Page 9 - Zoology Laboratory Project, Group 3

Shih Tzu Dog

Canis lupus familiaris

The Shih Tzu's origins are ancient, and steeped in mystery

Taxonomic and controversy. A recent study revealed that the Shih Tzu
is one of the 14 oldest dog breeds, and dog bones found

Classification in China have proven that dogs were present there as early
as 8,000 B.C.

Kingdom—Animalia

Phylum—Chordata Description

Class—Mammalia

Order—Carnivora Shih Tzu is a Chinese word meaning

Family—Canidae “little lion,” and it’s the name of a toy

Species—C. lupus dog breed under the scientific name

Subspecies—C. l. familiaris Canis Lupus.

Its median lifespan is 13 years, and

they usually live anywhere from 10 to

16. The small size and easygoing

personality of the Shih Tzu make for

an excellent companion dog.
Reproduction

Puberty is often defined in small breed dogs as the

point when the first estrus or heat cycle occurs and

can happen as young as six months old but in

most breeds will occur around 8 to 10 months.

The heat or estrus cycle in female dogs is

made up of four stages, proestrus, estrus,
diestrus and anestrus. The combination Behavior

of proestrus and estrus is what breeders

normally refer to as the heat cycle.
Playful Independent

Affectionate Courageous

Intelligent Friendly

Outgoing Happy

Loyal Active

Lively Gentle
Shih Tzu is a longhaired, characteristically

active and alert little dog standing about 10

inches (25 cm) and weighing 9 to 16

pounds (4 to 7 kg). It is longer than it is tall

and is sturdily built and short-legged, with a

short muzzle, hanging ears, and a heavily

haired tail carried over its back. Its dense

coat, which may be a variety of colours, falls

over its eyes and forms a beard and whiskers

on the face.