Chinese Imperial
The Chinese Imperial Dog is also called Imperial Shih Tzu, Lion Dog and Princess Shih Tzu. It has a cute, innocent, and wide-eyed smile on its face. It is a little, well-muscled, well-boned dog with substance for its size. It is a little, strong dog, with a body that is just a little bit longer than it is tall.
Breed Profile
Height
7-8
Inches
Weight
4-7
Pounds
Life Span
10 – 15
Years
Health
health
Hip Dysplasia
What is it?:
Hip dysplasia affects dogs while they are still growing. The hip joint becomes looser as a result, which results in dysfunction and discomfort. As the dog matures, the bone and cartilage in the hip begin to degrade. Arthritis, muscle atrophy, and diminished mobility inevitably follow. Research shows that large-breed dogs are more frequently impacted, and it is inherited.
Clinical signs
Scattered or ongoing lameness
Walking with a limp despite no past trauma or injury.
Popping and cracking sounds coming from joints.
They "bunny hop" while running
Problems standing up.
Seated abnormal postures.
Having trouble ascending stairs, getting into and out of cars, or using furniture.
Treatment
Long-term arthritis can be brought on by hip dysplasia in dogs, though early diagnosis of the problem can decrease or even stop this from developing. Treatment options for canine hip dysplasia range from medication therapy to a few surgical procedures. Your veterinarian will consider a variety of factors prior to recommending the best course of therapy for your dog. The methods for treating hip dysplasia are as follows:
Weight Control.
Acupuncture.
Physical Rehabilitation
Medical Administration.
Surgical Alternatives
An extensive orthopaedic evaluation of your pet is required before determining which course of action is best for them.
Eligible vet bill
$7,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Patellar Luxation
What is it?:
The term luxating means out of place or dislocated. As a result, a luxating patella is a kneecap that pops out of place or shifts. In dogs, patellar luxation is a common orthopaedic issue. More frequently than lateral luxation, medial luxation is diagnosed in small-breed dogs.
Clinical signs
Limping.
Abnormally carrying leg or legs.
Inability to bend the knee.
Pain when moving the leg.
Will not run or jump.
Refusing to exercise.
Swelling.
Weak legs.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options for a canine luxating patella range from conservative medicinal care to surgery. The majority of grade I and grade II cases are treated with analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, weight control, and exercise restriction. Physical treatment for rehabilitation may also be beneficial in this situation because it can help your dog regain muscle strength and gradually return to normal activity. Surgery may help certain dogs with grade II arthritis who suffer from severe pain from cartilage destruction and major lameness. This will enhance their quality of life. Both grade III and grade IV patellar luxation can result in considerable lameness and pain, thus surgery is typically advised.
Dog patella luxation surgeries can either treat bony issues or soft tissue structures. Regardless of the procedure used, the main objective is to realign the knee's supporting tissues so that the kneecap may move normally and remain in the femur's groove. Typical surgical techniques include:
Techniques to deepen the groove on the femur where the kneecap sits.
Moving the joint that attaches the kneecap to the shinbone more laterally.
Reinforcing the knee joint's soft tissue structures.
Eligible vet bill
$5,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Cheerful
One of the most lovable characteristics that Chinese Imperials have is their cheerful nature.
Clever
Little lion dogs are very smart little doggos and are quite self-aware.
Extroverted
The little bundles of joy are an extremely extroverted breed, who loves to play with other pets.
Lifetime Care
Coat & Colors
Lion dogs come in a variety of colors, including liver and hues of blue. They have a long double coat.
Hypoallergenic
Imperial Shih Tzu are not Hypoallergenic.
Grooming
Use a bristle brush to often brush your Princess Shih Tzu's fur. To make it easier for you to take care of its coat, you can also clip its hair once every four to six weeks.
Training
The Chinese Imperial Dog is always eager to please its handler and can be easily trained.
Chinese Imperial Exercise
Being tiny dogs, lion dogs require regular leash walks. Since it enjoys playing, a good off-leash romp in a fenced-in yard will satisfy its need for exercise.
Chinese Imperial Nutrition and Diet
Since Princess Shih Tzu has the propensity to gain weight, you should measure their daily portion size. You may give them a high-quality dry food formulated for a dog of their size, weight, and activity level.
Chinese Imperial Socialization
Despite having a friendly disposition by nature, the Chinese Imperial needs to be carefully socialized from an early age to avoid becoming frightened. Take it for a stroll in a public area to help it become accustomed to the people and animals around. You can schedule playdates at your friends' houses after it has received vaccinations so that they can enjoy playing with their dogs.
Chinese Imperial Temperament
Imperial Shih Tzus are strong, joyful, and playful little dogs with a caring and affectionate temperament that is perfect for their function in life. They are lively, sociable, trustworthy, clever dogs who are also happy to sit quietly on a lap for as long as it is permitted. They have a streak of independence while being energetic and cooperative.
The Chinese Imperial Dog is a fun-loving, active dog. They require daily hikes in order to expend both mental and physical energy. In order to prevent Small Dog Syndrome and other human-caused behavioral issues, make sure you are this dog's firm, confident. Never forget that dogs are canines, not people. Make sure to respect their animal instincts.
Conclusion
Lion dogs are best suited for living in an apartment, given their adorably cute and fun-loving personality. They also don’t require strenuous exercise, though it is advisable as they are inclined to gain weight quickly. Imperial Shih Tzus are very dependable and affectionate towards their owners and make for loving buddies. Also, they aren’t happy at all, which makes them quite likable. At the same time, because they are so rare, they are quite expensive to breed and, in some areas, quite difficult to source. They also don’t fare well in hot climates because of their dense fur. All in all, they are an easy-going breed perfect for small families, who are 1st-time pet owners.
Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Love and Licks to you!
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