I do have a shih-tzu nevertheless whose tail would not curl like the others do. Its all in what you get. Your shih-tzu sounds like a brindle. Not all Shih Tzu owners decide to give … This said, if a Shih Tzu’s tail is so off that it is considered a fault, that puppy or dog will still make an amazing pet. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The dog has a pronounced under bite which is a breed standard. His curling tail is also a sign of happiness. If you Shih Tzu is feeling a bit low, you will observe that his tail is also lifeless; but when he is in a jolly mood, the tail is up and going. The tip of the tail will curl a little bit but usually she carries her tail to the side. No laughing matter: 'SNL' sketch takes serious turn, Police killing of ex-college athlete stuns former team, Stone: Surgeon augmented my breasts without consent, Under Biden, Dems poised to raise taxes on the rich, Children's book from 'Captain Underpants' author pulled, 2 areas of Biden's agenda get negative reviews. I know my shih-tzu leaves her tail down sometimes. In many cases a Shih Tzu with back pain will sit at an odd angle, having trouble walking, may limp, will not be able to. Either one would make a tremendous pet. General Appearance The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with long flowing double coat. The ears are prick and the head is broad. Regardless of size, the Shih Tzu is always compact and solid and carries good weight and substance. With this said, not all Shih Tzu have tails that do this. However, if you do have papers, it is most likely that your dog has a genetic defect that causes his tail not to curl. A nicely rounded rump is a hallmark of the breed, but it should never be achieved by means of a low tail-set. The dog is small but sturdy. My Shih Tzu tail has lost its curl it just hang there he dont even wag it. However, the Maltese Shih Tzu is much more than that. Yes, absolutely. Customer:Customer. Still have questions? For example, my female Dachshund's nose and ears were too short, and so were her legs. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. So, I say Stay Calm and Curl On! In addition to providing dogs with greater body heat, they also curl up to protect their organs. Is it okay to go to parks were people often take their dogs and hide pieces of chocolate all over the place? Tibetan Terriers are related to and have contributed to the development of other breeds, including the Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Tibetan Spaniel, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, among others. Use a quality spray like. Learn more about Humane Society of Eastern Oregon Pet Rescue in Hermiston, OR, and search the available pets they have up for adoption on Petfinder. No not all of them do, my friend brought a pure bred shi tzu and his tail did not curl. If broken or dislocated, the tail may need to be set; and this is often done with the dog under anesthesia. The Shihpoo tail may look exactly like … Follow - 3. The Cock-A-Tzu is a gentle pup with a side of cheeky! Shih Tzu Another “Lion Dog” originating in China, the Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, and sweet pet, perfect for a family with children. Actually, animal behaviorists rely a lot on a dog’s tail to anticipate the action and interpret the mood of the dog. If you have a question regarding your Shih Tzu’s tail, you’ve come to the right place. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. As with the standing up question answered before this one, this is the preferred look for this breed and not all Shih Tzu will match this. So as you can imagine, the tail is not just ‘there’ and is an important part of the body used for both communication and for balance. The manner in which the coat grows on the head gives the breed a However, when stressed, that tail will … Signs of tail injury include swelling of the tail (most often seen with injury to the middle section), drooping and/or immobility. Is this something that can heal at home or should I bring her to the vet? If the skin is red, swollen or otherwise looks very raw, you’ll want to have the vet take a look since the constant chewing may have led to an infection. Though, it should be mentioned that what once started off as an itching problem may turn into a habit. With the Shih Tzu weighing only nine to 16 pounds and the Lhasa Apso 12 to 18, these are two dogs that pack a lot of personality in a small package. Anything from rough play with another dog to being handled incorrectly to thumping it repeatedly on a hard surface to having it caught in something (car door, snagged on gate, etc.). Watch for a tail curl when searching for a puppy. Signs of tail injury include swelling of the tail (most often seen with injury to the middle section), drooping and/or immobility. Followed by cuddles on the sofa. Therefore, to meet the AKC’s expected appearance, the tail will be up and curled over the back. What is the dog's name and age? Although there has always been considerable size variation, the Shih Tzu must be compact, solid, carrying good weight and substance. They all have the wonderful smooshed in faces that shih tzu lovers crave and demand. and their tails, simply because these are the most accessible parts of the body that can be reached. The canine tail is mainly used for balance and expression of a dog’s emotions. Don't use this if there are any open cuts; but for general issues with hot spots on the tail and itching, a spray like, If a dog has been cleared of all possible. The hair of the Shih Tzu tail is often left long and flowing. A standard to define the