6 Beautiful Ways to Honor Your Shih Tzu

Honor your Shih Tzu in the Most Beautiful Way

To help with the grieving, you might want to do something special for your beloved pet one last time. These unique but thoughtful items can help you memorialize and honor the memories you have with your Shih Tzu.

1. Urn

You can never go wrong with a beautiful urn to hold the ashes of your beloved dog. Many people like to keep these in their backyard or on their mantle, and others will bury them next to other family members. But no matter where you decide to put it, it is always great to have a place for your pet that is serene and calming–and one that reminds you of fond memories and happier times spent with someone who meant so much to you.

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2. Tombstone

You can have a lot of choices on things to be used as memorials for your beloved Shih Tzu. If you want something more permanent, you can choose a tombstone that is available in different materials and styles. The most common type of tombstone is the marble one but there are also granite, slate, bronze, copper, and wood ones available if you plan to buy one.

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3. Painting

If you want to keep the memory of your pet alive and wanted something like a portrait, urn painting is available. This type of art is usually done with oil and painted on an urn-shaped wooden board. It’s also possible that it will be attached on the pedestal or just hung as wall art in your room. You can approach local artists to create a custom painting for your pet Shih Tzu.

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4. Shih Tzu Ring

If you want something that you can wear, a Shih Tzu ring will be a great choice. You’ll see many styles available and the most common one is the Shih Tzu-shaped ones with some engraving of your pet’s name on them.

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5. Christmas Tree Ornament

You can have their name or even a picture engraved on a Christmas tree ornament which you can put in your house. It’s not permanent but it will be something that you’ll use every holiday season for many years to come.

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6. Tea Towels

Produce towels or dish towels are also available with a Shih Tzu picture on them. You can use this for kitchen use or even put it in the bathroom next to the sink to make it comfier for you.

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The passing of a pet is always difficult

When you have a dog, oftentimes they become a part of your family and give you love for many years. When they pass away it is difficult to move on because you still think about them constantly, wondering how they could be doing. In many ways, the passing of a pet can affect someone’s mental health as well as their physical health

In order to honor your late Shih Tzu in the best way possible, here are some wonderful items to honor and commemorate the joys they brought to your life.

Conclusion:

The passing of a pet is always difficult, but it’s important that we find ways to commemorate their life and remember them. There are many ways you can do this including engraving the animal on your tombstone as well as getting a painting or some other type of memorial item.

Remembering your late Shih Tzu is never easy, but when you have the right kind of memorial item in your possession, they’ll always give you inspiration and hope no matter how difficult things get. Always remember them in this way so it will be easier for each day to pass by–soon enough, their spirit will be with you all the time again.

FAQ’s

How big are Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically proportional all over, not too short or too small, but a true miniature breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient royal bloodline.

Where does the Shih Tzu come from, and why was the breed developed?
The Shih Tzu lineage is hotly debated; however, one theory is that the Shih Tzu descended from a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso breeds. This cross breed that would eventually become Shih Tzus, were favourites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away.

The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as “Apsos”. The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were categorised again as Shih Tzu. The breed is now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

How is Shih Tzu pronounced, and what does it mean?
The most common and incorrect pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: Sh*t Zoo however, that isn’t actually how the little lion breed is supposed to be announced. According to the American Shih Tzu Club, the official and publicly confirmed pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: “Sheed-zoo."

The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as in traditional oriental art". Interestingly they are also known by another name tied to their European introduction. The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on their face grows out in all directions. They look like a flower with a nose for the centre.

For more than one Shih Tzu, do you say Shih Tzus?
The age-old question, it is Shih Tzu or Shih Tzus? When writing or saying the plural of Shih Tzu, it is a common mistake for a person to write or say Shih Tzus, as one would think this is the normal way to put the dog in their plural form, and in fact, it is so common that I wouldn’t be surprised if we have even made such a slip up in this very article. However, the correct way to say Shih Tzus is Shih Tzu, due it being an irregular noun, allowing the plural of Shih Tzu can be Shih Tzu, just like ‘fish and fish’. With two or more Shih Tzu, there does not need to be an ‘s’.

What colours do Shih Tzus come in?
The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be found in an array of colours and with a variety of markings. It's common for owners to not know for sure what colour their Shih Tzu is. Sometimes a puppy may be referred to as an unofficial colour that is not recognized by the AKC, or another kennel club, through which the pup is registered. And in other cases, there can be some confusion when the colour listed on the papers does not seem to match what is seen. In addition to this, it's common for Shih Tzu dogs to change colour as they grow and mature, meaning that your little snowball of joy may turn sooty in their old age.

How much attention does a Shih Tzu need?
Despite their small stature, Shih Tzu are relatively active dogs. Puppies can be extremely hyper and adults are most content when given opportunities to release stored-up energy and be out and about. Without regular moderate exercise, a Shih Tzu can start to feel pent up and frustrated. This can manifest as behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Aim to take your little guy or gal for a minimum of two 20 to 30-minute walks per day, along with sessions of play like fetch to meet exercise requirements for this breed. If so, this will allow your Shih Tzu to enjoy being inside at home, able to relax beside you (or at your feet) and with a calmer disposition.

Do Shih Tzu get along with other pets?
In general, the Shih Tzu gets along quite well with other dogs, large and small. Shih Tzu rarely suffer from the ‘short leg syndrome’ common in small dogs, and more often than not, are simply little bundle of love.

However, every dog has their own personality, and it will depend on how well your dog as well as the other dogs have been socialized. Overall the Shih Tzu breed is calm and very playful and enjoys a variety of canine friends. But keep in mind each dog has their unique personality and circumstances. To say they will all behave exactly the same isn’t very realistic.

How do I provide the best care for a Shih Tzu?
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch their diet, make sure they get plenty of exercise, regularly brush their teeth and coat, and call a veterinary clinic or pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual.

It is also a good idea to create a routine for your Shih Tzu to lessen their anxiety and ensure they live a happy and calm life. Build their routine care into your schedule to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. Most importantly a proper diet and exercise routine is key to the long-term health of your pet.