Description:Leonidas owner could not keep him due to a busy life/schedule. This sweet shih tzu is so loving but has been raised as an only dog. Below is a description from his previous owner:
He is a bit of a high-maintenance dog, in that he nned persistent grooming/ear cleaning. He has allergies which cause him to exhibits the behavior of licking his paws.
He hasn't really been socialized with other dogs, and is somewhat nervous when outside, but he has liked going for walks in the past. He loves attention and loves to play indoors - especially playing fetch with his toys. He also likes to get wound up to where he starts doing laps around the room insanely fast, running back up to his playmate and barking before taking another lap at warp speed.
He ok with our kids, but has to be reminded often of which toys are off-limits. He typically shies away from our two year old. He is trained to do his business on a pad in the laundry room, and accidents have been infrequent. Leonidas really is a great dog,
Are you unfamiliar with the Shih Tzu breed? Pronounced SHEET-sue, they are known as alert, spunky, happy and hardy. They are bred with an underbite which gives them a constant "smile." Traditionally, their coat is kept long, with ears blending into the body, distinct mustache, and a top knot secured with a bow. However, in our Florida climate, many are clipped short to relieve them of the heat. An alert watch dog, Shih Tzus like to bark but are usually quiet in the house. Originally from China, they were a favorite of the Imperial Chinese court and so revered that for many years after the Chinese began trading with the West, they refused to sell, or even give away, any of the little dogs. It was not until 1930 that the first pair was imported to England. The life expectancy of Shih Tzus in 16 years.