To keep the hind end clean, trim the fur around the anus. Brush the teeth with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Finding a good breeder is a great way to find the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy and will, without question, have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as possible.
She is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than making big bucks. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the breed, explain why one puppy is considered pet quality while another is not, and discuss what health problems affect the breed and the steps she takes take to avoid those problems.
The American Shih Tzu Club is a good place to start your search for a responsible breeder. A Shih Tzu should weigh between 9 and 16 pounds, but some breeders produce, and some misguided puppy buyers want, even smaller dogs. So-called Teacup or Imperial Shih Tzus are simply dogs below the minimum healthy size for the breed.
The code of ethics of the ASTC specifically bars its members from breeding undersize dogs or using those terms to describe their puppies. Avoid breeders who seem interested only in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance.
It will save you money in the long run. Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Quickie online purchases are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations.
And before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Shih Tzu might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams.
An adult Shih Tzu may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive, and demanding than a puppy. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home.
If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that. There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here is how to get started. Sites like Petfinder. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Shih Tzus available on Petfinder across the country.
Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Shih Tzu. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations.
Most people who love Shih Tzus love all Shih Tzus. The American Shih Tzu Club can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Shih Tzu rescues in your area. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice.
They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Shih Tzu home for a trial to see what the experience is like. You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup.
These include:. Wherever you acquire your Shih Tzu, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter.
Puppy or adult, a breeder purchase or a rescue, take your Shih Tzu to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. Bartonella is a type bacteria that can be transmitted to cats, dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and….
Want to give your pup yummy, low-calorie treats? Not sure about food puzzles? Our veterinarian reveals why the payoff for your pet is well worth any extra work. The friendly and inquisitive LaPerm has an easy-care coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Check out our collection of more than videos about pet training, animal behavior, dog and cat breeds and more.
Wonder which dog or cat best fits your lifestyle? Our new tool will narrow down more than breeds for you. If the video doesn't start playing momentarily, please install the latest version of Flash. Shih Tzu. Barbara O'Brien, Animal Photography. Mary Bloom. Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography. Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography. Breed Characteristics Adaptability How easily a dog deals with change. Tendency to enjoy or tolerate other dogs. Amount and frequency of dog hair shedding. Amount of warmth or friendliness displayed.
Level of daily activity needed. Preferred amount of interaction with other pets and humans. Factors such as dog size and his tendency to make noise. Amount of bathing, brushing, even professional grooming needed. Tendency to be welcoming to new people. Breed's level of vocalization. Level of health issues a breed tends to have. A dog's inclination to be protective of his home, yard or even car. Tendency toward a tolerance for cats and a lower prey drive. A dog's thinking and problem-solving ability not trainability.
Level of ease in learning something new and a willingness to try new things. Dogs that tend to be more sturdy, playful and easygoing around children and more tolerant of children's behavior. How lighthearted and spirited a dog tends to be. The most difficult thing to teach a Shih Tzu is housebreaking. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding.
Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today.
Thus, a long coat has the advantage of making your Shih Tzu appear to shed less, while a short coat has the advantage of being easier to brush and staying cleaner. It's a trade-off. Instead, teach your Shih Tzu to respect you. A dog who respects you will do what you say and will stop what he's doing when you tell him "No.
An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. Dog training videos.
Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. He was a dream. Housebroken, he slept in bed with us. He loved the grandkids as they loved him. He never snapped, or bit anyone, was loving, smart just a dream. Miss him terribly after 17 yrs. My message is for Rosemary Roth and I hope it will be helpful.
I know just what you mean about trying to find a Shih Tzu. I spent 8 months searching for one through a rescue and every shelter in my state. If there was one, it was adopted before I even got as far as filling out an application.
I found a puppy through the AKC Marketplace. The people listed are ethical breeders and really care about their dogs although it is still very hard to find a puppy.
I remember when I was looking there were quite a few breeders in Florida. I will be driving from Denver to New Mexico in a few weeks to pick up my puppy. Also Puppy Spot has a reputation for being unethical in the puppies they sell. And again try the AKC Marketplace. When I was looking they had breeders listed for Shih Tzus. Good luck! I hope you can find a healthy Shih Tzu from an ethical breeder. A toss up between a Yorkie and a Shih tzu; Shih Tzu won.
In my research I learned that due to Covid, people were looking for a small breed and the Yorkie and Shih Tzu fell into that group.
Breeders raised their prices and some, not all, cross posted puppies on different sites possibly pet stores. I had one breeder tell me she would not be breeding until prices come down. I was very lucky to find a reputable breeder in Kansas and will get my puppy in May.
So everyone looking for a furbaby, be very careful in your research and please remember, you get what you pay for. We fell so In love with our Imperial Shih tzu. We rescued him after his owner passed of Cancer. He was 12 when we got Joey. We were blessed toto have him 8 months. Expensive vet bills but worth every penny. He was our precious fur baby. I am broken hearted. He passed due to kidney failure.
We are continuing to search for a new shih tzu. Please be careful. Willing to pay a fair price. Please let us know if you know of anyone who we can contact. Joey was the best dog ever! I miss him so much! We recently adopted a rescue Shihtzu…best dog ever…such a sweet soul…feel bad for thr owner who lost or abandoned him…. We would like to adopt a Shih Tzu we live in Canada. If you can help that would be great.
Thank you Dan. I lost my fur baby two weeks ago. She was 13 years old. I feel like my heart has been cut out. I need another one to help me heal.. Please contact me if you know where to get one. Thank you in advance. My dog has anal problems. I live near Southgate plaza in west seneca. Where can I take him, to just have his anal suppressed..
I had a little was my best friend Bowser passed away at 11 years old December 4 about the same time I got him for Christmas I am looking for a new one for me. I am a shih tzu parent Oreo is my male black and while 3 yrs Cookie is my female tan 3 yrs and my new addition Choco 3 months is a choco liver I used to be a pitbull owner but he was to aggressive and had to give him up but believe you me once I got oreo and cookie I fell in love with these babies the grow on you instantly and so I got another one I plan to adopt another one nxt yr all black I love them anyone wanting a pet will do good getting a shih tzu hands dwn.
I had several shih tzu dogs over the years. I had my last one, Chrissy, for over 16 years. I taught first grade. She went to school with me for many years.
She loved children and they loved her. She passed on March of I just made a deposit yesterday for a shihpoo girl. This breed is the best! Rescued our shih tzu from ACT animal compassion team we are golfers last name Palmer so he had to be named Arnie. He crossed the rainbow bridge this Nov after blessing us with so much love for 9 years. He was the sweetest, local companion we could have ever asked for. A little hard to house break but worth every minute.
We had a Shih Tzu for 14 yrs. This article is right on. He crossed the Rainbow Bridge May He was such a great companion to these senior people. We missed him so much we added a Shih Tzu puppy to our home. We forgot how active puppies can be. The training is a challenge but we are getting there and he sure loves walks. We had our first pure bred female princess type shih tzu at only two months old puppy we named Pretty.
I got her as birthday present to my wife 3 years ago. She was exactly as what you described. She passed over the rainbow due to seizures from Lyme disease just 2 years old. We miss her to this day. So heartbroken and sad that we had to cry every night just talking about her for a week. Until we decided to get another 2 month old same breed female puppy we named Pretzel. She has a different dognality as our late Pretty. She is more aggressive and playful.
She preoccupied our emptiness and filled us with happiness once again. She is not the same as Pretty but Pretzel is 10 times as playful and joy to have. Wish they both met each other playing.
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