Description:

 

Hercules came to us from Animal Control.  He was found tied up and had to receive medical treatment right away, we were happy to take his case on! 

  We had to shave him down to get all the matting out, but his hair is growing back out and he's turned into a real cutie.  Hercules does have a biting problem when he's scared, and we've been working hard on fixing this.  We're confident that Hercules can overcome this, he had such a rough start to life; he just needs a little love and understanding.

Shelter Update 8/17/11:  Hercules is now happy and healthy here at the kennel.  He is still a bit food aggressive.  This would be a perfect dog for an adult couple.  Children frighten him and he can get a bit nippy around them.  He loves car rides and loves to cuddle.  He is really a sweet guy!

 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.