|
The Shih-Tzu is a gentle
breed of dog that can give you great companionship.
This small dog will do quite well in an apartment or
smaller home, though it is important that you give
your pet regular exercise such as walks on a leash.
Some owners report that their Shih-Tzu is a bit
arrogant and conducts itself with an air of dignity.
While this is true of many Shih-Tzu, the dogs of
this breed can be wonderful pets in the right home.
We have put together 10 common questions about the
Shih-Tzu with answers for each.
1. What is the Shih-Tzu’s background and history?
Information shows dogs of this breed, or dogs with
similar appearance, as far back as the 1500s. The
dogs originated in Tibet and became favorites with
royalty in China. Because the breed was so prized in
that country, the Shih-Tzu was not common in the
U.S. and England until about 1930.
2. What size and
color is the Shih-Tzu?
Most adult Shih-Tzu will weigh from 9 pounds to 16
pounds and will stand about 11 inches at the
withers. Shih-Tzu do have a tendency to gain weight
and become fat if not properly fed and exercised.
The Shih-Tzu colors of gold and white were so prized
in the past that other colors such as black and
silver have become quite rare. However, clubs and
organizations recognize most colors and color
patterns.
3. I have heard that Shih-Tzu have breathing
problems. Is this true?
Some Shih-Tzu will wheeze and snore because of the
shape and size of the nose and head. However, the
Shih-Tzu also has some problems with the eyes
because of the shape of the head and the fact that
the eyes are very prominent. Talk with your
veterinarian about breathing problems and eye
problems with the Shih-Tzu.
4. Would a Shih-Tzu be good in a home with
children?
The dogs of this breed are not necessarily the best
in a home with small children. The family members
around a Shih-Tzu must be gentle and patient and not
expect the dog to play roughly. With that in mind,
the breed has hair rather than fur so shedding is
not a great problem. The Shih-Tzu is one of the few
dogs considered hypoallergenic.
5. What should I ask the breeder about when I
visit?
You need to ask many questions that are appropriate
for visits to the breeder if you are shopping for a
Shih-Tzu puppy. For instance, you should definitely
ask to see both parents of the litter you are
looking at. You should also ask about some of the
common health conditions of the Shih-Tzu, such as
dry eye, allergies, breathing difficulty and thyroid
conditions. A good breeder will be very open to
these questions and should help you get answers if
he or she cannot provide them.
6. I have heard that Shih-Tzu are sensitive to
heat and cold, what about this?
This breed is sensitive to extremes in temperature.
It is important not to leave the dog in a hot or
cold situation. In addition, after a bath, the dog
should be dried thoroughly in a warm place to avoid
chills.
7. I may want to show my Shih-Tzu if I get one.
What should I do to get started?
Showing a Shih-Tzu presents a few extra challenges
beyond having a Shih-Tzu as a pet. You may want to
take a little more time in selecting the color of
your puppy to begin with. In addition, you should be
more selective about the bloodlines of your puppy,
since this can help in making sure you get a good
show dog. You will also have to spend more time
grooming and cleaning what will be a luxurious coat.
It will be key to get your new dog from a breeder
that offers only show dogs.
8. Are Shih-Tzu hard to train?
Yes, the dogs of this breed can be difficult to
train in some cases but these dogs are intelligent,
responding well to gentle and patient attention. For
some new Shih-Tzu owners, the amount of time and
patience is too much. Sometimes these dogs end up
being given to a rescue organization. If you are
considering a Shih-Tzu, keep in mind that
housebreaking/potty training can sometimes be a bit
more difficult than with other breeds.
9. I have thought about getting a Shih-Tzu from a
rescue group. Is this a good idea?
This can be an excellent way to add a new pet to
your family. However, the challenges of getting a
dog from one of these sources are different than the
those relating to a puppy. You should take some time
to visit several locations and talk with the staff.
Ask questions about the health and temperament of
the dogs and watch closely how the staff interacts
with the dogs. This can tell you a lot about how the
dogs are treated and how the dogs may act when you
take them home. One basic factor that should be
present in all rescue dog situations is this: the
group should be very careful about matching a dog
with a home. This may even extend to making a home
visit before the dog is placed.
10. We live in an apartment. Will the Shih-Tzu be
right for us?
The Shih-Tzu should be fine in an apartment or
smaller home. You should be prepared to give your
new pet some regular outdoor exercise, even if its
just short walks on a leash. You should never leave
the dog alone in the apartment for long periods.
Generally, this breed is good for apartment
dwellers.
Sitemap |
Web Feeds |