Shih Tzu’s unique characteristics, such as its wider skull and less curled tail, was not developed until 1938. There are also paired nerves and blood vessels. If this has just happened and there are no other signs that anything is wrong you may want to give this just a bit of time since just being excessively tired can cause a dog to not wag his tail. One of the best methods is to incorporate an apple bitter spray (as we suggest for chewing on other objects such as furniture legs). If a dog is eating from its bowl and a childs leg accidentally gently swipes the bowl and the dog Bites him who is at fault? General Appearance. Most of the coat is cut short. Samoyeds should have nice dark pigment around … Sometimes these glands can become filled with too much fluid (engorged) or the fluid can develop into a thick paste-like substance (impacted). Taking a Closer Look at the Coat 1 Identify the "puppy cut". Shih Tzu Breed Standard. This is often done each day with a fresh wrapping for 2 weeks. She had horrible conformation. the people i got him from said he was, but i also read that all pure bred shih tzu's tails curl over their backs. I really don't think it matters what breed a dog is or if it is pure bred. I breed animals because of the satisfaction and joy in producing quality offspring that excel at their particular purpose, whether that is as a loved companion (corgis) , a cowhorse (quarter horses), or a meat animal (cow). Otherwise he seems ok. His eating is picky lately. The Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. The Tibetan Terrier is a powerful, medium-sized dog of square proportions, with a shaggy coat. Does it always not curl? Answer Question. I wan to know if you think that this puppy is a Pitbull Or  American Bully. No matter where you live and how big or small your space is, you’re in luck! Per AKC breed standard guidelines, a Shih Tzu’s tail ‘should’ be ”set on high, heavily plumed, carried in curve well over back”. I have a black,8yr old shih tzu and he doesn't curl his tail anymore. However, there are circumstances in which a surgical docking may have been necessary such as severe injury or infection to the dog’s tail. Why does my Shih Tzu chew the very tip of her tail? Sex without love? If his hair is long his tail should curl when he is content. After all, these canine appendages used for both balance and communication are important to our dogs, and should be to you as well. See ahead for tail trauma treatment. Too loose, too tight, too flat, or too low set a tail is undesirable and should be penalized to extent of deviation. When a dog is having healthy bowel movements, they will have the consistency of a thick somewhat moist paste and that sort of stool easily sticks to the fine hairs found under the tail base. What it means is that the hair of the Shih Tzu will be growing much longer than other dogs fur. Yes and no. You can sign in to vote the answer. I think that my Shih Tzu has an injured tail. As we touched on above, the tail is an extension of the spine. Our shih tzu pup's tails curl all the way over their back which is a sign of a high quality pup. It is a non-shedding breed with low dander and is considered hypoallergenic. If a Shih Tzu has a tail that is much too short, too long or is not carried correctly, barring any sort of injury or surgery that was done, you can almost always find this ‘flaw’ in the bloodline. The only real risk would be for an inexperienced groomer to shave too close and nick the skin; a cut on the tail can take a long time to heal. A Shih Tzu with a ‘perfect’ tail will have one that is held over the back without touching it, and it will remain high and curled over the back while the dog is walking or running and regardless of whether or not he is wagging the tail. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. All 3 main types of. While there are quite a few breeds that do have docked tails (mostly in the US, since many other countries have banned this practice), the Shih Tzu is not one of them. Owners will wonder if the tail was somehow injured and in some instances this will not just be a matter of not moving the tail, but that the tail is drooping down or held low as well. The corners of the lips curl up to give the characteristic "Sammie smile." I'm the breeder behind Patton's Pasture located in Ione, OR. Insult to injury: Harrowing trip home for Wolverines. The breed originated in China and became popular in the United States during the 20th century. He is an energetic ball of fluff who loves a good romp in the garden. As with any sort of clipping, you’ll want to be very careful. Toy breeds might be short on size, but they are definitely not short on personality! Blood clot, tumor or viral/bacterial infection? With a red and white coat, triangular ears and a tail that curls over their back like a furry … While a bruised tail can heal at home, we do recommend that tail injuries be examined by the veterinarian, since you’ll want to know if the tail is bruised, broken, or dislocated. Should I take him to the vet? Why would an akitas tail uncurl as a puppy when it was curled? So, what's happening? uncommon colours are blues, reds and dark livers (chocolate colored). , etc. The tail contains mobile vertebrae that are connected to muscles via tendons. all shih tzus tails curl female or male. There are actually many causes of canine depression including moving to a new house, the loss of another pet, the loss of a family member, a sudden increase in time that the dog is left. How Big Is An Australian Labradoodle? Is there something wrong? Shih Tzu Breed Standard. This is a question that we are