Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular dog breeds in the Philippines, especially among families who love small and gentle pets. The name “Shih Tzu” comes from the Chinese language, meaning “lion dog,” due to its round, flat face and fluffy coat that resemble a little lion. Known as a toy breed, the Shih Tzu has a small body, long silky fur, and bright, expressive eyes that give it a sweet and friendly appearance. This breed is well-loved for its charming personality — it is affectionate, sociable, and rarely aggressive. Because of its calm and loving nature, the Shih Tzu is an ideal companion for children, the elderly, and people who live in apartments or smaller homes.
When it comes to care and maintenance, the Shih Tzu requires special attention, particularly for its long coat. It should be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. Bathing once a week using a mild dog shampoo helps keep its coat clean and shiny. It’s also important to clean its eyes and ears regularly, as these areas are prone to dirt and infection. Regular grooming or trimming every one to two months is recommended to keep the dog comfortable — especially in the warm climate of the Philippines.
For nutrition, the Shih Tzu should be fed with high-quality dog food containing balanced amounts of protein, fats, and vitamins. They can also eat boiled chicken, beef, fish, and vegetables like pumpkin and carrots, as long as no salt or seasoning is added. Avoid giving chocolate, grapes, onions, and sweet foods, as these can be toxic to dogs. It’s best to feed them twice a day to prevent overeating or obesity, which is a common issue for this less active breed.
The average lifespan of a Shih Tzu is around 10 to 16 years, depending on proper care and nutrition. With regular veterinary checkups, proper vaccination, and a clean environment, they can live longer and healthier lives. Known for their loyalty and affection, Shih Tzus are not just pets — they’re beloved members of the family.
In conclusion, the Shih Tzu is a dog full of joy, love, and warmth. Although it requires a bit of patience in grooming, the reward is a loyal, gentle, and beautiful companion that brings happiness to every home.
Shih Tzu – Ang Maliit at Malambing na Alagang Aso
Ang Shih Tzu ay isa sa mga pinakapopular na aso sa Pilipinas, lalo na sa mga tahanang mahilig sa maliliit at mababait na alaga. Ang pangalan nitong “Shih Tzu” ay galing sa wikang Tsino na nangangahulugang “lion dog,” dahil sa mala-uhog at bilugang mukha nito na parang maliit na leon. Kilala ito bilang toy breed, maliit ang katawan, may mahabang balahibong malambot at makintab, at karaniwang may matingkad na mga mata na nagbibigay sa kanya ng magiliw na ekspresyon. Ang Shih Tzu ay may kaakit-akit na personalidad — mahilig sa tao, malambing, at bihirang maging agresibo. Dahil dito, ito’y napakainam na alagang aso para sa mga bata, matatanda, at mga taong nakatira sa apartment o maliit na bahay.
Sa pag-aalaga ng Shih Tzu, kailangan ng espesyal na atensyon lalo na sa balahibo. Dapat itong suklayin araw-araw upang maiwasan ang buhol at sobrang pagkapal. Mas mainam din na paliguan ito isang beses kada linggo gamit ang mild dog shampoo upang mapanatiling malinis at mabango. Bukod dito, dapat regular na linisin ang mga mata at tenga nito dahil madaling kapitan ng dumi at impeksyon ang mga bahagi na iyon. Mahalaga rin ang grooming o pagpapagupit ng balahibo tuwing isa hanggang dalawang buwan para mapanatiling maayos at komportable ang aso, lalo na sa mainit na klima ng Pilipinas.
Pagdating sa pagkain, maaaring bigyan ng Shih Tzu ng high-quality dog food na may balanseng protina, fats, at vitamins. Maaari rin silang pakainin ng lutong manok, karne ng baka, isda, at gulay tulad ng kalabasa at carrots, basta’t walang asin o pampalasa. Iwasan ang tsokolate, ubas, sibuyas, at matatamis na pagkain dahil delikado ito sa kanilang kalusugan. Mainam ding hatiin ang pagkain sa dalawang beses kada araw upang maiwasan ang labis na pagkain o obesity, na karaniwang problema sa lahing ito dahil hindi sila masyadong aktibo.
Ang karaniwang haba ng buhay ng Shih Tzu ay nasa 10 hanggang 16 taon, depende sa tamang pag-aalaga at nutrisyon. Kapag pinapatingnan sa beterinaryo nang regular, nabibigyan ng tamang bakuna, at pinapanatiling malinis ang kapaligiran, mas malaki ang tsansang mabuhay sila nang mas mahaba at mas masigla. Kilala rin silang matapat at malambing na kasama, kaya marami ang nagsasabing ang Shih Tzu ay hindi lang alaga kundi kasama sa pamilya.
Sa kabuuan, ang Shih Tzu ay isang aso na puno ng kagalakan, kaibigan sa lahat ng miyembro ng pamilya, at madaling mahalin. Bagama’t nangangailangan ito ng kaunting tiyaga sa grooming, ang kapalit naman ay isang malambing, maganda, at tapat na kaibigan na nagbibigay saya sa bawat tahanan.