The earliest ?Lion Dog? in Tibet had long hair, were small in size and similar to the Maltese in type. As Tibet and China exchanged traditions and beliefs of culture and religion, the exchange of dogs became a two-way affair as well. The Chinese definitely interbred their small dogs, which were of many varieties, with the Tibetans with long hair, and the people of Tibet no doubt interbred their small dog with those from the Chinese people.

The outcome of this interbreeding eventually became the Shih Tzu. The Chinese called the Shih Tzu ?Tibetan Lion Dog.? The Apso was also involved with the interbreeding practices. The Tibetans called the Apso, ?ApsoSeng Kyi? or ?Apso Lion Dog.?

The Chinese tried to retain the characteristics they admired, which was the unnaturally short face and broad head, the wide barrel-like chest and the low-to-the-ground look.

The Tibetans, however, could not hold these same characteristics because of the climate and environment of their land. Tibet is an area of high altitudes. The very short face with restricted nasal development (which incidentally gives many Shih Tzu lovers a great pain to deal with at times) and the heavy body and short legs of the Chinese Shih Tzu would be at a disadvantage in these conditions. They could not breathe and survive in the high altitudes of Tibet. The Lhasa Apso could survive in Tibet. The Tibetans produced a dog slightly modified from the Chinese dog of a similar ancestry which was the Lhasa Apso.

The Tibetan Terrier (also involved in the exchanges between Tibet and China) is probably closes to the basic canine with a long head, compact and natural in conformation. Then comes the Apso, which begins to show the influence of some of the Chinese type. This influence resulted in a smaller dog, shorter on leg than the terrier relative, shorter nose than the terrier, and the teeth and jaw formation revealed a shortening of the face. The eyes are more frontally placed.

The eyes of the Shih Tzu have always been one of its most valued signature characteristics. I have never met a Shih Tzu that did not have a warm expression that radiated through its eyes. Some Shih Tzu has this characteristic greater than others. They are almost human-like.

When comparing the Shih Tzu to the Apso, one can see the most distinct Chinese characteristics. I have had Shih Tzu that look as if you are absolutely looking right at a Chinese in person. I am amazed at how the Chinese accomplished this. It truly was a work of art, as they did not breed according to pedigree as we do. They bred according to a picture of their minds of what they wanted the Shih Tzu to look like. Most of the time, their goal was to create the Shih Tzu to resemble what they thought a Lion should look like, and they apparently also, created Shih Tzu to resemble themselves in the face.

Smallness must have been fashionable and something of a status symbol in both the Apso and the Shih Tzu as well as the Pekingese. The Pekingese were also involved in the interbreedings to reduce size.

It should be noted here, however, that this article addresses the history and development of the Shih Tzu breed. The American Shih Tzu Club?s Code of Ethics clearly states it is against their rules, ethics, standards to breed our present day Shih Tzu with any other breed. It must be understood that this article is not an endorsement of any kind of practice that is against the rules and regulations of The American Shih Tzu Club or the American Kennel Club. This is an article regarding the history and development of our Shih Tzu.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu Breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

So you’ve got a new cat, and she needs a checkup. On your first vet visit, your vet will take the lead and give you some basic information, and probably will go through a fairly standard routine.

Upwards of 90% of the information you need, however, will be based on the questions that you ask your vet. Somewhere, typically towards the end of the checkup, your vet will ask you if you have any questions.

Usually, by that time, your adrenaline has been pumping, and you’ve been overloaded. Your cat has been stressed and so have you…. you are both ready to leave. Do not let this opportunity pass you by.

Take this time to take the lead, and ask your questions. What questions? Well, the ones that you’ll forget if you don’t already have them written down. Yes, write them down now.

Much of the information being distributed today on feline diet, health, and cat care in general is either fear based (e.g. raw meat diets, vaccination scares), or profit based (i.e. advertising). It’s important, therefore, to get your vet’s take on some of these issues.

Here is a list of issues that you can use to formulate your questions. This is by no means all inclusive, and you’ll probably have some specific ones of your own.

The important thing is that this will spark a dialogue between you and your vet that will help both of you to better care for your cat.

Here are some subjects to create your questions around…

Vaccination options: there are options for both type and schedule, and there are risks, so be sure to find out what your vet recommends for your cat.

Diet and nutrition: ask about commercial cat foods and brands as they are not all the same. What about alternatives like home made cat food, raw meat diets, and feeding table scraps?

Common cat owner mistakes: ask your vet which common mistakes to avoid.

Emergency procedures: find out what emergency procedures your vet has now, should you need it later.

Indoor or Outdoor: this is a big subject as it greatly affects your life, and the life span of your cat.

Cat litter and litter boxes: many choices can be narrowed to only a few by asking your vet for advice.

