| The Shih Tzu is a lively, proud and very lovable | | | | careful reading of the breed standards are |
| dog as owners will testify. The Shih Tzu is one of | | | | important. You will also want to choose a more |
| the most popular dog breeds on earth for good | | | | confident puppy - look for the puppy in the litter |
| reason. In 1994 the Shih Tzu was the 12th most | | | | that seems poised and friendly - and of course |
| popular dog breed, according to the American | | | | good looking!Some general points to look forColor, |
| Kennel Club.They are generally friendly and | | | | age and size are the most important and |
| self-assured. The Shih Tzu is the kind of dog that | | | | immediate things you can check. The puppies will |
| expects to be treated like a king, and wants you | | | | tend to look like their parents however this is not |
| to know it. It is for this reason that often Shih | | | | fool proof.Shih Tzu's do not have gender related |
| Tzu's are not a good choice of dog if you have | | | | temperament differences and both male and |
| babies or toddlers in the house. They can become | | | | female are equally loving.Teacup varieties are not |
| jealous easily.Shih Tzu's make excellent | | | | officially recognized for good reason. People who |
| watchdogs. Their alert and active nature means | | | | breed these minute dogs do not do so improve |
| they are excellent good mannered companions. | | | | the breed; ethical breeders breed for that reason. |
| Poorly bred Shih Tzu's can be noisy and snappy.If | | | | Teacups, the ones that will be under three pounds |
| you want a Shih Tzu it's best to take a few | | | | as adults, have many problems and usually do not |
| precautions to avoid half-bred or genetically faulty | | | | live beyond the Shih Tzu's that weigh a little |
| Shih Tzu breeds. Rather spend some time making | | | | more.Caring for your Shih TzuUsually the major |
| a good decision than have to regret it later. | | | | grooming has to do with care of the coat. If you |
| Unethical breeding practices are common and you | | | | do not have time to groom your Shih Tzu at |
| will need to be an informed buyer if you are going | | | | least every other day then you will need to |
| to choose the best Shih Tzu for you.Choosing a | | | | consider another breed. Neglect of the Shih Tzu's |
| good breeder is very important. You don't want | | | | coat will lead to skin problems as well as a host of |
| to end up buying a puppy from one of the | | | | other horrifying conditions, Painful matting, skin |
| notorious puppy mills. Cross bred varieties can | | | | infections and even maggot infestations can occur |
| produce all kinds of health and behavioral | | | | if you leave the coat for too long.The Shih Tzu is |
| problems. If you want to be certain that you are | | | | also prone to renal dysplasia (kidney disease) and |
| getting a genuine Shih Tzu it's wise to check the | | | | slipped kneecaps. Because of the shape of the |
| breed standards before buying.This means careful | | | | Shih Tzu's face the eyes are more prone to |
| attention to the look and temperament of a Shih | | | | injury. The short muzzle can mean breathing |
| Tzu. Ask your breeder to show you the parents | | | | problems.Spend some time learning about the Shih |
| of the dog before you commit to buying the | | | | Tzu breed before you commit to a puppy. They |
| puppy. Check the parents of the puppy carefully | | | | can make a very nice pet for your family. Well |
| for any of the faults outlined. This is just a | | | | looked after Shih Tzu's can expect to live a long |
| guideline; it is not an absolute standard for pet | | | | and healthy life, by your side.Steve Allison is a |
| quality.If you intend on showing your dog at | | | | third generation of professional dog breeders |
| competitions and shows then an even more | | | | along with his brother Gary. |