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Shih-Tzu Facts
Shih-Tzu Dog Facts - Shih-Tzu Breed Information

The Shih-Tzu Breed In Brief | About Shih-Tzus
Shih-Tzu History |  Shih-Tzu Appearance
 Shih-Tzu Temperament | Shih-Tzu Exercise Needs
Shih-Tzu Grooming Needs | Training Your Shih-Tzu
 Shih-Tzu Health Issues | Is the Shih-Tzu the Right Breed For You?
Finding a Responsible Breeder | Additional Shih-Tzu Resources

The Shih-Tzu

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Shih-Tzus in Brief:

 

Origin:    
Height:    
Weight:    
Exercise Needs:    
Grooming Needs:    
Life Expectancy:    
Good With Kids:    
Trainability:    


Size Variations:

Common Misspellings:

Alternate Names:

 

Shih-Tzu History

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Shih-Tzu Appearance

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Shih-Tzu Temperament

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Shih-Tzu Exercise Needs

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Shih-Tzu Grooming Requirements

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Training Your Shih-Tzu

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Shih-Tzu Health Issues

Shih-Tzus can be prone to a number of hereditary health problems. That is why choosing a responsible breeder from which to purchase your Shih-Tzu puppy is very important. Responsible Shih-Tzu breeders will be well educated about the breed and carefully screen their breeding dogs for disorders that can affect these dogs.

Like many purebred dogs, the Shih-Tzu is susceptible to various health issues, some of which are passed down through genetics and others which the dog may simply be susceptible to. These are not limited to, but may include the following:

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You can find more detailed information about these conditions and testing that should be performed prior to breeding Shih-Tzus on this page:

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Finding a Responsible Shih-Tzu Breeder

Once you have researched the Shih-Tzu breed and made the decision that a Shih-Tzu puppy is right for you, it can be difficult not to be in a hurry to have that loveable bundle of fur in your arms... However, don't buy a puppy from the first breeder you find. Take your time and make sure that you locate a responsible Shih-Tzu breeder that offers healthy, home-raised and well socialized Shih-Tzu puppies for sale.

Signs of A Responsible Breeder
  • Is a die-hard dog lover. This should be evident from the start.

  • Breeds only a few carefully planned litters each year.

  • Has just 1 (or maybe 2) different breeds.

  • Usually belongs to a local breed club.

  • Usually has a waiting list for puppies.

  • Breeding dogs are part of the family, and live in the breeder's home.

  • Breeder is very particular about whom he/she places puppies with.

  • Breeder is very knowledgeable about the Shih-Tzu breed, including health issues, breed characteristics, etc.

  • Does extensive health tests on breeding dogs before they are bred, and offers a reasonable health guarantee on puppies.

  • Is pleasant to deal with and welcomes your questions about his/her dogs and puppies.

  • Can provide numerous references from satisfied puppy buyers.

  • Is happy to provide post-sale support and wants you to stay in touch after you take your puppy home.

  • Insists that the puppy be returned to them in the event that you cannot keep your commitment to care for the puppy.

  • Welcomes you to visit her home to see her dogs and puppies (by appointment).

  • Puppy whelping (birthing) area is kept neat and sanitary.

  • Great care is taken to socialize (introduce puppies to children, other pets, household noises and outdoors) puppies.

  • A search on Google for the breeder's kennel name does not reveal consumer complaints.

Signs Of A Bad Breeder
  • May treat dogs like livestock rather than intelligent, sentient family companions.

  • Always has puppies available.

  • Has numerous dog breeds.

  • Usually does not belong to a local breed club.

  • Has lots of puppies available.

  • Breeding dogs are kept like livestock in a barn, kennel or dog pens and do not share the breeder's home.

  • Breeder pressures you to purchase a puppy as soon as possible.

  • Breeder knows little about the breed, or contradicts information you have researched about the breed.

  • Does little or no health testing. Does not offer a health guarantee, or offers an inadequate health guarantee.

  • Is grumpy, rude, evasive or does not welcome your questions about their dogs and puppies.

  • Does not have references, or has very few references.

  • Not willing to take a puppy back if you cannot fulfill your commitment to care for it.

  • Does not want you to visit or see the puppy parents.

  • Puppies are born in a filthy environment.

  • Puppies are not usually socialized.

  • A search on Google for the breeder's full name, kennel name, etc., may reveal consumer complaints, animal cruelty charges, etc.

 

These are just guidelines to help you know what to look for in a Shih-Tzu breeder - and what to watch out for. Take your time and find the right breeder. You want a healthy, happy puppy that will provide you and your family with many years of love, joy, companionship and laughter - not a poorly socialized, unhealthy pet that may cause you both heartache and the financial burden of additional veterinary fees. There are no guarantees when getting a Shih-Tzu puppy, but if you take your time, do your homework and be selective, your chances of finding a great puppy are much better.

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Is the Shih-Tzu The Right Breed For You?

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Additional Shih-Tzu Resources

Shih-Tzu Clubs | Shih-Tzu Rescues | Shih-Tzu Breeders
Shih-Tzu Puppies For Sale | Shih-Tzu Pictures and Photos
Shih-Tzu Names

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