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.
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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