There are many small dogs that fit into the toy breed category. They look the part for best in show, and fit the mold of the perfect show dog. The Shih-Tzu dog is no exception. A favorite among judges, the Shih-Tzu has had a long history as a show dog, but there is more to this delightful small breed than the ability to prance around with bows in their hair and look pretty.
The Shih-Tzu makes a wonderful companion. They are noble, curious, hearty, generally healthy little dogs that are not only cute and fluffy, but good guard dogs, with sharp hearing, intelligence and alert, inquisitive ways. The Shih-Tzu is a cross between a Lhasa Apso and a Pekinese. They were bred for royalty, often sitting beside emperors and nobles in the royal temples of Tibet. That is why some, especially the show dogs, have a regal way about them, but most are very loving and affectionate. Owners that bring their dogs to show are very precise on keeping the Shih-Tzu with their traditional long coat, with the hair kept out of the dog’s eyes with bows and clips. Many people prefer to keep their Shih-Tzu’s in a puppy cut, this is short, cropped hair that shows off the lion or “Chrysanthemum face,” keeping the dog more comfortable.
What are most interesting about Shih-Tzu’s, aside from their keen intelligence, are their personalities. They are reminiscent to toddlers and small children, yet highly aware of their surroundings. They know when they are being reprimanded, are very easy to train, and don’t need much except for proper diet, love and affection. They reciprocate ten fold, and enjoy nothing more than playing, walking, going for rides in cars, and sitting on your lap. They are easy to groom, most dogs with the puppy cut require simple washing once every one or two weeks, being careful not to over dry their skin. A simple, soft bristle brush is all that’s needed, for Shi-Tzu’s hardly shed, so they are easy to brush and great for people with allergies. It is a good idea to learn to cut their nails yourself. Shih-Tzu’s nails tend to grow fast. Many have dew claws that are removed before buying from a breeder. The dew claws are black and harder than other nails. It is hard to see the quick, or the pink part of the nail. That is the nerve ending so be very careful not to cut too close to the pink part, just enough off the ends to make your dog comfortable. You’ll know when you dog’s nails are bothering him or her, when they start scratching at everything from the molding on the wall, to furniture and rugs. When trimming the nails, have someone else the dog is familiar with gently but firmly hold the dog, and you trim from the front. A good way to take the fear out of nail trimming is to use a numbing tooth agent, like Ambosal. This is great for numbing a dog’s nails and paws, so they don’t feel the guillotine effect from the dog clippers. Just be sure to wash off dog’s paws after you are finished. Always use dog clippers made for small dogs, and try and find the best pair you can that is easy to use and sharp. When it comes to grooming, many Shih-Tzu’s don’t like to be groomed, but if you do it, they will stay still and let you groom them. Shih-Tzu’s are very patient with their people. They don’t like strangers though, and are very territorial. If a groomer comes to your house, or you bring your dog to one, have the groomer acquaint themselves with your dog ahead of time, this way your dog will recognize the scent of the groomer and know they will not be a threat if you bring them. Most Shih-Tzu’s love people, so that shouldn’t be a problem, once your dog realizes they are not at the vet! Many groomers offer day spas, with much pampering for your dog too, and Shih-Tzu’s love to be pampered. A good time to start grooming is 4-6 months. Start with the vet visits around two to three months, so your puppy can get all their first shots and meds, if not provided by your breeder. When shopping for a Shih-Tzu, try to find the most reputable breeder, for there are many ill-suited breeders out there that sell dogs full of fleas, parasites and tapeworms, and it’s terrible to see your dog suffering the first few months of their life while you take care of them, for this takes away from your bonding time. If you choose wisely, owning a Shih-Tzu can be very rewarding. They will be your friend, your baby, and make you very happy, and if taken good care of, some can live well past the age of fourteen.
