Owner guide - Healthy food for Shih Tzu

- The staple of your Shih Tzu's diet should contain 65% RAW turkey muscle meat, organs, and bones. Turkey is a low-fat and high protein food.

- Raw chicken muscle meat, organs, and bones should make up anothr 20% of your Shih Tzu's diet. Chicken, like turkey, is high in protein and low in fat.

- Herring should make up another 5% of a healthy Shih Tzu's diet.

- The last 5% of a Shih Tzu's diet should be raw eggs, shell included.

Shih Tzu - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - How much does it cost on average to get a Shih Tzu dog groomed?

For small breed as Shih Tzu that do not have thick hair or require a complicated cut, grooming costs about $30 to $50.

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DOG FAQ - When does the breed a Shih Tzu dog stop growing?

Your Shih Tzu puppy will be full grown at around 8 months old and should weigh 10-15 lbs.

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DOG FAQ - How much does a shih tzu dog cost?

Shih Tzu puppy prices on average range from $550-$650. And cost nearly $1,500 to maintain annually.

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DOG FAQ - How many pups can a shih tzu dog have?

The average litter size of a Shih Tzu is 5, but some can have 6 or 7.

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DOG FAQ - Can shih tzu dogs be outdoor dogs?

Shih Tzu does not do well as outdoor dog. Their natural canine hardiness has largely been bred out. Shih Tzu needs to live inside!

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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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