A Shih Tzu Lord Surveys the World and Finds It Quite Large
The lord of the manor has been studying the world, and he has found it big. A black and white Shih Tzu with a soft, fluffy face and dark, kind eyes looks out of the portrait with a gentle frown of concentration. A thick brown fur collar rests across his shoulders, with a lace cravat tucked at his chin, and his dark velvet coat is heavily embroidered with gold. To his right, an antique globe rests on a wooden stand, its continents painted in faded cream and blue.
His fur is soft and wispy around the muzzle, with a white blaze that brightens the whole face against the dark, dusty background. The painter has captured the plush texture perfectly, from the long ear fringe to the tiny pointed beard.
Shih Tzus have a long history as companion dogs in the courts of China, and their name is often linked to the word for lion. They are friendly, affectionate and happiest when they are close to their people. Their long, silky coat needs daily or near-daily brushing, and many owners keep it trimmed for easier care. Their eyes are large and sit close to the surface, so gentle face cleaning and regular vet checkups are a good idea. Because of their short muzzles, avoid hot weather and strenuous exercise.
Given a choice, the lord would probably pick a warm lap over a trip around the world. After all, the best destinations are close to home.
