| The Shih Tzu is a small and lively dog that makes and | | | | with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. |
| excellent watch dog. They are beautiful little dogs that | | | | Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and |
| generally get along well with other dogs and other | | | | tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal |
| pets. They love older children but should be socialized | | | | disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss |
| with them. As a reminder, never leave a child | | | | of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. |
| unsupervised with a puppy or dog. | | | | Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and |
| *Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size | | | | clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow |
| (two years old or older) of the Shih Tzu is 8 to 11 | | | | slower than the toenails of the front feet. |
| inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) | | | | *Life Span. The Shih Tzu can live between 10 and 14 |
| and 8 to 15 pounds. | | | | years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent |
| *Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have | | | | living conditions. |
| certain inherited health problems associated with that | | | | *History. The Shih Tzu come from Tibet where they |
| specific breed and the Shih Tzu is no exception. Be on | | | | were used as a family pet. They were first registered |
| the look out for genetic kidney disease, slipped stifles | | | | by the American Kennel Association in 1969. |
| and teeth problems. Their large eyes can also be | | | | Some Registries: |
| injured or irritated. This disease list is an informative | | | | *American Shih Tzu Club |
| guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant | | | | *UKC United Kennel Club |
| threats, please contact your veterinarian for a | | | | *NKC National Kennel Club |
| complete list. | | | | *CKC Continental Kennel Club |
| She should visit the veterinarian several times in the | | | | *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. |
| first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as | | | | *AKC American Kennel Club |
| an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for | | | | *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale |
| shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and | | | | *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club |
| on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for | | | | *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain |
| check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your | | | | *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club |
| dog sweets. | | | | *ACR = American Canine Registry |
| *Grooming. The Shih Tzu has a double coat. The inner | | | | Litter Size: 2 to 4 Shih Tzu puppies |
| coat is soft and wooly. The outer coat is long and | | | | Category: Toy |
| flowing with some having a slight wave. She should be | | | | Terms To Describe: Loyal, alert, lively, sturdy, arrogant, |
| brushed daily. Brushing will help her maintain a clean | | | | friendly, outgoing, happy, affectionate |
| and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer | | | | *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond | | | | Makes a good watch dog. |
| with her. | | | | Good dog for allergy sufferer. |
| Her ears should be checked once a week and be | | | | *SPECIAL BAD POINTS |
| kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, | | | | They can snore. |
| make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the | | | | Can gain weight fast. |
| package. No water or excess fluid should get in the | | | | Can be stubborn. |
| dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear | | | | Makes a poor guard dog. |
| cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. | | | | May be difficult to housebreak. |
| Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or | | | | *Other Names Known By: Lion Dog, Chrysanthemum |
| moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she | | | | Dog, |
| seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, | | | | *Every dog is an individual so not everything in this |
| or tumor, consult your veterinarian. | | | | information may be correct for your dog. This |
| Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week | | | | information is meant as a good faith guideline only. |