or from playing with other dogs. Many owners keep their dogs groomed with a puppy cut for most of their lives to avoid this problem. If you don’t have them clipped, you must keep the hair out of their eyes with a ponytail. This is done to prevent eye problems, not just to be cute. Eye ulcers need to be treated immediately and can be very painful. Another matter to be aware of is that some breeders have been working diligently to make the Shih Tzus smaller. These smaller dogs are called Imperials and they fetch close to $2,000 each as compared to the average (non-champion) dog which sells for around $250-$350. Unfortunately, these Imperials are often riddled with health problems because their organs are so small. Owning an Imperial could literally double or triple your medical bills.

Could a Lhasa Apso Be Your Perfect Pet?The Lhasa Apso was bred by holy men to guard the temples and monasteries of Tibet. Named after the sacred city of Lhasa, it was believed that when a master passed on, his soul would enter the Lhasa’s body. The first Lhasas were seen outside of Tibet when the 13th Dalai Lama gave a pair as a gift to an American visitor.

The Lhasa, like the Shih Tzu, is a small but hardy dog with a beautiful full coat of hair that will require a regularly scheduled daily brushing to protect against matting and skin infection. Because Lhasa Apsos are truly one-family dogs, it can be a difficult transition when one ends up in rescue. They love to play and have fun, but they will also guard and protect. To this end, they often do miserably in shelters where they are trying to constantly defend against larger neighboring dogs. Llasa Apsos like to be the boss and don’t always coexist well with other dogs. Unless together for life, usually two males or two females together will result in much bickering. If you decided to get a Lhasa Apso, you will need a good trainer. You can’t be short with them or correct them like you would many other dogs.

Is a Maltese the Right Dog for You?The Maltese is very intelligent, faithful to its guardian and quite protective. Maltese are loving, trusting and playful companions. Unlike the two Tibetan breeds above, this pup originated in Malta. It is believed to be a cross between the miniature spaniel and poodle. Most Maltese are happy-go-lucky and are friendly to almost everyone. Kids tend to scare them because they move so fast. They like to play ball (you’ll need a really tiny ball) and they need to be with their people.

“The Maltese is a tiny, vulnerable little dog that young children will often try to dress up. They don’t handle that well,” said Nancy. At only 4 to 10 pounds they are quite fragile. Maltese have no undercoat, so they cannot be left out on a cold day, not even for a short while. They must go out and come right back in or they will freeze. They aren’t usually very vocal, except for a few minutes when company arrives.

Now that you know more about these three unique breeds, you can decide for yourself if one would make a good addition to your home. There are an alarming number of Shih Tzus, Maltese and Lhasa Apsos in need of forever homes. If you are interested in donating, volunteering, adopting or fostering, please call Colorado Shih Tzu, Maltese and Lhasa Apso Rescue at 303-289-2541 or 720-331-2877 or visit their website at www.coloradoshihtzumalteserescue.com. Please offer some assistance if you can.

26 - Mile High Dog - October/November 2011

Colorado Shih Tzu, Maltese & Lhasa Apso Rescue

So who cares for the little guys? There are some dog breeds like the ever-popular Labrador and Golden

retriever whose breed characteristics are well known. We would like to discuss three loving and popular, but lesser-known breeds that need our help. Join us as we explore the Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso and Maltese.

For Nancy Beims, a lot has changed in the eleven years since she was first called upon to help Colorado Shih Tzu, Maltese and Lhasa Apso Rescue. Back then she and two other women did it all: rescue the pups, take them to the vet and pay the bill, care for them in their homes and find suitable adoptive homes. Soon after Nancy started helping out, the other two women left the rescue, leaving it all in her hands. Thankfully there is now some help from a handful of volunteers, but they need many more. In 2010, they took in and re-homed more than one hundred of these sweet little creatures. The rescue recently added two new fosters, bringing the total number to nine and they have two part-time volunteers who transport dogs and help with fund-raising on their days off. Unfortunately, there are so many of these dogs in need of homes right now that the rescue is having to turn away dogs like never before.

The pain of today’s economy is hitting our furry friends hard, sometimes harder than we humans are hit. The Colorado Shih Tzu, Maltese & Lhasa Apso Rescue, like most other rescues right now, is seeing up to

75 percent of their rescues coming from relinquishing owners unable to afford their companions. In the case of the Shih Tzu, Maltese and Lhasa Apso, this is a most cruel double-edged sword. All three of these breeds are very devoted and need a special person as a companion. They don’t place these breeds in homes with children under the age of eight because they can’t be sure that adults will always be there to supervise.

Admittedly, I knew very little about these three breeds until Nancy contacted Mile High Dog wondering what she could do to have her four-legged friends’ story told. Nancy had seen many of the rescue stories in previous issues and hoped that we might be able to offer some assistance.

The Shih Tzu or “Lion Dog” may be short in stature but this lively toy breed will stand its ground. Believed to be a mix of Lhasa Apso and Pekinese, Shih Tzus were a highly prized member of Chinese royal families for over a thousand years. For centuries the Chinese refused to allow them to leave the country. For a dog that spent most of its time on a silk cushion, it is not surprising that this breed has developed a rather fine opinion of itself. A bit arrogant in their walk with their heads held high, one can sense that they still believe they are in the Forbidden City.

Is a Shih Tzu Right for You?Shih Tzus usually do best with an adult

or older person or couple. They are a bright and friendly breed that will do everything to protect the master’s castle, be it an apartment, home or royal city. Usually weighing around 8 to 15 pounds, their temperament depends entirely on who raised them as a puppy. They are usually very loving and sweet, although families with children can make these dogs very unhappy and they will go out of their way to avoid people who don’t treat them properly. Shih Tzus are in need of training using positive methods and do dismally if an owner tries to discipline them forcefully. A good owner will take their Shih Tzu on a daily walk (not run) and won’t take them on 15 mile hikes. Shih Tzus were bred to be companion animals and will become depressed if left alone. They must have human interaction. They do best in a household where at least one person is home during the day.

Because they have long hair and not fur, they are a high-maintenance breed which needs to be professionally groomed at least once a month with mandatory daily brushing to keep their coats from matting. Hair must be removed from their ears and the pads of their feet regularly as well. If they get matted there is no going back; they will have to be sheared. Owners must have a strong commitment to grooming and realize that professional grooming costs $25 to $40 or more each time.

One hazard of these small breed dogs is their potential to develop ulcers on their buggy protruding eyes. This commonly happens from their long hair rubbing against the eyes

— Adoptables —

Manny (left above) is a male Shih Tzu mix, age five. Casper (right) is a Maltese male, age eight.

Tia (above) is a three-legged Maltese female, approximate age seven. No children please.

Mattie (left) is a one-year-old Shih Tzu female. Milo (right) is a Maltese-Llasa Apso male, age one.

Bonded pair Melody (right ) is an 11-year-old female Maltese. Snowball (left) is an 8-year-old male Maltese. These two must be adopted as a pair.

By Stephen L. Brauns

Shih Tzu Maltese Lhasa Apso (puppy)