Everything You Need to Know About Your Shih Tzu's Ancestry (Yes, It's a Thing!)

How to Determine Your Shih Tzu’s Ancestry

There are many ways to determine where your Shih Tzu’s ancestry originated. A veterinarian can help you with this process by doing a DNA test that traces the lineage of the dog through its mother and father.

If you’re not comfortable having someone take a sample from your dog or feel like they may be too aggressive for an examination, you can also choose to do this yourself, in your home where your Shih Tzu is most comfortable, using a dog DNA kit.

What is a Dog DNA Kit?

Dog DNA kits allow you to test your dog’s saliva and send it in for testing. This allows you to find out which breeds make up your dog, as well as what percentage of each breed contributes to the overall makeup of their DNA. You can also use a Dog DNA kit to learn more about your pup’s health and wellness!

The reason why this could be significant is that these tests can help us determine how healthy or unhealthy our dogs are. For example, if we know our Shih Tzus carry genes that predispose them to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) when we get them tested, we can go ahead and consult with a vet on the preventive measures to help our pups avoid PRA – and there is no way to know about these life-threatening disorders unless we test our Shih Tzu’s ancestry!

Get it here.

How to Use the Dog DNA Kit

Dog DNA kits are incredibly easy to use! They come with everything you need including swabs, stickers to label the dog DNA kit, and a mailing envelope. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Open one of the swab sleeves. Remove the clear plastic that covers the bristles without touching them

2. Roll your Shih Tzu’s cheeks in your hands for 15 seconds making sure to roll long enough for the saliva to moisten both sides of each swab.

3. Once you have rolled up each swab, place it back into its protective sleeve so it stays clean and moist until you are ready to send it in for testing. To activate the test pack, fill out all information needed on the pack and write the activation code number on the back of the sample ID sticker. The dog DNA kit will not be tested without this number.

4. After writing down your information, place both swabs into the envelope and seal it. There is a pre-paid shipping label on the carton.

5. You can go ahead and send in the kit and wait 2-3 weeks for the result.

Who Should Buy a Dog DNA Kit?

Dog DNA kits are perfect for anyone who owns a dog, including breeders. If you’re planning to breed your dog’s it’s important that they are free of genetic disorders – and Dog DNA tests can help you keep your dog’s healthier throughout their lives by revealing which breeds make up your dog(s). They are also great for owners who want to learn more about their Shih Tzus or family dogs.

Why You Need to Know Your Dog’s DNA

One of the most important reasons is to help protect our dogs from genetic disorders. If we aren’t aware of problems like this, we will unknowingly breed them into our Shih Tzu lines – and this can result in a serious health problem for generations to come!

The information available through dog DNA tests has already led to great strides in fighting cancer-causing diseases such as osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and lymphoma (cancer of the immune system), as well as more common diseases such as allergies and hip dysplasia Cancer is the number one cause of death in dogs, with over 50% of all dogs likely to develop it.

Osteosarcoma is a particular type of bone cancer that affects many large breed dogs, including Boxers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers are especially susceptible to lymphoma, which usually manifests itself as nasal or skin tumors. Lymphoma can also affect any dog – so knowing your Shih Tzu’s ancestry may help you protect your dog from diseases like this!

It’s also important to know your dog’s breed and mix so you can better understand their behavior and health needs. This is why it’s vital that anyone with a Shih Tzu knows what genetic disorders this dog might carry – because these conditions can lead to illness if left untreated.

Conclusion

Dog DNA tests are very useful and important for every Shih Tzu owner. They can help us understand our dogs’ health conditions, breed makeup, and how we can take care of them better.

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.