Living with a Shih Tzu [antikvár]

APTER ONE INTRODUCING THE SHIH TZU I nigniatic and regal, with a glorious, long, diick coat, the Shih Tzu is the glamorous beaut\' of the canine I world. Bred as a companion dog, tlie Shih Tzu makes an ideal pet, giving unconditional love and loyalt)^ to his human family. The haughr\' and disdainful expression that many Shih Tzus have perfected actually belies his true character - a fun-loving clown who provides lots of happiness, smiles and laughter wherever he goes. Do not make the mistake of thinldng the Shih Tzu is an easy-going lap dog, though. Strong-willed and assertive, this breed requires a no-nonsense owner who will give training, companionship, and leadership. Grooming is another essential commitment. The Shih Tzu's magnificent coat requires daily attention, and laborious grooming and bathing sessions. Even if the coat is trimmed short, daily brushing is still required (see Chapter Five). If you lead a hectic life and cannot spare the time to care for a Shih Tzu properly, then it is better to choose a breed with an easy-maintenance coat and a less demanding character. BUDDHIST BELIEFS Categorized as a Chinese breed, the Shih Tzu's origins actually lie in Tibet, the remote, mountainous country on the Indian-Chinese border, which has shared a stormy relationship with China for centuries. The religion of Tibet is Buddhism, which originally came from India. One of its chief tenets is that souls are reborn into another body (not necessarily human). This is seen as a process of learning until, eventually, the soul leads a perfect, spiritual, Buddhist life, and achieves nir\^ana. At this point, the soul does not need to be reborn, as there is nothing else for it to learn on the earth. Early Tibetans believed that holy Buddhist monks who had transgressed were reincarnated