Posts tagged "shih tzu"

Shih Tzus 101

by Rose Martelli (Subscribe to Rose Martelli's posts): Dec 8th 2009 4:00PM Filed Under: Dogs

Name: Shih Tzu

Personality: With a name that literally translates to "Lion Dog," a shih tzu carries itself with a confident, almost cheeky bearing that its delicate appearance belies. Originally bred in China as lapdogs, shih tzus make great companions: affectionate as they are arrogant and as gentle as they are spunky. Unlike many other breeds, they can diverge wildly in how active they are, how goofy or serious their character is, or how much they like strangers.

Grooming: If a shih tzu's long and silky coat is allowed to remain intact, it will require daily combings and brushings -- one after the other, using a soft brush for the undercoat and a fine-toothed comb for the tophairs -- to avoid tangles and matting. The alternative is to opt for a "puppy clip" every few months to render the shih tzu a short-haired dog that needs less frequent brushing. Either way, shih tzus need to be shampooed once or twice a month.

The shih tzu's unique facial structure requires further upkeep. Eye mucus buildup is common and should be cleaned away. Facial fur should be kept dry so that unwanted parasites do not grow on the dog's beard and mustache areas. One way to resolve both of these issues is to teach the shih tzu to drink water from a bottle, like pet hamsters or rabbits.

The National Dog Show: How to Watch, What to Watch Out For

by Rose Martelli (Subscribe to Rose Martelli's posts): Nov 23rd 2009 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Grooming

National Dog Show

National Dog Show novices: what you see on your screens come Thanksgiving Day may look like nothing more than a pack of pretty pooches parading about for the judges, audience and cameras. But there's some serious consideration happening on that blue carpet. Paw Nation asked National Dog Show co-hosts John O'Hurley and David Frei for their expert tips to train your layman's eye.

Dogs are not graded on a curve. "Every breed is judged not against one another but against the written standard," explains Frei, "which is the description of the ideal specimen of that breed."

Play a game of "how doggy is that doggy in the window?" This is Frei's personal trick for judging what he sees in the ring. "You look at the Afghan Hound and you say, 'On a scale of 100, I'm going to give the Afghan a 90 as an Afghan hound. Now, the next dog is the Saluki. I love this Saluki -- it's this and this and this -- and I'm going to give it a 92.' Which means the Saluki is a better Saluki than the Afghan is an Afghan, in my opinion. Everybody doesn't do this trick, but it's what I do in my mind."

Familiarize yourself with doggy formal wear. Show dogs are often groomed much differently than dogs kept as pets. (For example, take a look at how this Shih Tzu's appearance changed from its show days to its retirement.) "Some of the coats and the cuts on the dogs may not be cuts that you would maintain your pet at home with," says O'Hurley, "but that is a way of recognizing the history of the breed. Some of the coats are a little bit more traditional in their cuts."

Shih Tzu Glamour Shot

by Sonia Zjawinski (Subscribe to Sonia Zjawinski's posts): Jul 23rd 2009 5:00PM Filed Under: Dogs

Photo: Ian Wedlock/Flickr

Looks like someone is getting their modeling portfolio ready. Charlee's human posted this beauty up on Flickr to show off his new DIY ring light. We think it shows off Char Char's highlights mahvelously.

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Camouflage Animals

Madagascar Day Gecko
The green Madagascar Day Gecko lives in the dry regions of forests in Madagascar and neighboring islands. They usually grow to be between four to six inches long. Their tail makes up almost half of their length.

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Camouflage Animals

Argentine Horned Frog Reptiles
The Argentine Horned Frog, also known as the Horned Frog or Pacman Frog, originated in South America. The green and black amphibian, which can grow up to six inches long, is a popular pets and can live for as long as 10 years.

Camouflage Animals

Walkingstick
The Walkingstick takes its camouflage abilities to the next level by creating the appearance of a stick or twig to hide from predators. While they normally stand still, these insects are able to walk around as though they were a twig caught in the wind. They can be found in tropical forests or woodlands all across the world.

Camouflage Animals

Dwarf Puff Adder
Found in Nambia, the venomous Dwarf Puff Adder hides from the hot desert sun by burying itself in the sand, where only its eyes show.

Camouflage Animals

Stonefish
Often resembling a rock, the brown colored Stonefish camouflages itself perfectly in the ocean. With 13 venomous dorsal spines on its back, the Stonefish can cause tissue damage and respiratory distress, which can lead to cardiovascular shock if left untreated.

Camouflage Animals

Chameleons
Chameleons, the quintessential color-changers, can transform their skin color when their mood, temperature or the amount of light around them is altered. Their hue, which can vary from yellow and pink to brown and black, is also altered when they communicate.

Camouflage Animals

Green Anole
Often confused with chameleons, Green Anoles turn brown when they're stressed or sick. Found in the trees and shrubs of the Southeastern United States, these lizards are popular pets.

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The Eastern Wood Frog
The Eastern Wood Frog tricks competitors by changing colors to match its surroundings. Found in North American woodlands, the frog also has a dark black patch from its eye to the base of its front limb that can change colors.

Camouflage Animals