Shih Tzu is originated from China but Lakeland Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Shih Tzu may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Lakeland Terrier. Both Shih Tzu and Lakeland Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Shih Tzu and Lakeland Terrier has almost same life span. Shih Tzu may have more litter size than Lakeland Terrier. Shih Tzu requires High maintenance. But Lakeland Terrier requires Moderate maintenance
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.
The Lakeland Terrier hails from the lake district of England. They were bred to hunt foxes that were coming after the lambs during lambing season.
These dogs are connected to a number of terrier breeds such as the Bedlington-, Border-, Old English Black and Tan- as well as the Dandie Dinmont Terriers.
In 1921 the Lakeland Terrier Association was formed and the American Kennel Club registered a Lakeland in 1934.
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 hindquarters are muscular while the front are straight. They are balanced in that they are not too long or too short.
The Lakeland Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog which stands at between 33 – 38cm at the withers and weighs between 7 – 8kg.
The head is rectangular and he has semi-erect, semi-floppy ears and a docked tail which is held up. These days you’ll find the Lakeland being left with a long tail, taking away that attractive, square, compact look. The crisp double coat can come in a number of colors such as tan, grizzle, black and tan together, a wheatish color with some red and white. The coat is regarded as being hypoallergenic.
Possessing a number of positive attributes, Lakies, a nickname of these jaunty little dogs, is a friendly, loving, bold, self-confident dog. You’ll find that he is also determined and strong-willed but training and socialization turns him into a more obedient dog. He then gets on well with everyone in the household as well as with other pets.
They are intelligent dogs, so it won’t be difficult training him when proper training methods are used.
He is adaptable too and will adapt to life in the city or in the countryside, so long as he is exercised regularly as they are excitable, energetic dogs.
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.
It doesn’t matter that the Lakeland Terrier was bred to hunt and kill foxes in the Lake District of England because he is more than willing to settle down and become a loving and devoted pet too.
He is a robust dog, known for his determination and courage. He is an energetic dog too so when you bring him into your home, be prepared to up your activity levels to cater for your energetic friend.
You can add good health to his list of positive attributes. He is a healthy dog breed with few health complaints to write about. Treat him well as every dog deserves and you can have him around for about 15, 16 or 17 years.
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.
• 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.
The truth about any dog is that good nutrition, exercise and lots of love can contribute to ensuring a long, healthy life for your pet.
Some health problems are inherited while others can be prevented simply by the kind of home you provide your pet with. Once you decide to bring a dog into your home, you need to do everything you can to ensure his wellbeing.
This is a joint problem which can see your pet limping or moving along in a skipping manner. You will need to see the vet because sometimes friction can lead to osteoarthritis, pain and lameness.
Eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma can lead to blindness.
Terrier dogs are prone to allergies and dry, itchy skin can lead to other problems such as bacterial infections and be frustrating and stressful for your pet.
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.
This is a pampered, not high energy dog. However, she still needs playtime, which can be indoors and short walks outdoors every day.
Grooming doesn’t only keep your 4-legged friend in tip top shape in terms of looking well cared for, it makes him feel good too and it contributes to his wellbeing.
Regular grooming also decreases the chance of health problems because you can simultaneously check him for lumps, scratches, parasites and allergies.
Stripping is a technique where you pull the dead hair out of the coat by either using your fingers or a stripping knife. This stripping makes makes room for a new coat to grow.
It is a good and effective grooming method for Terrier type dogs, and the best part about it is that if it is done correctly, the process is painless.
Other Terrier owners have a professional groomer clip the coat. In between these grooming procedures, brush your Lakie twice a week to keep the coat soft, springy and shiny.
Other grooming needs for your Lakeland include trimming his nails as needed, checking the inside of his ears for dirt and too much wax and brushing his teeth twice a week to keep tartar and bacteria at bay.
If you’re a responsible dog owner and you are unsure how to do these grooming procedures, there is no need to fret as there are always professional groomers and dental cleaning procedures that your vet will recommend. These experts can do the job professionally and painlessly for your pet.
Nothing is set in stone about what your Lakeland Terrier should eat, but it is a known fact that high quality, nutritious food wards off illness and increases longevity.
How much your adult dog eats will depend on his age and his activity levels. You want to ensure he gets the right proportions to avoid obesity too. The female Lakeland will give you 3 – 4 puppies and during this time you want to ensure she’s getting the very best, nutritious food there is – after all it’s for the sake of her puppies.
The truth about any dog is that good nutrition, exercise and lots of love can contribute to ensuring a long, healthy life for your pet. Some health problems are inherited while others can be prevented simply by the kind of home you provide your pet with.
Once you decide to bring a dog into your home, you need to do everything you can to ensure his well-being.