He was our first pet and we had him since he was 3 months old.
We have appreciated the many emails over the years from so many who enjoyed viewing Kazu's Page.
KAZU
Kazu is now eight years old (2003). He is a purebred and we purchased him at three months of age. It was "love at first sight." He literally ran to us immediately and jumped into Teddy's lap.
Kazu is extremely comfortable in our family's lifestyle and wants to be included in all activities. Kazu often watches TV. (I was told that dogs don't watch TV.)When he sees any kind of animal he runs very close to the TV and barks loudly and growls as though he thinks this animal has invaded his territory. It is a hilarious sight.
When we have a dinner party, we keep Kazu in the bedroom so he won't become too excited. An additional reason is that some people don't like an animal interacting with them and we like our guests to feel comfortable. Of course, Kazu isn't happy with that. He likes being where "the action is."
He loves riding in the van and runs to the door when he hears the words "go" and "van." He jumps up and down on us, or runs to the door to go along with the family.
However, when he watches us getting dressed-up (usually for meetings, groceries, etc.) Ruth putting on her nylons, dresses, etc.), he seems to instinctively realize that wherever we are going, he can't go and makes no effort to go. (We are never away from him more than 3 hours twice a week.) He simply sits, looking as us with such sad eyes as if to say, "what's the use." Upon our return home, he is at the door scratching as soon as he hears the van's motor. As we open the door he jumps up and down, and running in circles with sheer excitement and joy. What a morale booster! Ruth's nickname for Kazu is "Zhu-Zhu."
Kazu is a joy and blessing to our family. We take good care of him,
for like us humans, he too is one of God's creations. How grateful we are
to Jehovah God for creating such a wonderful pet and companion.
Who acts like the Christian? (A dog story)
A man came home from work feeling very tired and stressed. His wife greeted him and he spoke sarcastically to her. Feeling hurt, she in turn took it out on their son. The son became very angry and kicked the dog. The dog came right back to the son and licked his foot. Now, which one acted like the Christian? We humans can learn loyalty lessons from these little pets.
The name means "lion dog." The Shih Tzu is a toy breed originating in China. They go back to the Tang Dynasty in the year 624 AD A pair of these dogs was given to the royal court by a Chinese nobleman. They are lap dogs. They were cherished and pampered by the royal family and their servants for hundreds of years. This has contributed to the development of a friendly disposition toward all people, a trait not found in all breeds of dogs. This trait enables Shih Tzu to be the perfect house pet.
There are several pictures of a small, lion-faced dog that appear in the Imperial Dog Book of the Manchu Dynasty. There are records indicating that these special dogs were selected with great care for court breeding. It is believed that the dogs were bred in the Forbidden City of Peking for several centuries. This close relationship with royalty is no doubt responsible for the proud and arrogant manner in which the Shih Tzu moves and behaves. However, during the Revolution, a large number of dogs were destroyed because they were viewed as a symbol of imperial rule. Only a few of the royal dogs escaped.
In 1930, Lady Brownrigg, an Englishwoman living in China, was able to save a pair of Shih Tzu and import them to England. Later in the 1930's a few more Shih Tzu's were saved by an English officer on duty in China. Another male was imported into Ireland. In 1934, the Shih Tzu Club of England was formed, and the first championship awards were given in 1940. In 1955 the Shih Tzu was recognized as a separate breed by the American kennel Club. In 1957 the Shih Tzu Club of America was formed. Shih Tzu was not known to the western world prior to 1930.
Shih Tzu's Appearance
The Shih Tzu has a mane similar to a lion and thus the meaning of the name "lion dog." They have floppy ears, a long mustache, long beard and a longhaired ringtail that curls around upon the back. The hair on the crown is often held up with a barrette or ribbon. If the hair is allowed to hang down his eyes are covered.
The Shih Tzu is unique in that it gives various distinctive throaty groans to express a variety of moods or wants. Unlike other toy breeds they do not exhibit noisy yapping. Instead it will give one short, sharp bark which fades into a series of groans. They have a very keen sense of feeling and hearing. The eyes are large and wide set apart. Its peripheral vision is much greater than that of a human and more sensitive to motion.
Shih Tzu Behaviour
The Shih Tzu is very intelligent and most are docile. Kazu is pretty docile except when in the van and a stranger approaches. He is very protective and an excellent watchdog. He growls visciously and sounds as though he is a huge dog. If a stranger pets his head he will bite the hand. Actually, one should never pet a strange dog without first asking the owner, or at least placing the hand in a downward non-threatening manner so the dog can sniff your scent. The dog simply doesn't know what your intentions are when he sees the hand going to his head. His bite is his defense mechanism when he feels threatened. Allow the animal to come to you, to be the aggressor, then he feels secure.
They are lap dogs and are excellent for apartments. They are not outdoor dogs. They must be allowed to be around their owner. They will follow you from room to room and sit near you, or at least where they can watch you.
Shih Tzu is very conscious of the pecking order, so it is best to purchase one after the children are born. If you have the Shih Tzu first, the feel they are the baby of the family and are known to resent the invasion of their territory.