Shih Tzu vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison

The Shih Tzu is an Imperial Chinese breed developed by palace breeders hundreds of years ago with breed stock from the Tibetan lines. It is quite probable that the Shih Tzu was originally a cross between two Sino-Tibetan ancient dogs – the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. Based on their looks, the Shih Tzu means the lion dog, but they were really very pampered palace dogs living with the Chinese emperors and families. The emperors were always gifting the breeders who developed the most affectionate, gentle and beautiful Shih Tzus.

Until the 1930’s the Shih Tzu was not known to the world outside the emperor’s palace. Once the breed did come out from behind the palace walls, they were immediately popular. Much debate went on about how to refine the breed as clubs began to spring up in Peking and then in England. It was not until 1969 the Shih Tzu was recognized and entered in the AKC Stud Book.

While the original Shih Tzu might have been a mix between the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso, today’s breed spread around the world after the second world war. In Europe in the 1930’s the breed was classified as Apsos. In 1935 the first Shih Tzu Club of Europe was formed, and the first standard was written, and the breed was categorized as the Shih Tzu.

Following World War II, soldiers brought the dogs to the States from Europe. By the 1950’s the breed was growing in popularity and the AKC recognized the breed in 1969 as members of the Toy Group. They are now recognized by all major kennel clubs throughout the western world. They are recognized by the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale in the Companion and Toy Group, among Tibetan breeds.

The Shih Tzu is a good watchdog, but it was bred to be a companion animal. It is a friendly, open breed that welcomes strangers. They are great with other animals and children as well as adults.

There is limited information on the Black and Tan Terriers since it is extinct. Black and Tan terrier came out of the “Terrier Wars” between the British and the Welsh in the late 1800’s. With dog shows on the rise, a race began to develop terriers that “belonged” to the Welsh or the British. The Black and Tan Terrier started out as the “Old English Broken-Haired Black and Tan”. The outrages Welsh responded with their first dog show filled with Welsh only terriers. There were 90 dogs at this first show. During this time, the British could not get their act together in respect to starting a club. Even agreeing on the name was difficult for them. Unfortunately, the dogs from both countries were not truly a “breed” but rather first-generation crosses between a wide variety of terriers. These terriers included breeds such as the Lakeland Terrier, the Welsh Terrier, the Patterdale Terrier, Fell Terriers, Border Terrier, Scottish Borders and the Manchester Terrier. The winner of that first dog show was a terrier cross between a Smooth Fox Terrier and a Border Terrier.

In 1885 both the Welsh and the British Black and Tan Terrier were featured. However, the English could not get the club together, so they were dropped from the Kennel Club Listings and only the Welsh Terrier was offered. The Black and Tan Terrier became extinct before 1900.

This is a breed of lively, sturdy and alert little dogs with a beautiful double coat that is flowing and long. In its full glory the Shih Tzu coat is touching the floor all the way around the dog. The dog’s bearing is as royal as its history, arrogantly carrying his head high and his tail curving over his back.

The Shih Tzu is a solid, compact breed with weight and substance. They may be a small dog, but they are a strong one. They have large dark eyes with a short muzzle and fur covered drop ears. They are just a little longer than they are tall with a distinct underbite.

There are a few differences between the European or UK Kennel Club standard and the American Kennel Club AKC standard. As opposed to the UK standard the AKC standard states that:

• The head is round and large, and the face looks up or forward.

• The hindquarters are muscular while the front are straight. They are balanced in that they are not too long or too short.

• The eyes face the front and are very large.
• The bod and neck are proportional and not exaggerated.
• The shoulders are frontal.

The Black and Tan Terrier was an active, alert dog. A ratter as most terriers are. With a sleek coat, tan markings and thumbing, he was a handsome dog. Looks very much like the other terriers of his size and color with a truncated tail. He had small erect ears and a snout that was moderately elongated.

1.Children friendliness – they are very good with children.

2.Special talents – they were bred to be companion animals. They are friendly and loyal.

3.Adaptability Yes very much so. They can live in an apartment or on a farm. It doesn’t matter and they don’t need a yard.

4.Learning ability – intelligent but can be stubborn.

He was an alert and active dog. He was a good guard dog, an excellent ratter and a great family dog. He was affectionate, warm and gentle of the most alert and active of dogs, as game as a pebble, an ideal watchman, an unexcelled ratter and all done up in a small package. No dog exceeds him in beauty of outline, and this is enhanced by his sleek coat, with its sheen that the costliest satin does not possess; set off by the rich Tan markings, dainty penciling and thumbing that would puzzle an artist to reproduce. Information is limited on this extinct breed.

For many breeds that have the advantage of isolation like the Shih Tzu did with the emperors of China usually have very little genetic health issues. Most of the breed is indeed healthy but there are some issues.

• Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome due to the shape of their face and head causes them to have breathing issues. They cannot handle heat and they cannot swim. They can have an upper airway obstruction that makes it hard for them to breath. If this is bad enough, surgery may be required.

• Hip Dysplasia and patellar luxation can both lead to lameness or arthritis.

• Hypothyroidism – thyroid does not produce the hormones necessary for metabolism to work effectively. This can lead to weight gain, hair loss, lethargy and muscle loss. It can be treated effectively.

• Issues of the eyes include – cataracts, corneal dryness and inflammation, progressive retinal atrophy, improperly closing eyelids and retinal detachment.

• Portosystemic shunt of the liver.
• Intervertebral disk disease – severe back pain.
• Epilepsy.
• Ear infections.
• Immune mediated hemolytic anemia can be fatal.

The Black and Tan Terrier suffered from similar ailments as all terriers. He dealt with patella luxation (kneepads floating), skin allergies and eye issues. Because the breed is extinct there is little if any research on the health issues they might have experience before distinction

1.Feeding the puppy – this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the puppy at least 3 times a day, maybe four in very small amounts, never more than ½ cup per day.

2.Feeding the adult - this is a toy dog so don’t overfeed. They have a tendency to become obese. Calorie and weight level need to be calculated with any diet you feed. The diet should be high quality with plenty of protein made for toy dogs. Feed the adult once or twice a day in larger amounts than the puppy but never more than ¾ of a cup per day.

3.Points for Good Health - most Shih Tzu’s are hardy with exceptionally good health.

4. Games and Exercises

This is a pampered, not high energy dog. However, she still needs playtime, which can be indoors and short walks outdoors every day.

Feeding

As you would with any terrier of his size 1-2 cups day.

Health issues

The Black and Tan Terrier suffered from similar ailments as all terriers. He dealt with patella luxation (kneepads floating), skin allergies and eye issues.

Exercise and games

The Black and Tan Terrier is in fact a terrier. He was a ratter and he needed intelligent exercise to keep him happy and non-destructive. Activities like barn hunt, agility and fly ball are perfect for this breed. A walk a couple times a day with a time for games is what was needed, and he would love to play ball with kids. They were very cuddly dogs as well.