DOG FAQ - What should I feed my Shih Tzu puppy?

Your Shih Tzu puppy needs quality puppy food and fresh water close to him or her at all times. We recommend that if you do not plan to use the same food, you make the change to your high-quality puppy food gradual.

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DOG FAQ - Should I have my male Shih Tzu puppy neutered?

When a male is neutered at about 4 to 5 months of age, Shih Tzu rarely have the tendency to mark their territory as so many people are afraid of them doing in their homes. We have many happy owners of male puppies that have never had any problems with them in this way. They make wonderful family pets and companions. Neutering your puppy will protect his health, help him to liver longer and be a better pet, along with improving his house manners.

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DOG FAQ - Which is better,a male or a female Shih Tzu puppy?

Although many people like the little females Shih Tzu simply because that is all they have ever owned, males Shih Tzu most often make the better family pet. They are not as independent as a female, nor do they have the moods that the females seem to go through. It's a good idea to have male puppies neutered when they are about 4 to 5 months of age.

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DOG FAQ - How to Choose a Shih Tzu puppy?

How to Choose a Shih Tzu puppy correctly can be difficult, specially when you are in front of many of them, at the same time. Remember this is a life long commitment, at least to the dogs life span, so choosing a dog should never be taken lightly. The first thing is to make up your mind about whether you want a pedigree dog or a mixed-breed one, but there are some other points to think about before buying a Shih Tzu puppy. Afterwards, adaptation and training phases will be crucial to help your Shih Tzu puppy to settle down in his new environment, and developing into an enthusiastic and obedient grown dog. The playful nature of puppies is their main attraction, though grown dogs are more suitable to people of certain ages.

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DOG FAQ - How often should my Shih Tzu puppy get a checkup?

Take your Shih Tzu puppy to your veterinarian for regular checkups and vaccinations. Check with your veterinarian on how often they recommend you bring your puppy in, and then be sure you do so. Giving your puppy this extra care and attention will return it a hundred fold.

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DOG FAQ - How often should I give Shih Tzu puppy a bath?

Give your Shih Tzu puppy a bath only when he smells or is dirty. Be careful not to get water in his ears. We recommend putting cotton in his ears while you're bathing him. Keep shampoo from getting into his eyes too. Dry your Shih Tzu puppy immediately so that he doesn't get chilled and catch a cold.

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DOG FAQ - We live in an apartment. Will the Shih Tzu be right for us?

The Shih Tzu should be fine in an apartment or smaller home. You should be prepared to give your new pet some regular outdoor exercise, even if its just short walks on a leash. You should never leave the dog alone in the apartment for long periods. Generally, this breed is good for apartment dwellers.

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DOG FAQ - I have thought about getting a Shih-Tzu from a rescue group. Is this a good idea?

This can be an excellent way to add a new pet to your family. However, the challenges of getting a dog from one of these sources are different than the those relating to a puppy. You should take some time to visit several locations and talk with the staff. Ask questions about the health and temperament of the dogs and watch closely how the staff interacts with the dogs. This can tell you a lot about how the dogs are treated and how the dogs may act when you take them home. One basic factor that should be present in all rescue dog situations is this: the group should be very careful about matching a dog with a home. This may even extend to making a home visit before the dog is placed.

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DOG FAQ - Are Shih Tzu hard to train?

Yes, the Shih Tzu can be difficult to train in some cases but these dogs are intelligent, responding well to gentle and patient attention. For some new Shih Tzu owners, the amount of time and patience is too much. Sometimes these dogs end up being given to a rescue organization. If you are considering a Shih Tzu , keep in mind that housebreaking/potty training can sometimes be a bit more difficult than with other breeds.

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DOG FAQ - I may want to show my Shih-Tzu if I get one. What should I do to get started?

Showing a Shih-Tzu presents a few extra challenges beyond having a Shih-Tzu as a pet. You may want to take a little more time in selecting the color of your puppy to begin with. In addition, you should be more selective about the bloodlines of your puppy, since this can help in making sure you get a good show dog. You will also have to spend more time grooming and cleaning what will be a luxurious coat. It will be key to get your new dog from a breeder that offers only show dogs.

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DOG FAQ - I have heard that Shih-Tzu are sensitive to heat and cold, what about this?

Shih Tzu is sensitive to extremes in temperature. It is important not to leave the dog in a hot or cold situation. In addition, after a bath, the dog should be dried thoroughly in a warm place to avoid chills.

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DOG FAQ - What should I ask the breeder about when I visit?

You need to ask many questions that are appropriate for visits to the breeder if you are shopping for a Shih-Tzu puppy. For instance, you should definitely ask to see both parents of the litter you are looking at. You should also ask about some of the common health conditions of the Shih-Tzu, such as dry eye, allergies, breathing difficulty and thyroid conditions. A good breeder will be very open to these questions and should help you get answers if he or she cannot provide them.

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DOG FAQ - Would a Shih-Tzu be good in a home with children?

Shih-Tzu is not necessarily the best in a home with small children. The family members around a Shih-Tzu must be gentle and patient and not expect the dog to play roughly. With that in mind, the breed has hair rather than fur so shedding is not a great problem. The Shih-Tzu is one of the few dogs considered hypoallergenic.

