While choosing a small dog breed, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration and one of them is the looks. The Shih Tzu has the look that will make you take him back home with you. When those imploring eyes are going to look straight at you, you will feel weakened in your knees.
Despite its miniature size, the Shih Tzu possesses a hearty and courageous attitude in defense of itself and its master. Although he may look like a toy of a fur ball, members of the breed are highly energetic and playful you'd think they run on Die Hard batteries! They are very lovable and friendly and would gladly give back all the attention and love that is showered on them.
It likes constant attention and if you fail to give them any, they would go to any lengths to get noticed! They would do almost anything to make its masters laugh and join in whatever their game may be. The breed's origin goes as far back as 600 A.D.
Compatibility and Usage: The breed is categorized as a toy group. It feels at home in almost any surrounding and does not require much exercise due to its diminutive size.
Physical Appearance: It possesses a long, flowing double coat that requires regular cleaning and grooming. They have an over abundance of hair that you'd think they are not dogs but bundles of hair with four legs! The breed normally has a height between 9 to 10 inches and weights between 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown into adulthood.
Temperament: The Shih Tzu is very observant and animated and behaves in a stately manner although it can also be very stubborn. Since they bark incessantly when strangers are around, they also make a good watch dog. They totally enjoy the attention and babying they get from their owners and children. They can provide hours of fun and enjoyment for children and all members of the family.
Caring & Health: With a life span of anywhere from 11 to 14 years, they are prone to suffer from liver disease, hip and renal dysplasia. Problems with their eyes are also common especially when they get older.
As a family dog, the Shih Tzu will surely liven up any home especially if you live in the city or a small house. Choosing a Shih Tzu will surely be one of the best decisions you have made.
They are generally friendly and self-assured. The Shih Tzu is the kind of dog that expects to be treated like a king, and wants you to know it. It is for this reason that often Shih Tzu's are not a good choice of dog if you have babies or toddlers in the house. They can become jealous easily.
Shih Tzu's make excellent watchdogs. Their alert and active nature means they are excellent good mannered companions. Poorly bred Shih Tzu's can be noisy and snappy.
If you want a Shih Tzu it's best to take a few precautions to avoid half-bred or genetically faulty Shih Tzu breeds. Rather spend some time making a good decision than have to regret it later. Unethical breeding practices are common and you will need to be an informed buyer if you are going to choose the best Shih Tzu for you.
Choosing a good breeder is very important. You don't want to end up buying a puppy from one of the notorious puppy mills. Cross bred varieties can produce all kinds of health and behavioral problems. If you want to be certain that you are getting a genuine Shih Tzu it's wise to check the breed standards before buying.
This means careful attention to the look and temperament of a Shih Tzu. Ask your breeder to show you the parents of the dog before you commit to buying the puppy. Check the parents of the puppy carefully for any of the faults outlined. This is just a guideline; it is not an absolute standard for pet quality.
If you intend on showing your dog at competitions and shows then an even more careful reading of the breed standards are important. You will also want to choose a more confident puppy - look for the puppy in the litter that seems poised and friendly - and of course good looking!
Some general points to look for
Color, age and size are the most important and immediate things you can check. The puppies will tend to look like their parents however this is not fool proof.
Shih Tzu's do not have gender related temperament differences and both male and female are equally loving.
Teacup varieties are not officially recognized for good reason. People who breed these minute dogs do not do so improve the breed; ethical breeders breed for that reason. Teacups, the ones that will be under three pounds as adults, have many problems and usually do not live beyond the Shih Tzu's that weigh a little more.
Caring for your Shih Tzu
Usually the major grooming has to do with care of the coat. If you do not have time to groom your Shih Tzu at least every other day then you will need to consider another breed. Neglect of the Shih Tzu's coat will lead to skin problems as well as a host of other horrifying conditions, Painful matting, skin infections and even maggot infestations can occur if you leave the coat for too long.
The Shih Tzu is also prone to renal dysplasia (kidney disease) and slipped kneecaps. Because of the shape of the Shih Tzu's face the eyes are more prone to injury. The short muzzle can mean breathing problems.
Spend some time learning about the Shih Tzu breed before you commit to a puppy. They can make a very nice pet for your family. Well looked after Shih Tzu's can expect to live a long and healthy life, by your side.
Both Mike Mathews.. & Steve Allison are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mike Mathews.. has sinced written about articles on various topics from . Author Info: Mike Mathews is a writer and publisher of the acknowledged website. His new ebook titled ". Mike Mathews..'s top article . to your Favourites.
Steve Allison has sinced written about articles on various topics from Terrier Dogs, Pets and Puppies Dogs. Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians.. Steve Allison's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.