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Shih Apso |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Tibet -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Shih Apso |
| The Shih Apso is a hybrid dog breed derived from a cross between the Lhassa Apso and the Shih Tzu. This small dog possesses many of the combined characteristics of its parents, making it an ideal companion and companion dog. Shih Apsos generally measure between 25.5 and 30.5 centimeters and weigh between 5.5 and 8 kilos. Females are generally smaller than males. The Shih Apso's coat varies. It is generally long and wavy or smooth. This small dog thrives as a pet. It's ideal for older owners who want a small dog that likes to be held and given lots of attention. |
History of the Shih Apso |
| The Shih Apso is a relatively new breed, and its origins are obscure. Often, the Shih Apso is not an exact 50/50 ratio of its parents, as this little dog has been crossed for many generations. However, one thing is certain: the Shih Apso is a delightful blend of its two basic breeds, the Lhassa Apso and the Shih Tzu. |
A little of the Shih Tzu |
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| The origins of the little Shih Tzu dog can be traced back to China and Tibet. These dogs were much-loved pets and were often affectionately referred to as “lion dogs”. The first Shih Tzu pair left China in 1928 and arrived in the UK. The breed eventually reached the United States and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969. The Shih Tzu is an ideal companion dog whose aim in life is always to please its owners. | ||
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| Standard of the Shih Tzu |
A little of the Lhassa Apso |
| The Lhassa Apso has the honor of being a sacred dog in Tibet. Its name is derived from Tibet's holy city, Lhasa. The monks and nobles of Tibet bred this little dog as a companion and watchdog. His duty was to alert his masters to any intrusion. Historically, the only way for a Lhasa Apso to leave Tibet was for the Dalai Lama to donate his dogs to people he deemed worthy. The little Lhassa Apso arrived in America in 1933, when a pair of dogs were given to an American traveler and naturalist. This man used the dogs as the basis for the breed in the United States. |
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| Standard of the Lhassa Apso |
Appearance of the Shih Apso |
| The Shih Apso is a small, stocky dog. It has a slightly long body and short legs. Its nose is a little shorter than that of the Lhassa Apso, but longer than that of the Shih Tzu. The general facial features are generally a little flat. The dog tends to have abundant hair on its face, giving it a lion-like expression. The Shih Apso's head is generally small. Its ears are floppy and its tail is a little short. The coat is long and silky to the touch. It is often wavy or straight. In some dogs, it may lack the typical smooth texture and be rather coarse to the touch. Common Shih Apso coat colors are white, tan, gray, fawn and black. |
Temperament of the Shih Apso |
| Like its parent breeds, the Shih Apso is an intelligent little dog. It does, however, have a somewhat stubborn attitude. This small dog is very close to its family, and often suffers from separation anxiety when it's not close to its loved ones. Owners should expect the Shih Apso to follow them from room to room, never taking his eyes off them. He loves to loll on his master's lap and receive attention. The Shih Apso is protective of its master and needs to be socialized at an early age. In many cases, the dog remains aloof and cautious with strangers. This little dog generally wants his master all to himself, and is often jealous. |
Needs and activities of the Shih Apso |
| The Shih Apso is a lap dog who likes to lounge on his master's lap or beside him. He needs a short walk once a day, but if the weather's bad, he'll settle for a game of fetch indoors. This little dog makes an excellent apartment dog. Many people take their Shih Apso to dog parks for exercise and to make friends. It's an ideal companion dog for the elderly, as it needs very little exercise and loves to spend its time being a spoiled lapdog. |
Maintenance of the Shih Apso |
| The Shih Apso has a low to moderate shedding rate. It benefits from daily brushing to keep its coat silky and tangle-free. Its long coat requires regular grooming to maintain its length. Many owners choose to have their Shih Apso's short coat trimmed to prolong visits to the groomer. The Shih Apso has very little body odor and only needs a bath once a month. Its nails should be trimmed monthly to keep them short. Once a week, his ears should be cleaned of debris. Many owners also choose to brush their dog's teeth to prevent periodontal disease later in life. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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