Shih Tzu vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Shih Tzu vs American Foxhound - Breed ComparisonShih Tzu is originated from China but American Foxhound is originated from United States. Shih Tzu may grow 36 cm / 14 inches shorter than American Foxhound. Shih Tzu may weigh 25 kg / 55 pounds lesser than American Foxhound. Shih Tzu may live 6 years more than American Foxhound. Shih Tzu may have less litter size than American Foxhound. Shih Tzu requires High maintenance. But American Foxhound requires Low maintenance

History

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.

american foxhound - historyAs a cousin of the English Foxhound, the American Foxhound is a scent hound and bred for hunting. Robert Brooke brought the first hunting dogs to the colonies in 1650. These dogs were the starting point for several American hound breeds including the American Foxhound.

For almost 300 years the Brooke family owned and bred dogs from this bloodline.

At the same time that Brooke was hunting with and breeding his hounds, George Washington was given French Foxhounds. These were crossed with the Brooke’s dogs to create the American Foxhound. This breed is said to have been originally bred in Virginia and Maryland.

They are the state dog of Virginia. After Red Foxes were imported or migrated, Irish Foxhounds were brought to American and added into the line, increasing the stamina and speed that today’s dog’s still display.

The American Foxhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886. Today’s American Foxhound presents in many different lines but are all considered the same breed even though some ay look very different. These strains include the Trigg, Walker, Penn-Marydel, Goodman, July and Calhoun.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Hound dog
Origin:
China
United States
Height Male:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
Height Female:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
49 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
21 - 30 kg
46 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 18 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 8
1 - 12
Size:
Toy dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog,, Lion Dog
Foxhound
Colors Available:
all often multiple colored
red, tricolor, black and tan, blue
Coat:
fine, straight, and silky
short, hard
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Sweet
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

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.

american foxhound puppy - descriptionGiven the variety of bloodlines and strains mentioned above, there can be many differences in the American Foxhounds. Because of this most American Foxhounds bred to show are Walkers as they most closely fit the AKC Breed Standard.

In general, the American Foxhound has long, straight legs and is taller than the English Foxhound. They have a narrow chest and domed skull with a long muzzle.

They have low, wide set eyes that should be dark – brown or hazel, never blue. They have feet like a fox and laid-back shoulders with a curved tail. Athletic and muscled, the American Foxhound is bred to run. They are one of the rarest breeds in the United States.

Characteristics

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.

american foxhound dog - characteristicsWith a reputation as a docile, sweet dog, the American Foxhound is great with kids and animals. They are gentle and often very shy with strangers. They are strong willed and stubborn especially when training them, so they are not a good first dog. They need an owner who has handled dogs before and knows how to be the pack leader without being angry or mean.

The American Foxhound is a scent hound and once he is on the scent it is close to impossible to distract him from it. They have a tendency to ignore commands when they are in this state. A strong owner/leader is needed for this reason. Don’t let him off leash in an unfenced area.

Health Problems

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.

american foxhound puppies - health problemsThe American Foxhound, like most hunting dogs does not carry a lot of genetic disorders. But they can easily become overweight and this can cause major problems. Dysplasia of any type had been mostly unknown in this breed, but due to obesity it is cropping up on occasion. Breeders have not, and do not usually screed for any genetic diseases.

The most devastating health issue the American Foxhound faces is thrombocytopathy. We will go into more detail on this in the Care for Pet section. This is a disease of the blood system, namely the platelets.

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding

american foxhound dogs - caringWhether feeding a pup, or an adult American Foxhound, you need to be sure the food is high quality and that you don’t overfeed. The Foxhound is happy to eat as much as you give him. They like to eat. Make sure you measure and don’t free feed. Control what they are eating.

For a puppy feed twice, a day – 2 to 3 cups of high quality puppy food. When he becomes an adult feed him once a day with 2 cups of adult food.

Health issues

As mentioned previously, the American English Foxhound, like most of the hound breeds is a very healthy dog. They do not have many genetic health issues. They do have a risk for thrombocytopathy. This risk is slight, but all owners of American English Foxhounds should be aware of it.

Thrombocytopathy

This disease is a circulatory system disease with poorly or non-functioning platelets. Platelets are designed to assist in the control of bleeding and without functioning ones the dog can bleed excessively from just a minor cut or bleed internally from a minor injury. The disease can be treated but you have to notice it first. Depending on how severe the disease is, the treatment will vary. Some dogs will have to be given platelets.

Exercise and games

This is a high energy breed that is very active and needs a lot of exercise. They are not good for the first-time owner as they are stubborn and hard to train. They need room to run and get frustrated and out of sorts if they don’t have it. They can live in the suburbs but only with a large fenced yard, an even larger dog park and regular walks. This dog needs a lot of exercise. The simplest thing to do is take him hunting.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Bloodhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  2. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  3. Greyhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  4. Francais Blanc et Noir vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  5. Saluki vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  6. American Foxhound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  7. American Foxhound vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  8. Borzoi vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Black and Tan Coonhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  10. Mountain Cur vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Black Mouth Cur vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  12. Rajapalayam vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  13. Plott Hound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  14. Petit Gascon Saintongeois vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  15. Otterhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Mudhol Hound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  17. Ibizan Hound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  18. Rampur Greyhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  19. Galgo Espanol vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  20. Azawakh vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  21. Hanover Hound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  22. Majestic Tree Hound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  23. Chart Polski vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  24. Polish Hunting Dog vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  25. Grand Bleu de Gascogne vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  26. Shih Tzu vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  28. Shih Tzu vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  29. Shih Tzu vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  30. Shih Tzu vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  31. Shih Tzu vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  32. Shih Tzu vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Shih Tzu vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  34. Shih Tzu vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  35. Shih Tzu vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  36. Shih Tzu vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  37. Shih Tzu vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  38. Shih Tzu vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  39. Shih Tzu vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  40. Shih Tzu vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  41. Shih Tzu vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  42. Shih Tzu vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Shih Tzu vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  44. Shih Tzu vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  45. Shih Tzu vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  46. Shih Tzu vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  47. Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  48. Snorkie vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Bulldog vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  50. Toy Mi-Ki vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds