Shar Tzu -- Shar Pei X Shih Tzu

		Shar Tzu
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			China <> Tibet -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Shar Tzu

A rare and unusual combination, the Shar Tzu is the result of crossing the Shar Pei with the Shih Tzu. The result is a small to medium-sized dog (depending on the dominant parent's genes), proud, gentle by nature and eager to have fun. The Shar Tzu combination tempers the naturally reserved nature of the Shar Pei with the extroverted social nature of the other parent. These dogs are ideal companions as they are not overly active, love to cuddle and prefer the comfort of home to intensive exercise. Although the Shar Tzu is easy to train, its behavior is somewhat aristocratic, with well-defined likes and dislikes. One way to overcome this trait is to use praise and food rewards to get him on your side. While it's easy to spoil this dog because of his winning ways and slightly manipulative nature, it would be the worst thing to do. He needs a strong leader who is consistent in his demands and expects the Shar Tzu to obey the house rules. If you let him do one thing, he'll sense weakness and start ordering you around. Being the leader means being firm but gentle; aggression never has a good result for any dog in training. It's an ideal family dog, polite to strangers, good with children and protective of family and property.

History of the Shar Tzu

It's important to look at the history of the parents to see what characteristics your Shar Tzu may inherit

	A little of the Shar Pei
	Although the history of the Shar Pei is a little vague, it is thought to be a very ancient dog. Statues dating from the Han dynasty (200 BC) have been found in China that closely resemble the Shar Tzu. This dog originated in the southern provinces of China, where it was prized as a hunter, guardian, breeder and fighter. At the time of the People's Republic of China, the country's dog population was virtually wiped out. A man by the name of Matgo Law, from Down-Homes Kennels in Hong Kong, made a concerted effort to save the breed and, thanks to him, the Shar Pei was saved from extinction. Matgo Law brought a small number of Shar Pei to America in 1973 and breed enthusiasts were fascinated by this wonderful wrinkled dog. They formed the Chinese Shar Pei Club of America Inc. in 1974. This action accentuated the dog and it became quite popular because it was unique in appearance, and proved to be a good companion dog that also acted as a watchdog. The Shar Pei was accepted into the American Kennel Club's Miscellaneous Dog class in 1988 and as a member of the Non-Sporting Dog group in 1991. This calm, independent dog appeals to many, but is best suited to a master who knows how to establish his authority with firmness and kindness. The Shar Pei does not respect a weak-willed master.

	Standard of the Shar Pei


	A little of the Shih Tzu
	The Shih Tzu has a rich history and is considered one of the fourteen oldest dog breeds. Paintings and writings from the Chinese Tang dynasty (618-907 A.D.) show dogs similar to the Shih Tzu. In the 13th century, Marco Polo reported that the Mongol emperor Kubla Khan owned small, lion-like dogs that kept the trained lions calm. Protected by the Chinese royal family, these elegant little dogs enjoyed a life of precious companionship. Anyone caught harming a Shih Tzu was put to death - that's how revered these dogs were. High-profile foreign visitors often received a pair of Shih Tzu dogs as gifts. In 1928, the first pair of Shih Tzu arrived in England, and soon after another arrived, and from these first dogs the formation of a breeding kennel was born. Maureen Murdoch and her nephew, Phillip Price, were the first to import and breed the Shih Tzu in the United States of America. In 1969, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the companion dog group. Today, this seductive lion-like dog is still a popular and devoted companion.

	Standard of the Shih Tzu

Appearance of the Shar Tzu

The Shar Tzu is a unique blend of two different and distinct parents. The Shar Pei has a wrinkled coat that gives the impression that the dog has chosen the wrong size coat, while the Shih Tzu has a long, flowing coat and characteristic long facial hair. Consequently, the appearance of puppies in a litter can vary according to the genes they inherit from the parent dog. In general, they are medium-sized, solidly built dogs with beautifully proportioned bodies. The head tends to be either thin and narrow, or blocky like the Shar Pei, but in either case it is rounded at the top with ears set well to the sides. Again, ears can vary from litter to litter or puppy to puppy, ranging from small and straight to long and floppy. The chest is generally quite deep, and the dog has strong but elegant legs and well-padded paws that enable him to go from a standing start to a run in seconds. Whether your dog inherits the wrinkled face of the Shar Pei or the lion's mane of the Shih Tzu is a matter of genetics. But whichever you choose, you're sure to get a very special dog who will be a loyal and devoted companion, with a natural look and sculpted appearance.

Temperament of the Shar Tzu

The Shar Tzu can be a little reserved with strangers, distant even, but never with you. They are known to be loyal and devoted companions, and have a happy outlook on life. Although not a small dog, they adapt well to life in an apartment, provided they take a daily walk to get out and socialize. They're not very active, preferring to lounge around and watch what you're doing, but aren't immune to a game or two if need be. If you have a home with a secure yard, they'll patrol the yard to make sure no unwanted furry creatures get in, and they'll warn strangers to think twice before loitering on your property. The Shar Tzu responds well to training because it's an intelligent dog, but it can get bored if training is the same day after day. Mix things up a bit, add a little fun, and your dog will have a greater attention span and learn faster. Toys that challenge your dog are fun, especially those he has to manipulate to get a treat. But keep in mind that most toys will probably be destroyed during play, but they'll be fun while they last. As a family dog, the Shar Tzu is a good choice, even if you have to supervise play with young children. This breed of dog doesn't like having its ears or tail pulled, so teach your children to treat the dog gently to avoid nipping or growling. They are quite protective of their family, very affectionate and loyal. They are fun to be around as they have a cheerful temperament and respond well to praise and petting. The Shar Tzu is a hard-to-find hybrid, but if you find one, it will become a valuable companion and friend.

Needs and activities of the Shar Tzu

The Shar Tzu dog will appreciate a daily walk around the neighborhood or to the dog park, where it can burn off energy and socialize with other dogs and people. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash to prevent him from chasing small furry animals that he might consider prey. The Shar Pei's hunting instinct will be strong. Exercise your Shar Pei during the cooler hours of the day, as it can suffer from heatstroke in hot weather. Your dog will appreciate a selection of toys to play with, and loves to play with older children. The Shar Tzu responds well to consistent training, a caring attitude and lots of praise. This attention to his ego will often overcome any slight stubbornness he may have. Keep training fun, with plenty of surprises, and your dog will stay focused and enjoy the training instead of switching off and sulking. This breed of dog is moderately active and enjoys a good walk, but it also appreciates a good cuddle and a nap on or next to you.

Maintenance of the Shar Tzu

The Shar Tzu has a dense coat that needs daily brushing to prevent tangling. It sheds very little, but still needs to be brushed to keep it looking its best. While brushing, check your dog for wounds and sores, and treat him if necessary. If your dog has the longer coat of the Shih Tzu, it may be easier to have it trimmed to reduce maintenance. These dogs often have skin wrinkles around the face or shoulders, so check for inflammation or sores inside the fold. When your dog gets wet, whether from playing or bathing, make sure the skin folds are dry to avoid any health problems. Ears and eyes are also prone to infection or health problems in this breed. Once again, check that your dog doesn't have red, watery eyes or infected, smelly ears. Using specialized dog products, such as shampoos, ear-cleaning lotions and others, will help your dog's skin retain its natural oils and prevent allergies. Your dog's teeth should also be cleaned regularly. When you get your puppy for the first time, you should teach him to do this, as it will make life easier for you when your dog gets bigger and stronger. Make grooming fun, praise him and reassure him. Your dog will appreciate this special time spent with you.