| Shih Tzu was developed as a dog to live as | | | | however, when owners must draw a line and take |
| companions to humans. This is their main function. | | | | charge of what the Shih Tzu cannot claim ownership |
| They do not catch rats or mice. They do not herd | | | | to as well. |
| sheep. They were developed mainly to entertain and | | | | One good thing about having several Shih Tzu is that |
| amuse humans. And this is one thing the Shih Tzu is | | | | when the nights are chilly, they can all curl up |
| extremely skillful at doing. Therefore, the perfect | | | | together on a warm rug somewhere in your house |
| home for a Shih Tzu is the same home in which its | | | | as is demonstrated in the picture with this article. I |
| owners live. A kennel or cage is absolutely not the | | | | caught this scene of my Shih Tzu happily nesting |
| best place as a permanent home for the Shih Tzu. | | | | together. |
| The Shih Tzu will never develop its full personality to | | | | Exercise |
| show his delightful and playful antics if he is isolated | | | | Exercise is essential for the Shih Tzu's well being, |
| from people. It is his human companions he hopes to | | | | happiness and good health. A healthy Shih Tzu will |
| "charm," and have a good time with. Shih Tzu likes | | | | enjoy several walks a day if this is feasible. Shih Tzu |
| nothing better than being with people. Shih Tzu loves | | | | love to greet others along the way, they will stop |
| a romp in the backyard but if the minute they notice | | | | and sniff and smell all that is around them and then |
| you are not there, it is not much fun at all, they | | | | merrily start their walk again with you. Shih Tzu is |
| rather be right back inside with you if that is where | | | | curious about their surroundings and actually quite |
| you are. | | | | "nosey." They have to know everything that is going |
| There are times to confine a Shih Tzu for its own | | | | on around them. If walks with your Shih Tzu are not |
| safety and during housebreaking training. When | | | | feasible, their exercise requirements are not so great |
| traveling by car or plane, of course, the Shih Tzu is | | | | that they cannot still get enough just romping in your |
| safer confined for the trip. Oh but how much more | | | | yard or around your house or apartment. |
| fun it is for the Shih Tzu to ride slap dab in the | | | | Grooming |
| middle of your lap while you drive with his head | | | | I keep most of my Shih Tzu in short coat mainly |
| hanging the window for all to see. It truly is a funny | | | | because I do not have the time to brush and brush |
| sight. The Shih Tzu does not care to let his hair blow | | | | each one of them daily. I also like them in short coat |
| in the wind. They are always ready for anything that | | | | in the cold months when I can put a fleece t-shirt on |
| seems like far-out "fun." They are masters at being | | | | them. My Shih Tzu just love their fleece t-shirts. |
| happy when allowed the freedom to express their | | | | They are a little resistant at first, but then after they |
| full personalities. Their happiness can and does rub off | | | | find out how warm and cozy they are, they do not |
| on all who are around them. They definitely have the | | | | make a fuss when I put one on them. If you keep |
| ability to lift the moods of depression. | | | | your Shih Tzu in longer coat it will require daily |
| Just as Shih Tzu will happily share your home and | | | | brushing. It is also a good idea to tend to your Shih |
| your daily life, he will also be most happy to share | | | | Tzu's face each day. Gently comb away any |
| your bed and your pillow and your blanket. These are | | | | fragments of food or whatever from the whiskers |
| all items that will become your Shih Tzu's favorite | | | | and wash the face with a no water shampoo. Check |
| items. This may not always be a good idea. You | | | | your Shih Tzu's eyes to be sure the hair is not |
| need to be the judge of your own situation in what | | | | touching the eyeball. Hair can grow inside the Shih |
| you allow your Shih Tzu to happily dominate. | | | | Tzu's eyes and cause infection. If you keep your Shih |
| Anything that is yours is always better than what | | | | Tzu in a topknot, you will need to redo the topknot |
| exclusively belongs to him. There comes a time, | | | | daily as well. Bathe your Shih Tzu once weekly. |