Common diseases and their signs: understanding what the common signs of disease are will help you detect problems in your cat early, and may save her life one day.

Use the above list to get started. As you write your questions, more will come to you. Write them down, even if the answers appear obvious. There is no question too small to ask your vet about the health of your cat.

Kurt Schmitt is an experienced cat owner and the author of 7 Questions to Ask Your Vet… A Guide for Cat Lovers. For the answers to all your cat care questions, visit The Website for Cat Lovers.

The sex of a puppy is determined by the sire. The dam determines the number of puppies that can be conceived. Breeding should occur every other day during the dam’s full estrous period to the allow the stud to recuperate and rebuild viable sperm.

At the moment of conception a puppy’s genetic makeup is set for life. A breeder can only support the litter by providing an optimum environment, first for the dam and then later for the puppies.

The genetic history of a puppy is not always just from the immediate sire or dam. It is also based on earlier family members such as the grandparents, great grandparents and even earlier generations.

The discipline of breeding along with the successes and heartaches is found learning the aspects of linebreeding, inbreeding and outcrossing of the various bloodlines available. It takes years of concentrated study and effort, trial and error, to achieve a successful breeding program.

It is important to know the breed standard and to have a fundamental grasp of genetics. However, even with the most scientific approach, breeding dogs involves a certain amount of luck. It is like the spin of a roulette wheel, or a numbers game. I often think one needs to have a bit of a gamblers mentality to be able to stick with it. There is a high that can be experienced by the dedicated and passionate breeder….at the time of whelping….at the time of puppies departing and at the time of finally mating the perfect pair, and much uncertainity all along the way of whether this is a win or a loss.

Puppies’ temperaments are affected by genetics, environment and initially through their dam, her relationship with the breeder and her generalized perception of her environment. The attitude of the dam will be reflected to some degree in every puppy.

The time between birth and the first eight to ten weeks of puppies’ lives is the most critical time. It is at this time that they acquire much of their mother’s temperament. Puppies are highly focused on their mother during this time period.

Puppies and older dogs learn through mimicking those closest to them, their mother and their littermates. Inherited behaviors is believed to be only about 10 percent and 90 percent is acquired. The environment in which a puppy is eventually raised into an adult dog plays the biggest role on the puppy’s ultimate temperament and behaviors.

Connie Limon publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Coupons for shih tzu puppies and other products are offered to subscribers. Updates of available puppies. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

Swimming colored fishes in a tank they say is therapeutic. Others believe that viewing fish or schools of fish in a tank gives you a calming effect. It temporarily puts off any worries that you have in mind.

But you will not feel relief or enjoyment if the fishes you are to see are confined in an indistinguishable home. Hence to provide you with viewing satisfaction, an all glass aquarium has been created.

An aquarium is set to be the shelter of ornamental fishes. Plants that can survive in water are also placed in aquarium to augment its beauty as well as provide nourishment with fishes. One type of aquarium is an all glass aquarium, which has been well loved by individuals who have pet fishes for quite a long time.

There have been applauds and criticisms to all glass aquariums. Here are some of its advantages and disadvantages.

Using an all glass aquarium provides you with many benefits such as:

?It is cost-effective to buy glass aquarium compared to other types of tanks.

?It is scratch-resistant.

?The frame of glass aquariums are made of customary width, hence you can ensure that it will not easily be broken.

?There are varieties of color available. You can choose your preferred color for your all glass aquarium.

On the other hand, there are some posed disadvantages whenever you use all glass aquariums.

?Without proper care it can result to brokerage that will result to more serious problem such as possible death of fishes.

?Leakage may be one of your dilemmas if your glass aquarium develops a crack.

?Once you decide to empty the tank for general cleaning, it is weighty to carry.

However with proper handling and care you are most likely to avoid any destruction to your glass aquarium. It is not only the fishes you must take good care but its shelter as well. Just like how you give utmost concern to your own home.

Clear and easy to view ? that is what you get from an all glass aquarium. Now you do not have to worry about not seeing all the fishes in its shelter nor will you worry about gaining enjoyment from fish viewing.

With a glass aquarium your pet fishes will most likely convey to you that they swim and they want be noticed. Watch them, feel the relief and be amazed.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Aquariums, please visit http://aquarium.articlekeep.com

There is something magical about the snow. My dog Chloe knows it. She knows that the snow can be refreshing, that it can be fun and relaxing, that it can be exciting and a world of its own. She loves the snow, and most dogs do. It should be something you let your dog experience. It can be a healthy and enjoyable time for them.

Even when the snow is a foot or higher, brushing up against my dog?s belly when she walks, she loves it. She doesn?t see it as an obstacle as most people do. She sees it as a toy; she rolls around in it until she is covered and then shakes it all free. Chloe sees it as a snack; she?ll bite at the puffy snowdrifts as she runs around the yard and leaves a trail of cute paw prints. She also sees it as a friend; she?ll sit on the picnic table and just stare off into the world as her fur coat slowly becomes covered in snowflakes.

