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