Grooming
Shih Tzu hair doses not absorb pollen, therefore they are considered “Non-Allergic” Breed. Can some people still have allergies?
Yes, But is not common.
Shih Tzu has two layers of coat, causing one to tangle the other. The short puppy cut or long flowing hair will determine the time in between grooming. You will have to comb in between cuts.
A professional groomer is used every other month or sooner. Depending on how long your going to keep the dogs hair, will determine how often. The groomer will do the ears, eyes and nails. You should learn to give your dog a bath. Save the face for last and be careful not to get water in nose. Shih Tzu tend to not like is a face full of water. It can make it hard for this short-nose breed to breath.
Eyes should be looked at and cleaned daily.
Quiet
Our Shih Tzus are quiet only barking when they feel unsafe or strangers come knocking. Shih Tzu will not bark for hours with a reason like a Yorkie does. They are "Non- Hyper" it is the only recognized Toy Breed to be “ considered calm”.
Safe Area
Many people don’t understand how important it is for your puppy to have a safe area that is all there own. This space is a refuge away from other people in the house. This is your puppy’s DEN. A place they know no one will bother them. A place to rest, chews on a bone, and enjoy their favorite toy and blanket.
THIS IS NOT A PLACE YOU PUNISH YOUR PUPPY
When leaving the home for a few hours use this so the puppy will not get into any thing that could harm them. Puppies can chew or eat something that could inflict harm or even death. A den will help keep your puppy safe. We use and love play pens. A low changeable flexible panels of fencing. Puppies can not just have free run of your home. They need structure and safety.
(Common Problems)
We do not believe anyone should just take two dogs and breed them together and hope for a good out come. We know threw testing, confirmation, personality and 52 years of experience; what our out come will be. Please do not ask me to breed your pet. Your pet is just that a pet. If it was adopted to be a pet, don't put it threw the breeding process. No dog needs to have a litter. It is very painful. It takes alot of years off your dogs life. They need to be conditioned, special nutrition, extra vet care, and tested. Before ever even considering the possibility. The breeder needs to know what to look for and how to help a mother, so the puppies are safe and sound. Shih Tzus have alot of difficulties in birthing.
Which sex is better....
Do you know the Shih Tzu have no sex link genes.
Males....easy going, doesn't seek all the attention, loving 24-7, unless used for breeding my males squat to pee, will lie down for hours no mater what is going on in the house, obedient, playful, trusting and will just melt into your hands.
Females.....Attention seekers, have to be the center of it, wants to be involved in everything going on around them, Fun, come in heat twice a year during this time usually doesn't get along with other females (some males), doesn't want to share, usually the alpha, runs the show, royalty, airy, stubborn, determine to get her way; but knows when; and how to be sweet.
However, every dog is unique and all are not the same. I prefer a males personality. Shih Tzu males are considered the better pet if you ask a breeder
POTTY TRAINING
Some of the smaller breeds are hard to house train. The Shih Tzu can be one of those breeds. Our puppies are already paper-trained so this makes it very simple to house train.
Just follow these few short guidelines.
Let out every few hours and watched. When they go potty outside make a big deal of it… “What a good doggie” and a treat. If they go in the house say .. “No” and give no treat.
Shih Tzu really want to please you. Your their mommy now. Make it clear what you expect from him or her. If a small plastic box with paper or a wee pad is put down. Your pup can use it in emergencies Your puppy will still go out side, but now he'll have a place to go if someone forgets to take him or her out. They want to please you!
Once they know what makes you happy they will want to do it.
Shih Tzu are easy to train to paper, but the key is starting at a young age and being consistent. They will go potty outside , but can also be sneaky; if ignored or left alone unattended for hours. They make a good pet for individuals that work since; they are independent they can sleep and; or keep confined till their companion comes home. Shih Tzu's watch TV and change the channel from a remote. They understand 100's of words and can even understand spelling. This dog is highly intelligent and will surprise you when you least expect it. By using treats one can teach them many commands or tricks.
Shih Tzu main purpose of breeding was to be a companion to all. also keep the feet warm of the nobles enjoyed the way they slept at the end of the bed and kept their owners feet warm.. They can snore while sleeping and usually love to be on there back. Shih Tzu can also fold there feet directly flat behind them. Shih Tzu are very independent. Even though they look and act like a sweet whippy dog, they are far from it. They have a bold, happy, out-going temperament.
The pride one caries in daily walks and free play-time, is also displayed in the show ring as they carry their head and tail high up over the back.These dogs are sturdy, independent, loving, quiet, playful individuals. They becoming the center of a home; these dogs will go from lap to lap, providing intention to all ages. While leaving joy and happiness to whomever, they come in contact with.
Pull Ropes, Pig ears, Nylabone bones and more......
If you do not give them bones or chews: they will find something in you home to chew.
Baby teeth Do Not come out on their own, they need help. When sterilized, is the best time to have vet pop those baby teeth out. Older dogs need to help to clean there teeth. Chewing help keep much of the tarter down. If you can get in a habit of brushing there teeth.
Hard food will also help in cleaning the teeth.
Your puppy is like a child:
You and your puppy should come up with a schedule that will accommodate both your needs. It’s O.K. to be flexible with in a reasonable amount of time. However, the more consistent you are; the greater the pup will try to please you.
Today, Shih Tzu are used in many applications. Therapy being very popular because the dog is quiet, small; one can pick-up and go almost anywhere with the fur ball. The little lion dog is welcomed everywhere; by it's kind sweet face and eager to please attitude. They give back so much love, happiness and joy. Once you have a Shih Tzu; they will always have a place in your heart. If not raise correctly they can develop many sociological and psychological issues. Yes, a Shih Tzu with social issues can make your life very difficult. Many rescue dogs will have multiple problems, so be careful in adopting adults, from abusive situations. Never leave an unfamiliar dog with a child.
We use Royal Cannine for Shih tzu Adult and Puppy food. The food your dog digests gives him or her life. Properly functioning cells make a body stronger. Dogs that do not receive adequate nutrients developed multiple problem. Meat (protein) and nutrients need to keep everything functioning accurately.
Some allergies are caused by grains in the dog food because their stomach can't break down the grain.
Every puppy that leaves her gets a A.K.C. Reunite Micro-chip. A needle is used to place a little chip under the animal’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. That chip has a unique number on it that can be picked up and read by a scanner.
It takes seconds. It takes more time to do the paperwork than implant the microchip. It doesn’t have to be done by a veterinarian.
Your pet also should have a collar with tags on it.
It’s important not to let your pet run loose. No microchip can stop your animal from being hit by a car or being stolen by someone who has bad intentions.
Up to 8 million animals end up in shelters every year. Unfortunately, only 15-20% of dogs are ever reclaimed by their owners. One of the ways to increase the chances of finding your lost pet is having it micro-chipped.