Protection Not For Profit Campaign - Furreva Friends Shih Tzu Rescue Ireland

FURREVA FRIENDS is a non profit shelter for shih tzus and shihtzu mixes. We also take in any toy breeds. We will accept owner surrenders, strays, from other shelters/fosterers and from the pound.

We do not buy or sell dogs under any circumstances.

If it is possible we will the dog will go to a suitable, checked, loving home. If the dog has special needs and is unable to be rehomed it will remain with us here in Cavan.

We are not dog trainers or veterinarians but what we guarantee is that every dog will get any professional care required along with shelter, food and love.

SO, if you are looking to rehome a shih tzu, if you have found a stray shih tzu or if you know of a shih tzu in a dangerous situation give us a call on 085 7043718.

If you feel you ave what it takes to give a FURREVA FRIEND a loving home call 085 7043718.
All potential homes are prescreened.

The ancestry of the Shih Tzu is rather obscure, but it is probable that the breed is primarily of Tibetan origin. The history of the Tibetan “Lion Dogs” is interwoven with the tenets of Buddhism, which originated in India . The lion was closely associated with Buddhism, but the lion was not indigenous to China , so the Chinese and the Tibetan lamas bred their toy dogs to resemble lions. The Shih Tzu (whose name means “lion”) is reputed to have been the oldest and smallest variety of the Tibetan “holy dogs”. For much of the long and illustrious history of China , the breeding of the small “Lion Dog” was a favorite pastime of succeeding imperial rulers.

Prior to A.D. 624, documents show that small dogs were exported from Malta , Turkey , Greece , and Persia as gifts to the ruling Chinese emperors. It is likely that the first small Tibetan Lion Dogs from which the Shih Tzu is probably descended came to China during the Qing (Ch’ing) Dynasty (1644-62) as tributes from the Grand Lamas to the Chinese Imperial Court, and that the Chinese interbred these Tibetan dogs with the Pug and the Pekingese.

The existence of the Shih Tzu as we know it today is owed to the Dowager Empress Cixi (T’zu Hsi), whose kennel of Pugs, Pekingese, and Shih Tzu was world renowned. Seven dogs and seven bitches comprise the gene pool of all Shih Tzu. Although she carefully supervised the kennel during her lifetime and attempted to keep the three imperial breeds separate, the actual breeding was carried out by palace eunuchs who secretly crossed the breeds to reduce size and produce unusual and desirable markings. After her death in 1908, the kennels were dispersed and palace breeding became haphazard.

Our reason for being is to give love. We don't hunt, pull or work. We just want to be with you. We might bark to let you know someone is at the door, but we will love them once we know they are your friends.

We are house dogs. We don’t mind our walks or going to the loo but don’t leave us in the yard all day!

A weekly bath is needed to keep our coats and skin clean. We like a blow-drying so we don't catch cold. Before the bath we need our mats and tangles gently brushed and combed out. We enjoy our faces washed every day, just as you wash yours. If you don't want to keep our long, luxurious coat, you can keep it cut short by taking us to a groomer to be shaped in the latest style.

We'll chase over and under the furniture to get our exercise if you don’t bring us for a walk. We also love to ride in the car with you too.

Of course we're intelligent! We love to learn new things. If you want to take us to obedience classes, we'll love that and don’t forget to get us some toys.

We are fussy eaters, but not if you start us out right. We require a good quality dry dog food with maybe the odd treat!

All puppies are cute, Remember, your dog will be a part of your family for many years so be honest in exploring your lifestyle, home, family activity level and experience with dogs.

Resist getting a dog on impulse and instead have the patience to make a responsible choice.

A little research will go a long way to ensure that ours is the breed for you--and that the dog you choose is likely to grow into the healthy, happy companion you expect it will be. Before you fall in love with the first adorable Shih Tzu face you see, take the time to ask yourself some questions to be sure that you can offer a good home to a Shih Tzu for the rest of its life. You may decide that this is not the time for you to get a dog or that the Shih Tzu is not the right breed for you.

The Shih Tzu is a high maintenance breed and requires frequent and regular grooming. This means a trip to the groomer about every 6 wks. If this is not in your budget, this may not be the right breed for you.

Shih Tzu do not generally do well left alone for long periods of time. They were bred to be pets and need human companionship. If the Shih Tzu is going to be alone without another dog for more than 6 hours at a time on a regular basis, we suggest that you get a pair so the Shih Tzu does not develop separation or behavioral problems.

Shih Tzu are susceptible to ear infections and eye damage. The ears must be properly cared for to prevent infection. Shih Tzu have a very short muzzle, therefore their eyes have very little natural protection. Extra care should be taken to guard against injury.

A Shih Tzu is a very loving and loyal dog that needs attention and affection. They will want to be with the family, wherever that may be. A Shih Tzu is not suitable as an "outdoor" dog under any circumstances