Shih Tzu
Articles
Epilepsy in the Shih Tzu and Other Dog Breeds
Epilepsy can affect any breed of dog, which includes our beloved Shih Tzu. There is a higher incidence of epilepsy in pure breed dogs of any size than in mixed breed dogs. For this reason the condition is likely to be inherited.
Congestive Heart Failure Common in Older Shih Tzu
Congestive heart failure is a serious condition that does affect older small breeds such as our beloved Shih Tzu. Congestive heart failure is defined as the heart's inability to function normally, which leads to excessive retention of water and salt causing fluid build-up in the lungs. The major underlying cause is degeneration of the heart valves. Small Dogs and the Shih Tzu with this condition often develop a heart murmur, however, it is important to know and remember that not all dogs who have heart murmurs will develop congestive heart failure.
First Aid Treatments for Your Shih Tzu
Be prepared for injuries and accidents for your Shih Tzu. Accidents can and do happen. Sometimes they can be quite serious. Being prepared for emergencies can increase chances of saving the life of your Shih Tzu and/or reducing the severity of the injury.
Parvovirus and Young Shih Tzu Puppies
I am so surprised at how many pet owners and would be pet/Shih Tzu owners do not know which vaccinations are mandatory for Shih Tzu puppies. In this article I will address only the importance of "extra" protection against the deadly canine disease of "parvovirus." Canine parvovirus is everywhere in the environment. Puppies and this does include Shih Tzu puppies are extra susceptible to parvovirus. The disease usually hits puppies the hardest, although adults can contract the parvovirus disease the same, your Shih Tzu puppy is most vulnerable. It is wise to protect your Shih Tzu puppy against this debilitating, sometimes deadly canine disease.
Your Shih Tzu's Health - Controlling Brucellosis
Are you thinking about breeding your Shih Tzu or you are already an established Shih Tzu kennel? You might think about having your Shih Tzu tested for Brucellosis on a regular basis. Brucellosis is a bacterial disease known very well by food animal producers. Brucellosis can cause a number of breeding problems such as abortions, infertility and decreased milk yield in cattle. Not only does Brucellosis affect cattle, but it can also affect dogs, including the Shih Tzu, sheep, goats, pigs and even humans. How is Brucellosis passed in these different species of animals including the Shih Tzu? The major way Brucellosis is transmitted is through direct contact of an infected aborted fetus, or uterine discharge. Brucellosis is also spread when animals eat contaminated feces, and through sexual contact.
Differences and Similarities of Shih Tzu and Lhasa Aps
The Shih Tzu is one of the breeds of dogs that have their hair parted in the middle. This is called "parted-coat" breeds. Another important distinguishing grooming pattern of the Shih Tzu is the topknot tied up with ribbons or bows. A pin brush is used on The Shih Tzu for regular grooming sessions. For a Shih Tzu coat that has not been groomed regularly or neglected a soft wire slicker brush is used. The feet on a Shih Tzu are trimmed round to give an even, level appearance. Foot pads may be either scissored or clipped. For a pet Shih Tzu the stomach area may be clipped, or shaven. Only thinning shears are used on a Shih Tzu show dog and then very sparingly.
Basics of a Shih Tzu Dog Show
If you have never gone to a Shih Tzu or any breed dog show you might wonder exactly what the judge will be doing. The judge will look into the mouth of the Shih Tzu or other dog breed to check for the correct number of teeth and the bite. I mean after all, do you ever see a winning Miss America with no front teeth? The same holds true for Shih Tzu and other dog breeds in the show ring. Missing teeth is a disqualification in many of the breeds. He will also check a male to be sure he has two testicles. A missing testicle is a disqualification.
Before owning a Shih Tzu, Be a Show Spectator
If you are planning to show your Shih Tzu, your first experiences with conformation should be as a spectator. You need to do some studying and practicing before actually going into a show with your Shih Tzu. Leave the Shih Tzu behind. The first thing you will want to purchase at the show is a show catalog. Don't miss out. Clubs often run out of these early in the day. The show catalog is like a scorecard. They are usually for sale on the superintendent's table. At a specialty show all the dogs are the same breed. Many clubs hold local specialties and generally the national breed club will hold a national specialty once a year.
The AKC Shih Tzu Standard : Breed to Compete
There is more than one area of the Shih Tzu that is considered in terms of "breeding to the AKC Shih Tzu Standard." I have been on Shih Tzu Puppies for sale websites in which they will state: "We breed to the AKC standard." We do not breed "imperial or teacup" Shih Tzu. Our Shih Tzu weighs 9 to 16 pounds. They do not weigh below the AKC standard of 9 pounds.
Good Shih Tzu Bathing Techniques
A good bathing technique is essential for keeping your Shih Tzu's hair in good shape and keeping skin problems at a minimum. A lot of Shih Tzu owners say they have skin problems. This is a problem I have not encountered a lot in my existence with the Shih Tzu. However, it does happen more in some bloodlines. Follow the instructions in this article and you should have no problem in keeping a nice smelling and clean Shih Tzu in your presence at all times.
Preserving the Show Dog Shih Tzu's Coat
The Shih Tzu's coat for the show rings requires extra care. Some show people actually keep their Shih Tzu confined and caged to preserve the coat, or they wrap the coat or oil it. Those who do keep their show Shih Tzu confined and caged pay a price in loss of muscle tone in their dogs.
Life with the Shih Tzu Part III
In part II of this series of articles we started discussion about the Shih Tzu topknot.In part II of this series of articles we started discussion about the Shih Tzu topknot. Follow the steps below to create a Shih Tzu topknot:
Life with the Shih Tzu Part II
In part I of this series of articles about life with the Shih Tzu I discussed the beginning steps of daily grooming of your Shih Tzu. In this article I will continue that discussion.
Life with the Shih Tzu Part I
If you want that perfect show dog look in your Shih Tzu you might as well relax to the fact that it involved brushing, brushing, brushing, and daily brushing. A thorough head-to-tail groom is often needed at least every other day if not 'daily.' However, Shih Tzu coat textures are very different. You might get by with once weekly brushing if the Shih Tzu's coat is the type of texture that does not mat and tangle easily.
Is Your Shih Tzu Too Thin?
I write more about obesity in the Shih Tzu than I do about a Shih Tzu that could be 'too thin.' In general, the Shih Tzu breed is a hearty breed. My Shih Tzus have been hearty and healthy. This is true even for my Teacup and Imperial sizes. They tend more toward wanting to eat too much.
A Little Bit about the Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu was developed as a dog to live as companions to humans. This is their main function. They do not catch rats or mice. They do not herd sheep. They were developed mainly to entertain and amuse humans. And this is one thing the Shih Tzu is extremely skillful at doing. Therefore, the perfect home for a Shih Tzu is the same home in which its owners live.
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