Hamiltonstovare is originated from Sweden but Shih Tzu is originated from China. Hamiltonstovare may grow 33 cm / 13 inches higher than Shih Tzu. Hamiltonstovare may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Shih Tzu. Hamiltonstovare may live 5 years less than Shih Tzu. Both Hamiltonstovare and Shih Tzu has same litter size. Hamiltonstovare requires Low Maintenance. But Shih Tzu requires High Maintenance
Bred as a hunting hound, the Hamiltonstovare hails from Sweden, being founded in the late 1800s. He was first exhibited in Sweden in 1886.
Known also as the Hamilton or the Swedish Foxhound, the dog was developed by Count Adolf Hamilton who was also the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club. The dog’s ancestry includes some German Hounds as well as Harriers and English Foxhounds, and this has ensured he has excellent hunting instincts.
This dog breed got the name Hamiltonstovare in 1921 as a tribute to the person who created the breed and also the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, Count A.P. Hamilton. The Hamiltonstovare isn’t recognized by the AKC but is recognized by the FCI and is also a member of the Foundation Stock Service. He is recognized by the Kennel Club in the UK as a Hound.
The 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.
The Hamilton Hound is a good looking, well proportioned dog with an attractive, 2-layered, shortish, smooth, tri-colored coat of tan, black and white.
These dogs stand at about 49-61cm in height and they weigh 23 – 27kg. The eyes are brown and the ears are floppy. He is a deep chested dog with a long tail which he carries straight or which is somewhat curved. He has a longish head with a skull that is slightly arched and broad.
Friendly, social and amicable, the even-tempered Hamiltonstovare is a dog that loves to be with his human family. When you look at him you look at him as a friend as he has a calm, intelligent expression about him.
He is a stubborn, non-aggressive dog that is intelligent and this makes it easy to have him trained and socialized to make him obedient and to follow some easy instructions.
He is a very active dog and will love an owner who leads an active, outdoor life. Most Hamiltons love swimming too and he will be thrilled if you plunge in with him on a hot day.
He has always been a hunting dog, and while they love spending time with their human family, he loves the thrill of the hunt. He is a playful dog too, loving to entertain and be entertained, and he gets on well with children.
This 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 hindquarters are muscular while the front are straight. They are balanced in that they are not too long or too short.
Hamiltonstovares make wonderful companions simply because they’re friendly dogs with stable personalities.
He is actually an ‘all-rounder’ dog – well proportioned and good-looking and with a solid personality to match.
He is lithe and muscled and as a multi-purpose dog, he has been used to follow scents and hunt down prey. These skills as well as his loyal characteristics have made him a versatile, sought after pet.
Another bonus when you own a dog like this is that he is also a low maintenance dog, shedding very little. He is intelligent too and easy to train, and all these qualities make him a wonderful pet to own.
2.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.
Every dog has different genetic make ups that affect them and they have different susceptibilities to illnesses. The average life expectancy of a Hamiltonstovare is between 10 and 13 years when he is looked after and well nourished with top quality food.
Some things to look out for are hip dysplasia, cancer, bloat and obesity.
Look out for obesity in your pet because just like with people, obesity leads to other diseases and complications in dogs such as diabetes, respiratory disorders, osteoarthritis and hypertension.
If your dog needs to lose weight, and you just don’t know how you’re going to deny him the treats he loves, speak to your vet who can even work out a weight management program for him.
Cancer is a formidable threat to all dog breeds. The most obvious sign that your dog could have cancer is abnormal swelling that gets larger under the skin. The idea is get get the lump removed and biopsied as soon as possible. Loss of appetite, weight loss, sores that don’t heal and bleeding or discharge are all signs of cancer.
For 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.
• 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.
The Hamiltonstovare has a double coat but even so, he is a low maintenance breed that will simply require a brush twice a week to remove dead and loose hair.
Because he has floppy ears, it is important to check his ears because too much wax and debris can lead to a painful infection.
This is a high energy dog who will need the right amount of exercise as well as mental stimulation to be at his best. A nice walk every day will be excellent for him as well as the usual ball games in the garden.
If you get your Hamilton puppy from a breeder, it would be wise to stick to the same food they were feeding your puppy with. Suddenly changing his good could cause digestive upsets.
Every Hamilton requires top quality food that meets all his nutritional requirements. If you give him commercially manufactured food, make sure to follow the instructions with regards to the amount of food you give him as he can put on too much weight.
These dogs are known to suffer with bloat, so rather give him smaller meals than one large meal a day. Your Hamilton should never be exercised immediately after eating a meal. Remember to always ensure a bowl of fresh, cool water is always available.
1.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.
This is a pampered, not high energy dog. However, she still needs playtime, which can be indoors and short walks outdoors every day.