It?s all a game to dogs. That?s what life is to them. They don?t see our obstacles as obstacles. They gladly welcome new challenges as games. It is no different with snow. It is an exercise, a relaxation, a way for the dog to breath fresh air from the freshly fallen snow. Sure the weather can be cold, and you shouldn?t keep your dog out long, but brief explorations into the backyard of snow can be healthy for the dog.

When you?re out shoveling, bring the dog with you. They?ll get some fresh air and you might get some time to play with the dog. Even throwing a snowball or two might help get their blood going and muscles moving. Don?t let them be lazy pets just sitting in the house until Spring comes. They need to experience the outdoors in the winter more than just taking a bathroom break.

My dog for example loves snowballs. She loves them even more than any rubber ball you can buy at a pet store. She gets excited when I make one, quickly going into her pounce position, ready to attack the snowball, ready to run from it. You can never guess just what she?ll do. My dog will get excited by this rare event that one comes a few times the year. It will get her moving around the yard more than expected. I am sure many dogs will be quite interested in the snow, too.

Once it is in the air, you can only take a guess at what she?ll do. It?s hardly the same thing twice. Sometimes she?ll bite at it, catching what she can in her mouth. Others she?ll dodge so she can eat it when it lands. Even other times she?ll go wild and run around the yard in circles. That?s her way of telling me to throw more. And I do of course. Just seeing her have fun in the snow makes the experience of winter that more enjoyable for me.

I know my dog isn?t the only one that loves the snow. Neighbors? dogs and friends? dogs love it also and are just as wild as my Chloe. If your dog is playful, active and loves the outdoors, don?t leave them inside during the winter. Let them experience the snow and really enjoy themselves. All you have to do is find out just how long your dog likes to be outside in the snow and you will make it a winter of fun.

Jake Rose is an artist and writer from New England. He loves animals, nature, and all things creative.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

Choosing a rescue dog can be a difficult choice -all of our Spanish strays are so grateful and lovable, and make such wonderful pets, I wonder why anybody would ever want to buy from a breeder.

If you have made up your mind to take one of our strays, or indeed, any other rescued dog, do think very carefully about which kind of dog would suit your particular lifestyle. The last thing an unwanted dog needs is to find a loving home only to discover that after a short while he is unloved again and considered a nuisance.

If you are at home a good deal of the time and are active, there is no reason not to enjoy long walks with a larger active dog providing you have the space to accommodate him.

Many large dogs such as greyhounds or big heavy dogs do not need as much exercise as smaller highly strung dogs- and greyhounds in particular usually make docile pets.

If you work part-time (you really should not consider taking a dog if there is nobody at home all day) a smaller less active dog would not require such lengthy walks although many small dogs are highly active. You should ask advice to the dog’s particular needs from the refuge where the dog has been looked after.

Don’t expect miracles when your dog first arrives. He will be very confused especially if he is one of our Spanish dogs who may well have spent years in the refuge or tied up somewhere.

With quiet love and understanding he will settle. Just give him his own time and space to adjust. So many people want to make a big fuss of the dog when he arrives, inviting friends and family to meet him – but there will be plenty of time in the future for this. Leave him be, just speaking in a friendly tone to him as you go about the house. The less fuss you make- so will he.

Another consideration when deciding which rescue dog to choose is whether you have time to spend grooming a long coat. If not stick to a dog with short hair as long coats need regular attention to keep them healthy.

Dog or Bitch?

I personally really don’t have a preference.

All our dogs are neutered before arriving in England for rehoming, and they all have distinct personalities.

If you already have one dog it is usually best to choose a second one of the opposite sex, to avoid competion as to who is going to be top dog.

If your reason for taking on a rescued dog is to provide your existing dog with a friend, please be sure that you have the patience and ability to persevere in the event that the first dog does not like or accept his new friend.

A couple of dogs have been returned to me for this reason, not through any fault of their own, just because the owners had not thought it through first, and all it achieve was to make an insecure little dog even more insecure.

Young or Old?

Lastly do consider an oldie if you can. They are usually wonderful pets and great characters. It is so sad that they are forgotten especially when

if like our Spanish strays they have been confined to a refuge for years. Some say they are institutionalised and will not settle but this simply is not true. I have rehomed several (whom were thought to be quite ancient) but am pleased to say they are still going strong after five or six years!

Whichever dog you decide on make sure you have given the matter some careful thought.

Think carefully before taking him

Do not expect too much from him at first

Give him lots of love and you will receive lots in return!

European Animal Welfare rescues strays from Spain.
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