Shih Tzus make fabulous pets, especially for those living in small homes and don’t have a lot of time to play with their dogs. Shih Tzus make ideal companions for the elderly and for children. It’s no wonder that Shih Tzus are so popular. Unfortunately, this popularity has also lead to some Shih Tzus being treated very cruelly in the name of making a steady buck. Here is the Shih Tzu information your local pet store, selling Shih Tzu puppies, does not want you to know.
These torture chambers for dogs are called puppy mills. There, dogs have no exercise, usually no vet care and live in tiny wire cages until they can no longer breed, then they are shot or pummeled to death. One central Pennsylvania puppy mill worker defended puppy mills as saying that “Puppies are biodegradable.” (Source: Philadelphia Inquirer.) Very rarely do people buy directly from puppy mills – they buy indirectly through pet stores that sell puppies and through web sites.
Although animal rights activists and politicians like Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell (D) work hard to stop puppy mills, they can’t get them shut down if the puppy mill owners keep getting paid. Those payments come from puppies bought in pet store or Internet sites that only ask you where to ship the puppy and what your credit card number is.
The big advantage to getting your puppy from a reputable Shih Tzu breeder is that you can see the parents of the Shih Tzu puppies. You can also meet the first humans your puppy will be in contact with and help shape their attitude towards life. You can also get to tour the kennel or home of a Shih Tzu breeder to see if the dogs are happy, healthy and treated humanely. Not only is humane treatment of dogs the right thing to do, it also makes for a healthier, better mentally adjusted dog.
If you remember only one thing from this article, please remember this – ALWAYS buy your Shih Tzu puppy (or ANY puppy) from a reputable Shih Tzu breeder. Puppies are not like fish or mice which are very social and don’t need a lot of exercise. All pet store puppies do twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week is sit in a cage and occasionally get to be handled for a few minutes by shoppers. For those of you who are up on your Shih Tzu information, you know this is the WORST possible treatment of a potential pet.
Puppies are highly impressionable from two to four months of age. Whatever they learn during this period usually stays with them the rest of their lives. This is the perfect time for them to be housetrained, leash-trained and trained for all the things they need to know for their lives as companion animals. With Shih Tzu breeders, the puppies get the education they need at such a critical time.
The best way to stop puppy mills are to only buy puppies from reputable Shih Tzu breeders or adopt from shelters. This auhtor is currently working on a book about all dogs, including a chapter devoted to Shih Tzu information.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
How To Weed Out Bad Shih Tzu Breeders
An investment in your Shih Tzu dog is not just buying a piece of property; it is making an investment in a member of your family. You want to be sure that the Shih Tzu breeder you are dealing with is not only reputable but also a good Shih Tzu breeder that you can trust and someone you feel that you want to make this important transaction with. There are some very good ways to check out a Shih Tzu breeder and you should go through at least these steps before considering any particular breeder.
The very first and most important step in all of this is accepting the fact that you are going through a process and you will be considering many breeders before you are done. Of course you will eventually be coming back to one of them but in the meantime a good breeder understands that a responsible owner is going to do their homework before buying. As you go through this process do not hesitate to report animal cruelty you may see to the local authorities. It is the humane and right thing to do.
A good and reputable Shih Tzu breeder makes all of their information very public and wants you to know they have nothing to hide. One of the ways they do this is they join the national breeder registries as a sign of good business. The gold standard for breeding registries is the National Kennel Club but check and see if your breeder is listed with any registry at all. They will tell you if they are and always check it out for yourself on the Internet.
The local authorities can tell you if the breeder you are considering has ever had any problems with the law regarding their business practices. You want this information and many people neglect to ask for it so be sure to ask the authorities about the breeder you are considering so you do not make a terrible mistake. Remember that a good breeder has nothing to hide so if the authorities know something that you didn’t know then you may want to avoid that breeder.
Your vet is always a great resource for any kind of advice or information you may need on any of the prospective Shih Tzu breeders you are considering. If you are getting your first pet then it would be a good idea to start a relationship with a vet anyway and what better way to start off with your new vet than taking their advice on a breeder? Your vet is only in it for the health and safety of your pet so their advice will reflect that concern and that is the information you need.
Talk to the breeders as well. If you do not feel comfortable with one then do not do business with them. A breeder is supposed to not only sell you a pet but also be available to you for the life of your pet, so you want to be sure that the breeder you choose is someone you would have no problem talking to and dealing with. This is an important decision so take your time and do your homework.
You can help yourself avoid shady Shih Tzu breeders by using this article. This article is full of important and helpful Shih Tzu information.
The very first and most important step in all of this is accepting the fact that you are going through a process and you will be considering many breeders before you are done. Of course you will eventually be coming back to one of them but in the meantime a good breeder understands that a responsible owner is going to do their homework before buying. As you go through this process do not hesitate to report animal cruelty you may see to the local authorities. It is the humane and right thing to do.
A good and reputable Shih Tzu breeder makes all of their information very public and wants you to know they have nothing to hide. One of the ways they do this is they join the national breeder registries as a sign of good business. The gold standard for breeding registries is the National Kennel Club but check and see if your breeder is listed with any registry at all. They will tell you if they are and always check it out for yourself on the Internet.
The local authorities can tell you if the breeder you are considering has ever had any problems with the law regarding their business practices. You want this information and many people neglect to ask for it so be sure to ask the authorities about the breeder you are considering so you do not make a terrible mistake. Remember that a good breeder has nothing to hide so if the authorities know something that you didn’t know then you may want to avoid that breeder.
Your vet is always a great resource for any kind of advice or information you may need on any of the prospective Shih Tzu breeders you are considering. If you are getting your first pet then it would be a good idea to start a relationship with a vet anyway and what better way to start off with your new vet than taking their advice on a breeder? Your vet is only in it for the health and safety of your pet so their advice will reflect that concern and that is the information you need.
Talk to the breeders as well. If you do not feel comfortable with one then do not do business with them. A breeder is supposed to not only sell you a pet but also be available to you for the life of your pet, so you want to be sure that the breeder you choose is someone you would have no problem talking to and dealing with. This is an important decision so take your time and do your homework.
You can help yourself avoid shady Shih Tzu breeders by using this article. This article is full of important and helpful Shih Tzu information.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Tell Tale Signs Of A Fake Shih Tzu Breeder
You and your family have talked it over and it is time to add a new member to your family. Everyone wants a Shih Tzu and now it is up to you to find the right way to get a good dog for you and your family. You are going to need to find a good Shih Tzu breeder and this first step is one of the most important steps in the process. Finding the right breeder can make your experience in owning the dog that much better.
The place you can start is any of the national breeder registries you can find on the Internet or just skip right to the National Kennel Club, which is the standard by which many breeders go by in the United States. The registry will point you towards a quality breeder and help you start your search off on the best foot possible to get the best results.
The relationship between you and your Shih Tzu breeder extends way beyond the transaction itself. A good breeder wants to make sure you have a positive experience in owning the dog so they will make themselves available for consultation or whenever you have a question at all. If the breeder you are dealing with is not very accessible and seems unable or unwilling to answer questions then you may want to pick a different Shih Tzu breeder to deal with.
Every good breeder is very concerned about your dog’s health so a good breeder will make sure you leave their property not only with a healthy dog but with detailed care and feeding instructions so you know exactly how to care for your dog. Many of the more reputable breeders will also send you home with a sample of the type of food your dog will need so you know exactly what to get.
A reputable Shih Tzu breeder will get an extra incentive from insurance companies that the more shady breeders do not get. A registered and reputable breeder will get the option to offer new owners free pet insurance on their dog that extends for six weeks after the purchase date. The insurance companies want you to use the insurance just once on a vet appointment and then extend the insurance. The breeder just wants to make sure the dog is covered.
Any good breeder will offer many options and pieces of advice to any new or experienced owner. You should discuss with your prospective breeder any of these conditions to see if you are dealing with a reputable breeder or not. A reputable breeder will offer to take the dog back at any point in its life if you can no longer care for it, with no cash refund. That is something you do not get from a shady breeder.
This article has valuable information for spotting fake Shih Tzu breeders. You can use this article to help you find better Shih Tzu information in your search for a breeder.
The place you can start is any of the national breeder registries you can find on the Internet or just skip right to the National Kennel Club, which is the standard by which many breeders go by in the United States. The registry will point you towards a quality breeder and help you start your search off on the best foot possible to get the best results.
The relationship between you and your Shih Tzu breeder extends way beyond the transaction itself. A good breeder wants to make sure you have a positive experience in owning the dog so they will make themselves available for consultation or whenever you have a question at all. If the breeder you are dealing with is not very accessible and seems unable or unwilling to answer questions then you may want to pick a different Shih Tzu breeder to deal with.
Every good breeder is very concerned about your dog’s health so a good breeder will make sure you leave their property not only with a healthy dog but with detailed care and feeding instructions so you know exactly how to care for your dog. Many of the more reputable breeders will also send you home with a sample of the type of food your dog will need so you know exactly what to get.
A reputable Shih Tzu breeder will get an extra incentive from insurance companies that the more shady breeders do not get. A registered and reputable breeder will get the option to offer new owners free pet insurance on their dog that extends for six weeks after the purchase date. The insurance companies want you to use the insurance just once on a vet appointment and then extend the insurance. The breeder just wants to make sure the dog is covered.
Any good breeder will offer many options and pieces of advice to any new or experienced owner. You should discuss with your prospective breeder any of these conditions to see if you are dealing with a reputable breeder or not. A reputable breeder will offer to take the dog back at any point in its life if you can no longer care for it, with no cash refund. That is something you do not get from a shady breeder.
This article has valuable information for spotting fake Shih Tzu breeders. You can use this article to help you find better Shih Tzu information in your search for a breeder.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Putting The Spotlight On Your Shih Tzu Breeder
A Shih Tzu breeder spends a great deal of their time answering questions and getting information out to owners and they do it gladly because it is part of their job. Take the time you have with your breeder to ask them questions you may have and be certain to ask them while you are talking to them face to face. You can gauge a person’s personality by the way they talk to you so keep the questions professional and make your own judgment on the breeder’s personality based on how they interact with you.
You want to know about your breeder and their profession because you are about to invest a lot of money in a new pet and you will be maintaining a relationship with them. Ask them how long they have been in business and why they chose to be a Shih Tzu breeder. Ask them what national breeder registry they belong to and why they decided to join that particular registry. You may also want to ask them how they feel about the dogs they release to owners everyday after raising the dogs for seven weeks. Get to know your breeder a little when you get the chance.
When it is time to take your new Shih Tzu puppy home your Shih Tzu breeder should be offering you free pet insurance. This pet insurance will extend for six weeks after you take your Shih Tzu home and many pet owners have never had pet insurance before so be sure you ask a lot of questions and understand how it all works before you leave. Pet insurance can really help out at that first vet appointment. If you do not get the free pet insurance offer then ask your breeder why. They get it for free so they should be offering it to you.
Your Shih Tzu breeder will bury you in care and feeding instructions for your new Shih Tzu puppy and they expect you to ask a lot of questions before you go home. So go ahead and ask anything you can think of. It is important to the breeder, you, and your dog that you understand all of the care and feeding information you are given so that you know what to do for your dog when you get it home. Do not leave your breeder’s property without completely understanding your responsibilities.
Your Shih Tzu breeder knows that a reality of life is that things change and as much as you may love your Shih Tzu when you take it home things happen and things can change so that you may not be able to keep your Shih Tzu anymore. Ask your breeder about their policy of taking your dog back if you cannot keep it or no longer want it. You will not be getting a refund of any kind but at least you know that your Shih Tzu will wind up safe and potentially into another home instead of abandoned somewhere.
Your Shih Tzu breeder expects you to have questions so be prepared to take notes because there is a lot you will need to know to properly care for your Shih Tzu dog. It is a very good possibility that your breeder will also have this information already printed out for you to take home, which is what the best breeders do. Never be afraid to ask a question and know that there is no such thing as too many questions or a dumb question when it comes to your new Shih Tzu puppy.
This article will help you communicate better with Shih Tzu breeders. This article contains some very important Shih Tzu information you need to know prior to talking with breeders.
You want to know about your breeder and their profession because you are about to invest a lot of money in a new pet and you will be maintaining a relationship with them. Ask them how long they have been in business and why they chose to be a Shih Tzu breeder. Ask them what national breeder registry they belong to and why they decided to join that particular registry. You may also want to ask them how they feel about the dogs they release to owners everyday after raising the dogs for seven weeks. Get to know your breeder a little when you get the chance.
When it is time to take your new Shih Tzu puppy home your Shih Tzu breeder should be offering you free pet insurance. This pet insurance will extend for six weeks after you take your Shih Tzu home and many pet owners have never had pet insurance before so be sure you ask a lot of questions and understand how it all works before you leave. Pet insurance can really help out at that first vet appointment. If you do not get the free pet insurance offer then ask your breeder why. They get it for free so they should be offering it to you.
Your Shih Tzu breeder will bury you in care and feeding instructions for your new Shih Tzu puppy and they expect you to ask a lot of questions before you go home. So go ahead and ask anything you can think of. It is important to the breeder, you, and your dog that you understand all of the care and feeding information you are given so that you know what to do for your dog when you get it home. Do not leave your breeder’s property without completely understanding your responsibilities.
Your Shih Tzu breeder knows that a reality of life is that things change and as much as you may love your Shih Tzu when you take it home things happen and things can change so that you may not be able to keep your Shih Tzu anymore. Ask your breeder about their policy of taking your dog back if you cannot keep it or no longer want it. You will not be getting a refund of any kind but at least you know that your Shih Tzu will wind up safe and potentially into another home instead of abandoned somewhere.
Your Shih Tzu breeder expects you to have questions so be prepared to take notes because there is a lot you will need to know to properly care for your Shih Tzu dog. It is a very good possibility that your breeder will also have this information already printed out for you to take home, which is what the best breeders do. Never be afraid to ask a question and know that there is no such thing as too many questions or a dumb question when it comes to your new Shih Tzu puppy.
This article will help you communicate better with Shih Tzu breeders. This article contains some very important Shih Tzu information you need to know prior to talking with breeders.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Are You Looking For Shih Tzu Breeders?
If you have decided what your new family dog will be, and you have decided on a Shih Tzu, then you will then need to find Shih Tzu breeders in your area. It is always a good idea to have more than one breeder to consider, as you want to feel totally comfortable with the breeder you are buying from because you will be dealing with that breeder for many years to come. A good relationship is important to a good ownership experience with your new Shih Tzu dog.
The first place you want to look for a reputable Shih Tzu breeder is with the National Kennel Club. The National Kennel Club is the standard used by any reputable breeder in the United States and other parts of the world and if a breeder is not listed with the National Kennel Club then chances are you do not want to deal with that breeder anyways. You can either mail the National Kennel Club for their most recent information of you can give them a call at (865) 932-9680. This is probably the best place to start when looking for a good Shih Tzu breeder.
It is unusual, but not unheard of, that good Shih Tzu breeders choose not to list with the National Kennel Club. To find the local Shih Tzu breeder near you then you can search on the Internet or use your local phone book. The Internet may be better because a website can offer detailed information about a breeder and his business and that is the kind of information you are looking for.
A vet is always a great place for a referral on where to find a reputable Shih Tzu breeder. If you have pets of your own already then ask your vet for a referral to a good Shih Tzu breeder. Your vet may already do business with a breeder, which would be a great help to you. If you do not have a vet then visit your local vet for advice or ask one of your family members or friends who have pets who their vet is and take it from there.
If you do have Internet access then another really great resource for finding good Shih Tzu breeders is to find and participate with various Shih Tzu online chat rooms and message boards. Shih Tzu owners from all over the world participate in these forums and this is a great chance to get advice on a breeder and any other Shih Tzu advice you may be looking for.
Finding a good and reputable breeder to buy your first Shih Tzu from is very important. A good breeder is going to be involved in your life, and your Shih Tzu’s life, for many years so you want to be sure you not only get someone you trust but you also get someone that knows what they are doing and can offer you the right advice when you have a question or concern. So take your time and choose your Shih Tzu breeder carefully as the happiness of you and your family is pretty much riding on it.
With the information in this article you should be able to find a reputable Shih Tzu breeder. This article will show you where to find important S hih Tzu information.
The first place you want to look for a reputable Shih Tzu breeder is with the National Kennel Club. The National Kennel Club is the standard used by any reputable breeder in the United States and other parts of the world and if a breeder is not listed with the National Kennel Club then chances are you do not want to deal with that breeder anyways. You can either mail the National Kennel Club for their most recent information of you can give them a call at (865) 932-9680. This is probably the best place to start when looking for a good Shih Tzu breeder.
It is unusual, but not unheard of, that good Shih Tzu breeders choose not to list with the National Kennel Club. To find the local Shih Tzu breeder near you then you can search on the Internet or use your local phone book. The Internet may be better because a website can offer detailed information about a breeder and his business and that is the kind of information you are looking for.
A vet is always a great place for a referral on where to find a reputable Shih Tzu breeder. If you have pets of your own already then ask your vet for a referral to a good Shih Tzu breeder. Your vet may already do business with a breeder, which would be a great help to you. If you do not have a vet then visit your local vet for advice or ask one of your family members or friends who have pets who their vet is and take it from there.
If you do have Internet access then another really great resource for finding good Shih Tzu breeders is to find and participate with various Shih Tzu online chat rooms and message boards. Shih Tzu owners from all over the world participate in these forums and this is a great chance to get advice on a breeder and any other Shih Tzu advice you may be looking for.
Finding a good and reputable breeder to buy your first Shih Tzu from is very important. A good breeder is going to be involved in your life, and your Shih Tzu’s life, for many years so you want to be sure you not only get someone you trust but you also get someone that knows what they are doing and can offer you the right advice when you have a question or concern. So take your time and choose your Shih Tzu breeder carefully as the happiness of you and your family is pretty much riding on it.
With the information in this article you should be able to find a reputable Shih Tzu breeder. This article will show you where to find important S hih Tzu information.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Being The Owner Of Shih Tzu Dogs
Shih Tzu dogs are interesting dogs to own and before you invest in a Shih Tzu dog you may want to do a little research into their primary behaviors and characteristics. There is a lot that is unique to Shih Tzu dogs and some of it good while some of it is bad. But just like any other pet, if you really love your dog take the time to get to know your dog and its behavior and habits then you'll both be much happier.
Shih Tzu dogs like it quiet and they do not react well to a lot of noise and a lot commotion. For this reason Shih Tzu dogs are not the best dogs to have around kids. Kids have a tendency to make a lot of noise and if they are young enough they can sometimes make too much noise for the Shih Tzu. One reaction a Shih Tzu has to noise is a nervous biting habit so you may want to talk with your breeder about mixing a Shih Tzu and kids.
Shih Tzu dogs carry themselves well and even the modern generations still carry themselves like the dogs of Chinese royalty that they descended from. They do love to run and play when they feel happy but they do not require a great deal of exercise at all. They are very dignified dogs that will usually walk very upright and carry themselves with a great deal of pride.
As much as they may look like a typical toy breed of dog the Shih Tzu dog is not known to be a vocal or annoying dog. They do not carry on like the other toy breeds do and they are certainly not known as yippy dogs at all. But they do snort a lot during the regular course of the day and they snore when they sleep so be ready for that. So if you want a toy breed that does not make a lot of barking noise the Shih Tzu may be for you.
A Shih Tzu dog is not like a Labrador or some other very easy to train breed of dog. They won’t go fetch the ball if they don’t feel like it and that simply isn’t going to change. They can be very stubborn and it can take you a long time to get them to realize who is in charge because they think they are. This also causes problems with housebreaking because sometimes housebreaking a Shih Tzu can take almost six months depending on the dog.
Shih Tzu dogs make great little pets but they need a lot of attention. They need to be combed regularly to keep their long beautiful coat healthy so that the dog can stay healthy as well. They also do not like being left alone for more than a few hours at a time so be sure you are going to be able to spend a lot of time with your Shih Tzu. If you keep this in mind then you will be able to really enjoy your dog.
This article contains a lot of helpful information if you are considering a Shih Tzu as a pet. You will find some useful Shih Tzu information in this article.
Shih Tzu dogs like it quiet and they do not react well to a lot of noise and a lot commotion. For this reason Shih Tzu dogs are not the best dogs to have around kids. Kids have a tendency to make a lot of noise and if they are young enough they can sometimes make too much noise for the Shih Tzu. One reaction a Shih Tzu has to noise is a nervous biting habit so you may want to talk with your breeder about mixing a Shih Tzu and kids.
Shih Tzu dogs carry themselves well and even the modern generations still carry themselves like the dogs of Chinese royalty that they descended from. They do love to run and play when they feel happy but they do not require a great deal of exercise at all. They are very dignified dogs that will usually walk very upright and carry themselves with a great deal of pride.
As much as they may look like a typical toy breed of dog the Shih Tzu dog is not known to be a vocal or annoying dog. They do not carry on like the other toy breeds do and they are certainly not known as yippy dogs at all. But they do snort a lot during the regular course of the day and they snore when they sleep so be ready for that. So if you want a toy breed that does not make a lot of barking noise the Shih Tzu may be for you.
A Shih Tzu dog is not like a Labrador or some other very easy to train breed of dog. They won’t go fetch the ball if they don’t feel like it and that simply isn’t going to change. They can be very stubborn and it can take you a long time to get them to realize who is in charge because they think they are. This also causes problems with housebreaking because sometimes housebreaking a Shih Tzu can take almost six months depending on the dog.
Shih Tzu dogs make great little pets but they need a lot of attention. They need to be combed regularly to keep their long beautiful coat healthy so that the dog can stay healthy as well. They also do not like being left alone for more than a few hours at a time so be sure you are going to be able to spend a lot of time with your Shih Tzu. If you keep this in mind then you will be able to really enjoy your dog.
This article contains a lot of helpful information if you are considering a Shih Tzu as a pet. You will find some useful Shih Tzu information in this article.
Monday, April 7, 2008
The Shih Tzu Dog: What To Know
So you and your family have decided that you are ready to bring a Shih Tzu into your home and lives. You have a nice home and plenty of love to give and that is all you need to know when picking a dog, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case, as many different types of dogs have different types of personality. If you select the wrong dog, you may have a situation you did not expect to happen. It is best to know what to expect before selecting a puppy.
The best thing that you can do to make sure that the expectations you have for your dog match and compare that to what the Shih Tzu dog will be able to give based on their personality. It is best to really sit down and think about your lifestyle and how much time you will have to devote one-on-one attention and time to your Shih Tzu dog. Some breeds of dogs require more attention then others so this is something you really must consider. Write out a list of what you would and would not be acceptable from your dog and compare that to the typical personality of the Shih Tzu dog.
Now that you have a better understanding of what type of dog would be the perfect fit into your already busy life, it is time to review the personality characteristics of the Shih Tzu dog. What generally makes this breed a fun one to have is that they are very outgoing and peaceful with other pets and strangers so they can be taken just about anywhere with you. Also, this smaller breed is very sturdy even though they are tiny, with their short legs and long body.