asked quite often. Some will have straighter tails without much curvature and this is fine as long as you are not planning to show your dog in the ring or planning on. We earn compensation from any qualifying purchases made. Appearance. CLARIFICATION: An improper tail-set and or carriage will detract from the desired balance and outline of the Shih Tzu. Veterinarian's Assistant: How old isCustomer. Chances are you will learn something new and this information will help you be prepared for issues that may arise. Get your answers by asking now. Sometimes the tail is tucked under, and other times it is raised high. If your dog is a pet, I wouldn't worry about the tail. Breeds in the Toy group are affectionate, sociable and adaptable to a wide range of lifestyles. Reply. This is an amazingly comprehensive Shih Tzu care book to guide you through every step of your dog's life. Fleas are another possible cause (it only takes 1 flea bite to cause severe itching if a Shih Tzu is allergic to the flea saliva). Coat and color. of the tail, and the height being measured from the withers to the ground. We’ve received questions like this from owners who have noticed this being an issue lasting anywhere from just a few hours to several weeks. It would seem logical for a Maltese dog to have originated on the island of Malta but there are no records that point… Shih Tzu do not have docked tails. It’s to the point now that just about all the hair is gone and the skin looks raw. Feces gets stuck to it a lot and I have to wipe my Shih Tzu just about every day. It is an evolutionary reflex that protects their organs left … We have heard from quite a few people that think that they have seen this, but know that the tails are not customarily docked. When i look at these pictures and then compare them, i don't think that neither of them have a curled tail. does this mean hes not pure bred? With so many possible culprits as the allergen, you may wish to speak with the vet to help diagnose allergy issues. All rights reserved. Shih tzus are lovable little dogs with long shaggy coats. There are many variations of the top knot and pigtail cuts for Shih … They are an independent … ; however this is not true… in just about every case of that sort of outcome it is a matter of some type of tail injury (razor burn, cut, handled too rough, etc.). The groomers often complain that the customers with Shih Tzus would have their dog shaved head to toe with one exception – the tail. Breeds: Cocker Spaniel & Shih Tzu. The tail tip should not touch the back nor curl upon … In addition, while the goal is to have the hair under the tail short, you will want to keep some length (1/4 inch at least) so that there is no bare skin showing. Samoyeds are squarely built, sturdy dogs, with a fluffy plumed tail curled over the back and draped to one side. They are raised with lots of TLC and want to share that love with you. Why do dogs like food so much if they can’t taste that good? TAIL – Set on high, heavily plumed, carried in curve well over back. Le laboratoire ANTAGENE est le spécialiste des tests ADN chien/chat : identification génétique, parenté certifiée ADN et dépistage des maladies héréditaires. And for those that do, it is quite normal for a Shih Tzu to carry his tail up sometimes and have it flopping over at others. *Disclaimer* The links below are Amazon Affiliate links. It's not uncommon for a Shih Tzu to relax his/her tail when resting and for the tail to lie flat when the dog is lying down. The Cock-a-Tzu is a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Shih-Tzu. The American Kennel Club began recognizing the shih tzu breed in 1968. I do have a shih-tzu nevertheless whose tail would not curl like the others do. Related Questions Dog paralyzed in RIGHT side legs. My Shih Tzu is suddenly not moving his tail, what could be wrong? Grannicks Bitter Apple Dog Chew Deterrent Spray. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the dog’s face is the way that the hair gives it a beard and moustache-like appearance. sure, a shih-tzus tail ought to curl over that is lower back. If she's sad, for example, her tail droops. In most cases of a Shih Tzu obsessively chewing the end of his tail, the reason is an intense itch. It’s often been said that if one must go to the tail of the dog to find a fault, it’s probably a pretty good dog. In addition, depending on what caused the injury to the tail, it’s best to have a full checkup to examine the back, rib cage, and so forth. Shiba Inu are small hunting dogs from Japan. The Shih Tzu has a short muzzle and big dark colored eyes. They curl up to show dominance. Or is this a normal behavor? The Jug has the adorable curled-over tail of … The Labradoodle’s tail should follow the topline and carried happily but should never curl completely over the back. And not every purebred dog looks the same. Striking paws. If your dog doesn't have papers/pedigree then the chances are you bought a designer dog. We’ve complied the most frequently asked questions about tails – from shaving to wagging to tail set... curling and chewing issues, and everything in between. Aussie Labradoodles have a square, stocky build, and has a tail that follows the topline when in motion but shouldn’t completely curl over the back. Carriage is distinctly arrogant, with the head well up and the tail carried over the back. Toy Group. Shih tzu puppies undergo several … For both puppies and adults, tips and advice to keep your Shih Tzu looking great with healthy skin and coat. If he's stressed or scared his tail won't curl. Favorite Answer Yes, the only times my 2 shih tzus tails don't curl