Shih Tzu vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Shih Tzu vs Bracco Italiano - Breed ComparisonBracco Italiano is originated from Italy but Shih Tzu is originated from China. Bracco Italiano may grow 39 cm / 16 inches higher than Shih Tzu. Bracco Italiano may weigh 33 kg / 73 pounds more than Shih Tzu. Bracco Italiano may live 4 years less than Shih Tzu. Both Bracco Italiano and Shih Tzu has almost same litter size. Bracco Italiano requires Low Maintenance. But Shih Tzu requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Toy dog
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Italy
China
Height Male:
58 - 67 cm
22 - 27 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 40 kg
50 - 89 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 8
Size:
Large
Toy
Other Names:
Italian Pointer Italian Pointing Dog
Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog,, Lion Dog
Colors Available:
Orange and White, Chestnut and White with some freckling
all often multiple colored
Coat:
Short, dense and glossy
fine, straight, and silky
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
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

History

bracco italianoThe attractive and popular breed in Italy, the Bracco Italiano was used for tracking and retrieving, evolving in Piedmont and Lombardy. It is believed the Bracco Italiano came about from crossing the Segugio with the ancient Asiatic Mastiff.

There are people however, who believe that the breed goes back to the St Hubert Hound, but it is certain that both hounds and gundogs are part of the breed’s ancestry. The dog only arrived in Britain in the last decade of the 20th century.

shih tzuThe 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

His Looks:

bracco italiano puppy - descriptionThe Bracco Italiano is a large athletic, muscular dog. He stands at 58–67cm, weighing anything between 25 – 40kg. He reminds one somewhat of a German Short-haired Pointer. He has long ears and a serious expression, and this reminds one of a Bloodhound. He has short, shiny hair with his coat being white and chestnut or orange. The tail of the Bracco Italiano has always been docked, giving him an attractive, distinctive look but with rules and regulations coming in regarding docking, the long tail is often left intact. His eyes are brown.

His Temperament

Braccos are wonderful pets – they are intelligent, loving, gentle and amicable, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. Socialize and train them and they become gentle and obedient. They long to be involved with their human family and will adapt to life in the city or the country so long as they are made to feel like family. He is alert and makes a good watchdog. As with most other dogs, they can’t be bought, loved as a puppy and then ignored and left to themselves when they grow into adults.

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

bracco italiano dog - characteristicsThe gentle, amicable Bracco Italiano is a versatile dog that can be a super sport companion for active people and it can also be an exceptional companion for families and older people. He has a sweet, gentle expression and his amicable nature makes him easy to love. He is alert though, and therefore can be both protector and friend at the same time.

Overall, this easy going dog with his low maintenance coat can make an excellent 4-legged addition to any family.

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

bracco italiano puppies - health problemsThere don’t appear to be any major health issues with your Bracco Italiano and he can live to be 12, 13 or 14 years of age. Because he is a large breed however, you will need to watch out for hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal disease with dogs and larger dogs have the genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia. Your dog can develop joint inflammation with pain and lameness.

Other health problems to look out for include kidney disease (Amaloidosis), cherry eye which results in dry eye. If you want to buy a Bracco Italiano, you should ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents.

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

Grooming:

bracco italiano dogs - caringThese dogs are moderate shedders so he will simply need a good brushing twice a week to ensure the coat is kept shiny and free from loose hairs. Nails should be clipped from time to time and he will also need to have his long ears checked for cleanliness. Long-eared dog breeds are more susceptible to canine ear infections.

Feeding:

The Bracco is a large dog and therefore he will require a high quality, large-breed dog food formula. Your veterinarian can even recommend a quality commercially manufactured food for large, energetic dogs and which comes with all the vitamins and minerals required for such a breed.

Your vet will recommend you steer clear of foods with cheap fillers, lots of preservatives, sugar and colorants. He has a glossy, dense short coat and you want to ensure he gets raw meat, rice and vegetables from time to time to ensure that the beautiful coat never becomes dull and dry.

Cool, fresh water must always be available to him. Diet and nutrition is an important decision for your pet as it will ultimately affect his long term health.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Shih Tzu vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  4. Shih Tzu vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Shih Tzu vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Shih Tzu vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Shih Tzu vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Shih Tzu vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Shih Tzu vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  14. Shih Tzu vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  16. Shih Tzu vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
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  26. Bracco Italiano vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Bracco Italiano vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Bracco Italiano vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Bracco Italiano vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Bracco Italiano vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bracco Italiano vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Bracco Italiano vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Bracco Italiano vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bracco Italiano vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Bracco Italiano vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Bracco Italiano vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Bracco Italiano vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Bracco Italiano vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Bracco Italiano vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Bracco Italiano vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Bracco Italiano vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Bracco Italiano vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Bracco Italiano vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Bracco Italiano vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Bracco Italiano vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Bracco Italiano vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Bracco Italiano vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Bracco Italiano vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Bracco Italiano vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Bracco Italiano vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison