Shih Tzu Puppies

The saying ‘train them while they’re young’ not only applies to kids but to Shih Tzu puppies as well.

 But, first you have to take an important step, that is to pick out the right puppy for you and your family. It's important to understand the breed you're interested in. We have some resources here that will help you decide if the Shih Tzu Dog is the right breed for you and, regardless of the breed you choose, give you some tips to help you get your puppy from a reputable breeder.

Having decided to purchase a Shih Tzu puppy, you should try to find the best representative available to you. Many sources recommend purebred Shih Tzu puppies, but finding the best source takes time and study. Acquiring a puppy is a commitment that cannot be taken lightly.

Hopefully by choosing the right puppy, you will be taking on a responsibility that will result in a healthy, well-adjusted dog that will give you joy and happiness for many years to come.

Puppies in pet stores are mostly from puppy mills or the occasional backyard breeder who's main objective is producing puppies for profit. Please be careful here as health problems may be common as the "for-profit" breeder does not select the best possible bloodlines that will be compatible for good health, longevity and good temperament.

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What Should You Look for in a Puppy?

What should you look for in a Shih Tzu puppy? This is a bit of a tricky question.

First, you should agree if you want a male or female puppy. Shih Tzu males and females are alike in many respects but there are distinct differences between the sexes that you should be aware of.

Appearance 

 The Shih Tzu is a small dog with a short muzzle and large dark eyes. With a soft and long double coat, it stands no more than 26.7 cm (101⁄2 in.) at the withers and with an ideal weight of 4.5 to 7.3 kg (10 to 16 lbs). Drop ears are covered with long fur, and the heavily furred tail is carried curled over the back. The coat may be of any color, though a blaze of white on the forehead and tip of the tail is frequently seen.

The Shih Tzu is slightly longer than tall, and dogs ideally should carry themselves "with distinctly arrogant carriage". A very noticeable feature is the under-bite, which is required in the breed standard. The traditional long silky coat, which reaches the floor, requires daily brushing to avoid tangles. Because of their long coat and fast-growing hair, regular grooming is necessary, which may be costly and should be considered when looking at this breed. Often the coat is clipped short to simplify care.

For conformation showing the coat must be left in its natural state, though trimming for neatness around the feet and anus is allowed.

 Coats 

The Shih Tzu comes in a range of colors that include various shades of gold, white, brown, red, and blue. Other colors include black mask gold, black and white, solid black, solid liver, liver and white, brindle and white and grey and white. Though not as common there are also solid blue Shih Tzu. Thus, a parti-colored (white and another shade) Shih Tzu with blue pigment is a "blue and white" regardless of the tint of the hair which might very well appear similar to a gold and white or other colors. The same principle applies to solid blue, liver and liver and white. Sometimes you might see dark brown pigments near the shoulders and between the armpits.

 Temperament 

Though a Shih Tzu's temperament varies from dog to dog, the breed has a personality and temperament that is loyal, affectionate, outgoing, and alert. Training and proper socializing must start at a young age for the Shih Tzu to obey basic training commands. While the Shih Tzu is an excellent watch dog because of its alert and active nature, it was not specifically bred for this purpose. It prefers to be close to its companions and will often offer strangers its affection.

Due to its friendly nature, the Shih Tzu tends to interact well with other dogs and with children and adults. Shih Tzu dogs have been observed to get peevish if provoked, so an owner should be mindful when the dog is in the presence of children. Overall, they are friendly and outgoing companions.

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Introducing a New Puppy or Dog to your Household

Introducing a new Shih Tzu puppy or dog to your household is like bringing a new kid to your home. Both parties will have to go through some big and important change.

Anyway, whether you choose to get a puppy from a responsible breeder or adopt a Shih Tzu dog from a rescue group, the first two weeks for you and your new dog are a significant period of adjustment. If your dog had a previous owner, this time could be particularly stressful for him or her.

Here are some tips for a smoother transition for new dog owners.

• Bring together kids and other pets separately. It may be too overwhelming if you present your new Shih Tzu dog to your home, children and other pets all at once.

• Look at the diet. To avoid stomach upset, keep him on the same food his previous caretaker was using and slowly transition him to the food you want to use. If you can’t get the same food, mix rice into his new food for the first few days.

• Keep a close eye on him or her. Do not be surprised if there are accidents. Housebroken dogs can still have mishaps in a new home due to stress and confusion. Help them learn where to go by taking them outside often and watching them when they are inside to avoid accidents or other unwanted behaviors.

• Permanently identify your Shih Tzu dog with a microchip. If your dog came with a microchip, you must apprise the owner information with the microchip registry. It will take time for the new dog to distinguish his new surroundings as his home and you as his new best friend. If he gets loose during this vital time, capture may be very difficult.

• Enroll in Shih Tzu training classes and have fun! After about two weeks, your new dog’s personality will really start to sparkle and it’s a good time to start experiencing new activities that you and your dog can take pleasure together. Training classes are helpful and useful not only for teaching dogs basic manners and problem solving, but they will teach you how to communicate with your dog and help you bond.

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