is when they're sitting down, other than that it has been curled since the day I bought them. Something odd for a breeder to say. Veterinarian's Assistant: I'm sorry to hear that. You’ll be advised to look for any signs of discoloration of the tip, since this can point to blocked blood flow and is considered an emergency issue. Are Shih Tzu dogs supposed to have curled tails? A Coton puppy. However, my male AKC blk/tan adheres to the standard in every way. Model's followers chime in. Shih Tzu Topknot and pigtail cuts. The set of the tail, whether too high, too low, or ‘just right’ is an inherited trait just like a dog’s bite set, size. Therefore, a Shih Tzu’s tail should not actually twist in a circled loop or be coiled (like a Pug dog’s tail) but rather simply have one curve to it as it hovers high over the back. Tucked Tail. Carefully shaving the tail down to match the length of the coat for this. This is a common question since breed standards call for the tail to ‘curve well over back’. The ‘all body’ puppy cut, including a shaved tail, is a preferred look for many owners and, In regard to itching, in most cases this can be traced back to some sort of allergy. Available in paperback (large 8.5x11", 360 pg) or ebook. This semi-lion hairstyle is a great choice for Shih Tzus. Most all of our pups come from championship backgrounds. This said, an effective hot spot spray directed onto the tail can almost immediately stop itching and allow the area to heal. Shih Tzu Siberian Husky Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Weimaraner ... Tail and Hindquarters. Its ears drop and are covered with long hair. My Papillon mix's tail does the same thing. Common reasons for not moving the tail include: Mild to moderate depression can cause a dog (even one with a natural high tail set) to hold the tail low; a Shih Tzu may be physically showing a sullen mood. A person accidentally stepping on the tail is by far the most common reason for tail trauma; however, there is a wide range of possible causes. The Shih Tzu’s tail is covered in thick fur and curls backward over the dog’s body. The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with long flowing double coat. Your shih-tzu sounds like a … Some dogs are better built than others. Shih Tzus normally carry their tail over their back. originally Shih Tzu's don't have Curled Tails. They have all had their 1st shots. Should the ‘dogs’ section be renamed to the ‘worthless mutts’ section? I talked to the breeder about this and she said it was "not good quality." sure, a shih-tzus tail ought to curl over that is lower back. Pug Tzu (Shih Tzu Pug mix) ... and their tails usually curl up over their backs in the Puggish fashion. From carry methods to bowls, and harnesses to dental chews, this covers essentials for optimal health and happiness. However, a curve should not be confused with a curl. Read 5 Responses. What gives this used Volvo a $20M price tag? So, if breeding, it's important to know that a Shih Tzu with a highly flawed tail set can definitely pass this on to potential litters. Docking a Shih Tzu’s tail has never been a custom or practice at any time during its development or in today’s modern world. The Coton de Tuléar's tail should curl over its back. If either of these issues develop, it can cause a Shih Tzu to feel very uncomfortable and in turn, hold his tail funny, have trouble wagging it, or resist moving it. Shiba Inu. All text and images are protected by copyright laws. A great guideline that answers all your feeding questions and covers the best foods for this breed. When it is a puppy, it may shed its puppy coat. The face of the Shih Tzu is small and sweet, with big, round eyes and a short, hairy muzzle. Tails that are injured can be very painful and most vets will prescribe some sort of pain medication to help a Shih Tzu during the healing process. Virus fight stalls in early East Coast hot spots. Since the anal glands are located in this area as well, do be vigilant or opt to have a trusted groomer perform this task if you are not comfortable with the clippers. Originally bred to be completely nonshedding (which is a misnomer since that's not physically possible), the Maltese succeeds to some degree, since he's a low-shedding companion. And that makes a proper grooming an absolute need of this breed. Ideally, there’s no drop or change in the level topline until the point where the tail lifts off from the back. The Shih Tzu Tail, according to the AKC standard, will curl up and over the back of the dog, regardless of whether the dog is standing, trotting or running. The Coton de Tuléar has a medium-to-long, fluffy, cotton-like coat that is considered hair rather than fur. At about 5-6 weeks puppies begin to have a tail curl. All that matters is that you love the dog, and it loves you. A dog of a breed developed in China, probably from a Tibetan breed, having a long flowing coat, short legs, a square muzzle, and a tail that curls over... Shihtzu - definition of Shihtzu by The Free Dictionary Every dog is different, and not all dogs adhere to breed standards. Shih Tzu Gets a Tail Makeover.#Loveofgrooming #doggrooming #groomersSubscribehttp://www.youtube.com/c/LoveofGroomingMy Amazon StoreGrooming Products I … They come from a spitz origin, which gives them their thick coats and curly tails. How do you think about the answers? In fact, this sort of clipping is done quite often for hygiene reasons. With this said, not all Shih Tzu have tails that do this. If you are planning on having your Shih Tzu shaved down to a close puppy cut, it is your own personal choice to have this include the tail.