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DOG FAQ - I have heard that Shih-Tzu have breathing problems. Is this true?

Some Shih-Tzu will wheeze and snore because of the shape and size of the nose and head. However, the Shih-Tzu also has some problems with the eyes because of the shape of the head and the fact that the eyes are very prominent. Talk with your veterinarian about breathing problems and eye problems with the Shih-Tzu.

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TRAINING

The Shih Tzu may be difficult to housetrain. The crate method works best. Although they are eager to please, and quick to learn, Shih Tzu stubborn streak requires persistence and consistency. They do not respond to harshness or punishment. The Shih Tzu does very well in obedience training provided it is low-key and motivational.

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FEEDING

Feeding your Shih Tzu at scheduled mealtimes is the best way to control how much Shih Tzu eats, resulting in better weight control and allowing you to monitor their health. (Lack of appetite is often the first sign of illness.) Free feeding, a method in which food is left out all day, can wreak havoc on the digestive system and lead to obesity.

The best feeding schedule for your shih tzu depends on his age and lifestyle. While your vet or breeder can best advise you as to what kind of feeding plan is appropriate for your shih tzu’s particular life stage, the chart below provides a general outline.

Life stage feeding :

Puppies (under 4 months) feed 3 small meals per day

Adolescents (4–12 months) feed 2 meals per day

Active adults (1–12 years) feed 2 meals per day

Adult formula Seniors (12+ years) feed 1–2 meals per day

Rather than feed your shih tzu each time he begs for food, stick to regular meals and an occasional treat. If you’re serving commercial food, the package directions may not suit your individual dog, so talk to your vet or breeder. If you’re serving noncommercial food, consult your vet.

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HEALTH INFORMATION

Small-size dogs, or Toy dogs, suffer breed specific problems. The Shih Tzu is not an exception. There are several congenital diseases (dogs are born with these diseases) that might present serious health risks in Shih Tzu are : patellar luxation, back problems and eye abnormalities. If the timely and correct preventive care is provided and if the breeding stock is free from genetic defects, then you have a healthy Shih Tzu.

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TEMPERAMENT

The Shih Tzu is first and foremost a companion. Shih Tzu loves nothing more than being indoors with their family. Temperament of this breed gets along very well with older children and other pets. Shih Tzu are outgoing and self-assured, keen and alert. Shih Tzu makes excellent watchdogs. They do not do well being separated from their owners and may become destructive if left alone for extended periods of time. Shih Tzu is docile and quiet, but they also love to play. The Shih Tzu is spunky and can be obstinate at times. They expect to be treated as royalty and are easily spoiled.
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GROOMING

The Shih Tzu is a longhaired dog. Actually, it has two coats, one outer coat that has long straight hair, and the short and wooly. The hair on it head is usually tied up in a tight knot over the head. Do Not Get a Shih Tzu If You Cannot Groom It Daily

Many people decide that the Shih Tzu is the right dog for them because they find it so beautiful. It is not a good idea to decide you want a Shih Tzu after you see it in a dog show. Here, the best specimens are paraded and what you see though looks easy and carefree, is the result of a lot of work and perseverance.

Shih Tzu grooming has to be done on a regular basis. Here ‘regular basis’ means at least every alternate day. You will need to have the long hair combed every other day if not every day; otherwise, the hair will knot and/or mat and then become a good home for a number of parasites. If the parasites are left growing on its skin for a long time, then the Shih Tzu will develop skin lesions and other diseases – besides becoming a very miserable dog. Hence, the minimum Shih Tzu care necessitates that it is groomed every day – and since it lives for about 15 to18 years, you will need to decide whether you can do this every day (or alternate day) for the next 15 years before saying ‘yes’ to this breed as your pet.

Often, people buy this type of dog on a whim or impulse, and end up giving it up when they realize that they are not able to cope with the basic Shih Tzu care requirements. It should definitely not come to this – hence, you should be careful that you understand what Shih Tzu care and grooming involves before taking in this dog variety. What can be a put-off for some it can be a great attraction for others - many people love the need to groom these dogs every day. These varieties make great pets for senior people specifically because they demand so much attention which make the elder people feel good because they are wanted and because these dogs love to be loved. The daily grooming is just another way to fill the day and bond with the Shih Tzu.

In case you love the breed and you still think that, the Shih Tzu grooming is a handful for you, you can give it the Shih Tzu haircut, as a last resort. Use the services of a qualified Shih Tzu grooming professional for this purpose so the beauty of the dog is not compromised. Regardless of whether you choose to have the hair long or short, you will have to learn about what you need to groom your Shih Tzu.

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COAT AND COLOR

There is no set standard for coat color in the Shih Tzu as any color and any variations in color are acceptable. The most recognizable colors are the gold and white or the black and white, but the solid gold color variety is the most popular amongst Shih Tzu owners. Very rarely will there be a solid white Shih Tzu in a litter. They will usually have “tips” on their coats, usually on the ears or back. Their coat should be a long, flowing, straight double coat without wave or a single coat.
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