Vizsla vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Vizsla vs Shih Tzu - Breed ComparisonVizsla is originated from Hungary but Shih Tzu is originated from China. Both Vizsla and Shih Tzu are of same height. Vizsla may weigh 23 kg / 51 pounds more than Shih Tzu. Vizsla may live 8 years less than Shih Tzu. Both Vizsla and Shih Tzu has almost same litter size. Vizsla requires Low maintenance. But Shih Tzu requires High maintenance

History

vizsla - historyThe Hungarian Vizsla or Magyar Vizsla is a hunting dog developed in Hungry. It is the smallest of the pointer-retriever type breeds. They are loyal family dogs and hunt fowl and upland game. It was rare for a hunting dog to also be a companion and family dog, but the Vizsla is. The first time the Vizsla came to the attention of anyone outside its area was 1357 in a publication written for King Louis I of Hungary. They were kept mostly by barons and warlords and preserved without any interbreeding for centuries.

Through all the occupations, revolutions and world wars, the Vizsla survived. Still there were some points in their history where they were almost extinct. In the 1800’s English Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers almost replaced them. After World War II they were almost extinct again with only a dozen or so left in the country.

Breeders across Hungry brought them back again. They were also bred in Serbia, Slovakia, Austria and Romania. They came to the states after the war and quickly were embraced. The Vizsla Club of America was formed so that they could be recognized by the American Kennel Club. This happened in 1960 and the Vizsla quickly became a champion in several AKC specialties.

The Weimaraner, the German Shorthaired Pointers, the Wirehaired Vizsla and other pointers were developed from the Vizsla and then used to re-establish the breed following World War II.

shih tzu - historyThe 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.

Description

vizsla puppy - descriptionThe golden/rust colored Vizsla is easily distinguished from other breed. They are a medium sixed pointer with a lean frame and light on their feet. They have long ears that are silky to the touch and well defined muscular structure. Their nose is a red color blending in with their coat color. Their eyes and nails also blend in with the color of the coat.

For the most part they are some shade of golden-rust, but today there are also some solid rust dogs as well. Officially the coat can be russet gold, copper-brown, or dark sandy gold. It cannot be mahogany red or pale yellow. The coat is dense, smooth, short and without an undercoat. They have docked tails as well.

shih tzu puppy - descriptionThis 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.

Characteristics

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness yes with socialization

2.Special talents playful and highly intelligent quintuple AKC champion

3.Adaptability high energy need space

4.Learning ability highly intelligent

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

shih tzu dog - characteristics2.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.

Health Problems

vizsla puppies - health problemsThe Vizsla have few health issues but the ones they do have are quite serious. They include:

• Cancer (Mast cell, Lymphoma and Hemangiosarcoma) – as will most dogs it can be treated but is still likely to kill the dog.

  • Canine epilepsy and seizures. This can be treated.

• Hip dysplasia is rare, but cases have been noted. Can cause lameness and/or arthritis.

• Sebaceous adenitis – rare skin disease found more often in cats or birds than in dogs.

  • Seasonal allergies.
  • Ear Infections

shih tzu puppies - health problemsFor 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.

Caring The Pet

vizsla dogs - caringFeeding the puppy This is a very active dog and he need a high calorie diet as a puppy. Feed 4-5 cups in 3-4 smaller meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Feed the adult high calorie food if you exercise her enough. Feed 3 cups of food twice a day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina, speed and endurance.

4. Exercise They love to run but don’t’ overdo it until they are at least 18 to 24 months old. They stay very playful their entire lives and excel at AKC competitions. They are good at agility, field trials, scent work, obedience, conformation, dock diving, rally, lure coursing, track and barn hunt.

shih tzu dogs - caring1.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.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Hungary
China
Height Male:
25 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
21 - 24 cm
8 - 10 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 30 kg
39 - 67 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
10 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
Hungarian Vizsla Hungarian Pointer Magyar Vizsla Yellow Pointers
Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog,, Lion Dog
Colors Available:
red
all often multiple colored
Coat:
single
fine, straight, and silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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