The Shih Tzu dog is also not as yappy as other toy breeds, which would make them a great fit into a family that has neighbors close by or just does not like constant barking. This particular breed also does not need a lot of exercise and therefore is great for those who can not get out as much as other people. A Shih Tzu dog is also known for being stuck up but this is not the case at all. While they are a proud and dignified breed, they are also very playful and a happy pet to have in your home.
Now on the flip side, there are things about the personality of the Shih Tzu dog that may make it hard for them and your family to have the best relationship. This breed is well known for having an extreme case of separation anxiety. Often times, this toy breed can not stand being left alone for more then a few hours at a time. If they are left alone for hours on end, they may end up showing their frustration with destructive chewing. Shih Tzu dogs are also known for having difficulty in house breaking. With their independent attitude, they don’t often like being told what to do so housebreaking may take up to six months to complete.
One thing to keep in mind that when owning a Shih Tzu dog, you might run into the costly issue of vet bills as their short face and their nose structure can lead to breathing difficulties. Their shallow-set, yet large, eyes are at risk to infection and injury. This breed is also known to have some disk problems in their back along with kidney and skin problems so this is something to consider before jumping into owning a Shih Tzu dog.
With pointing out the pros and cons to owning a Shih Tzu, buyers will be better equipped to handle any problems if they occur. Even with the health risks that the Shih Tzu faces, these dogs have a heart of gold. Reading up on different Shih Tzu information is an important step in making sure that you know everything there is about your Shih Tzu dog not only before you bring him home, but after as well.
The best thing that you can do to make sure that the expectations you have for your dog match and compare that to what the Shih Tzu dog will be able to give based on their personality. It is best to really sit down and think about your lifestyle and how much time you will have to devote one-on-one attention and time to your Shih Tzu dog. Some breeds of dogs require more attention then others so this is something you really must consider. Write out a list of what you would and would not be acceptable from your dog and compare that to the typical personality of the Shih Tzu dog.
Now that you have a better understanding of what type of dog would be the perfect fit into your already busy life, it is time to review the personality characteristics of the Shih Tzu dog. What generally makes this breed a fun one to have is that they are very outgoing and peaceful with other pets and strangers so they can be taken just about anywhere with you. Also, this smaller breed is very sturdy even though they are tiny, with their short legs and long body.
The Shih Tzu dog is also not as yappy as other toy breeds, which would make them a great fit into a family that has neighbors close by or just does not like constant barking. This particular breed also does not need a lot of exercise and therefore is great for those who can not get out as much as other people. A Shih Tzu dog is also known for being stuck up but this is not the case at all. While they are a proud and dignified breed, they are also very playful and a happy pet to have in your home.
Now on the flip side, there are things about the personality of the Shih Tzu dog that may make it hard for them and your family to have the best relationship. This breed is well known for having an extreme case of separation anxiety. Often times, this toy breed can not stand being left alone for more then a few hours at a time. If they are left alone for hours on end, they may end up showing their frustration with destructive chewing. Shih Tzu dogs are also known for having difficulty in house breaking. With their independent attitude, they don’t often like being told what to do so housebreaking may take up to six months to complete.
One thing to keep in mind that when owning a Shih Tzu dog, you might run into the costly issue of vet bills as their short face and their nose structure can lead to breathing difficulties. Their shallow-set, yet large, eyes are at risk to infection and injury. This breed is also known to have some disk problems in their back along with kidney and skin problems so this is something to consider before jumping into owning a Shih Tzu dog.
With pointing out the pros and cons to owning a Shih Tzu, buyers will be better equipped to handle any problems if they occur. Even with the health risks that the Shih Tzu faces, these dogs have a heart of gold. Reading up on different Shih Tzu information is an important step in making sure that you know everything there is about your Shih Tzu dog not only before you bring him home, but after as well.
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