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