for hours at a time.

Health Problems

They can have respiratory problems from Snoring, wheezing, or infection. They can be prone to Ear infections if not cleaned accordingly. Spinal disc disease is something to watch out for since they have such short legs and a long back. This breed can grow to be overweight if not taken care of. It is important to keep up with teeth cleaning in order to prevent periodontal disease.

The Shih Tzu makes an ideal dog for both city and country living. In the city these dogs become easily accustomed to the noises and apartment style living. They never feel more proud then when strutting on their leash through crowds of people. They are also at home romping in the country. Due to their size and need for companionship they should be kept as an inside dog.

[Ann]

Yorkshire Terrior

Height: Male [6-8 in.]Female [6-8 in.]

Weight: Male [6-7 lbs.]Female [6-7 lbs.]

History

The Yorkshire Terrier didn't begin as the fashionable and glamorous breed that they are today. They are a combination of so-called terrier breeds evolving from various terrier breeds. To best knowledge they think the Yorkshire was a crossbreed forming for the Waterside Terrier, Manchester Terrier, and Paisley Terrier. It got this name from all this taking place in Yorkshire, England.

In 1873, the kennel Club of England was formed. The Yorkshire Terrier joined the 40 selected Non-Sporting breeds under the name of Broken-Haired Scotch and Yorkshire Terriers. In the late 19th century the Yorkie made its popularity to the United States. Since then is has remained one of the most desired breeds.

Health Problems

Concerns in Health might be Portosystemic Shunt, collapsing tracheas, Legg Perthes disease, patellar luxation, and occasionally seen Progressive Retinal Atrophy. It is important to keep them current on immunizations and teeth cleanings. Because of their size they can be susceptible to fragile bones. High falls or jumps can lead to problems with joints. The "teacup" Yorkies can be even more prone to health concerns and behavioral problems.

Temperament

Although the Yorkshire Terrier is a small toy breed best know for his beautiful silky coat and spunky character, there are a lot of great things that make this breed so popular. The Yorkie is a fearless watchdog. They have a great sense of hearing and can usually hear someone coming long before they get to the door. The Yorkshire seems unaware of his small size. They are devoted to their owners. Most will prefer to share your bed if you allow. Full of energy they can keep up with kids. Because of their small size they might need more supervision with smaller children. They are eager to play and get into any trouble they might find. They have a mind of their own and this feisty, sweet little dog doesn't like to do anything he makes up his mind not to do! Even though is breed categorized as a toy there is still a lot of terrier left in them. They like to be busy, inquisitive, and bold. They can be aggressive towards animals so it is always a good idea to introduce with caution. While a toy, and at various times a greatly pampered one, the Yorkshire is a spirited dog that definitely shows its inner personality.

[junip1977]

Thanks for posting Ann, what a great read!! 

[mandy15]

That was very interesting. I learned more about each breed. Mixed together their perfect.

[Ann]

I'm glad you like it I will try and post things like this from time to time. Of course it's not totally about our Shorkies but it does give us an idea.

[ellietoo]

I was just reading some info like that on the pets 101 site. The weights listed for the breeds can be deceiving. I know that many Yorkies are much heavier than that. Unfortunately a lot of people who buy their pets at a pet shop or somewhere where they cannot see both parents are a bit disappointed to find their dogs grow to be much bigger than promised.
Personally I think in a way that can be a good thing because the really tiny dogs can be so delicate and easily injured.

[Ann]

I totally agree. We bought Toby from a pet shop and Yes we thought he was going to be tiny but he is fully grown now and he is 8kg (17Lbs). I wouldn't of liked him to be much smaller, mind you he is alittle over weight Ha Ha.

[ellietoo]

I had a Shih Tzu for 15 years. He was 13 pounds for most of his life. I never really had any issues with him. He was a great loyal little dog. My Gracie is going to be a year old next week and is 4.5 pounds. She fell off my bed when she was about 8 weeks old and injured her rear leg. It involved an emergency trip to the vet and a small panic attack by me. It seems I am always having to be extra careful to protect her. She has her own set of steps to get up and down off the bed. She is tiny and she is delicate though she is not aware of it. You have to kind of save the tiny ones from themselves and from other animals and people. I had expected her to mature at 8 to 9 pounds but she turned out to be much smaller. I love her dearly and I don't have small children so it has worked out fine. I just feel like I need to protect her much of the time.

[Mai Tai]

Mo is 3 lbs, 12 oz, at two years old, and I feel the same way.  He does not realize his size.  He too fell off a couch as a 14 week old, and I had a panic attack and took an emergency trip to the vet.  It was just a sprained front leg, but these little ones can break their legs because even though they are tiny, they think they can jump off of high things.  Mo has his steps to get on and off the couch and bed now.  He has become a little more cautious with age.  Mai Tai is 16 pounds and much easier to take care of, but I love them both the same.

 

[mandy15]

I agree. Angel is 41/2 pds nowat 18 weeks and her parents were 7 to ten pds but I'm hoping she gets up to at least eight pds. You do need to be more careful.

[ellietoo]

I never realized how much of a difference a few pounds could make. No wonder responsible small dog breeders won't sell their puppies to homes with small children.

[Mai Tai]

Too true, Ellie.  Mo's legs are so thin, I feel like I could snap them like a twig.  I have five children but they are all really careful with the dog.  It is his own crazy antics I have to protect him from.  He has a penchant for high places and loves to sleep on the top of the back of the couch.  I have to keep an eye on him that he does not fall.

[ellietoo]

Gracie likes to get on the back of the recliner and the couch as well. While the couch is all right I don't like her being on the back of the rocking recliner. She has seen the cats get on there so she thinks it's OK for her. They have claws to steady themselves if something rocks the recliner while she of course does not realize she would go flying off if the chair starts to rock. What a dog! I hope my heart holds out.

[Mai Tai]

I guess it is because their brains are the size of a walnut.

[ellietoo]

I think that would be generous in Gracie's case.