Shih Tzu Healthy food is Everybody functions better on healthy food than on junk food, of course, but a nutrient-dense diet is vitally important for a small dog because every bite counts. Your Shih Tzu , especially as a puppy, can’t hold much in that little stomach, so food must be full of good nutrition. Shih Tzu puppies also need to eat at least three small meals to keep that small-dog metabolism fueled. A young puppy that doesn’t get sufficient nutrition could die. Additionally Shih Tzu have potentially sensitive skin, and a healthy diet keeps both his skin and coat in good condition. Some pet food companies make food designed specifically for small-breed puppies. Or, you may decide to make a homemade diet for your Shih Tzu .
Move it or lose it! Despite Lola’s small size, she needs exercise to keep her muscles strong and her heart healthy. Too many Shih Tzu become overweight from an excess of treats and too little exercise, and it doesn’t take many extra calories each day to make an eightpound dog tip the scales in the direction of too-hefty. Extra weight puts added stress on the Shih Tzu
joints and internal organs, compromising her natural good health. Never exercise your Shih Tzu in hot weather! Her short nose and heavy coat aren’t built for the heat, and she can suffer serious health consequences.
Shih Tzu Training is He may be cute and charming. He may have great personal charisma. But that doesn’t mean Samson knows that your new carpet isn’t his personal toilet, or that children’s fingers aren’t for nipping, or that dashing out the front door isn’t safe. All dogs need training, even the cutest and most naturally polite. Don’t forget that your Shih Tzu is a dog and doesn’t run the household. He needs to know the rules, and you need to enforce the rules. For more on Shih Tzu socialization, behavior, and training.
Medical care
A veterinarian who understands small dogs is one of your most important allies in caring for your Shih Tzu. These pups need regular check-ups and vaccinations (necessary parts of your commitment to your Shih Tzu), but a vet can also help you with pest control, skin allergies, behavioral issues, and any questions you may have about caring for your little dog.
Grooming
I’ve saved the best for last . . . the best, or the most time-consuming, depending on your perspective. Most Shih Tzu have long, thick coats, which means they need grooming . . . a lot of it. Most pet owners have their Shih Tzu professionally groomed every four to six weeks. This timeline is a fine, but be prepared to pay for the service. Even with professional grooming, you still need to brush and comb your Shih Tzu every day, or at least a few times a week, to keep mats and tangles from forming as the coat grows. If you keep your Shih Tzu in a short haircut, you can minimize the work, but a Shih Tzu in full coat really should be thoroughly tended every day. Add to your brushing other routines, such as regular nail clipping, teeth cleaning, eye care, ear care, and all-over massage and you have quite the high-maintenance little pooch. You can’t wait for a professional groomer to do these tasks (unless you want to take your Shih Tzu in weekly, which can get pretty expensive).
To spin off one of the world’s greatest writers: To get a Shih Tzu or not to get a Shih Tzu? That is the question. Don’t take this decision lightly. You’re embarking on a lifetime (at least your dog’s lifetime) commitment, and you want to make sure you, your lifestyle, your family, and your home all are good matches for a Shih Tzu. This section takes a closer look to see if a Shih Tzu is the match for you.
Why a Shih Tzu May be Perfect
They’re short. They’re sassy. But are they right for you? A Shih Tzu might be your perfect dog if you:
Love to brush dogs: Shih Tzu need a lot of grooming!. Think flat-faced dogs are just too cute: The Shih Tzu doesn’t have a long slender profile. He has an adorable short nose. Enjoy being worshipped: Your Shih Tzu thinks you’re all that. Think pampering and cuddling a small dog is fun: Your Shih Tzu needs a lot of one-on-one cuddle time to be happy. Like to take your dog with you whenever you can: Your Shih Tzu is always ready to hit the road with you. Work at home or come home frequently during the day: Bred to be a companion dog, the Shih Tzu needs to spend most of her time being a companion, not sitting alone. Think lying around on the couch makes the perfect weekend: Shih Tzu aren’t athletic dogs. They prefer to hang out and relax. Can’t stand hot weather: Your Shih Tzu can’t stand it either. In fact, Shih Tzu are prone to heatstroke.
Why Shih Tzu Ideal Dog
Shih Tzu are cute, but that criterion isn’t all that you should go on. A Shih Tzu probably isn’t the best breed for you if you:Get impatient brushing your own hair: If you don’t like to waste time grooming yourself, you certainly won’t have time to groom a Shih Tzu. Don’t like the sound of snoring and snuffling: The Shih Tzu’s short nose creates a certain amount of nasal noise. Prefer an independent dog that isn’t too clingy. Shih Tzu want to spend time with you. Think that because you have to work, your dog should make himself useful, too: This dog’s job is to be with you. She’s not interested in retrieving or pulling a sled or guarding the house. Aren’t home very often: Shih Tzu need people, not alone time.
Have several small children: Do you really have time to take care of a Shih Tzu if you have small children? Probably not. Plus, small children can accidentally injure a small dog. Like to go running, biking, swimming, or spend your weekends training for a marathon and think it would be fun for the dog to come along, too: Unless you want to stick the Shih Tzu in a doggy backpack, you can forget your dreams of a marathon-training buddy. Love the heat and can see yourself relocating to a tropical island: Your Shih Tzu would prefer a cabin in the mountains. He doesn’t do tropical.
What about a Shih Tzu really appeals to you? If you want to replace a former Shih Tzu, you already have a good idea about what a Shih Tzu is like, so getting a new Shih Tzu puppy may not seem so scary. On the other hand, all Shih Tzu have their own, unique personalities, and your new puppy won’t be exactly like your beloved former pet. Are you ready to accept your new dog?
If you haven’t had a Shih Tzu before but you just love the way they look, that’s a good start. Much of her appeal is in her charming and unique appearance. But you still have to be prepared for the grooming requirements and the attention your Shih Tzu needs. If you know a Shih Tzu but never owned one yourself, then you already know how the adults look and act. Just remember that an adult Shih Tzu is more likely to be calmer and less likely to cause mischief than a feisty little puppy. Your Shih Tzu puppy will take at least a couple of years to grow up, and you need to be patient.
People often love the look of the Shih Tzu but just don’t realize how physically limited this breed is. Shih Tzu simply can’t exercise too long, run very far, or even stay outside for extended periods in hot weather. If you like to be at home, however, your Shih Tzu will be your happy and enthusiastic friend, companion, and armchair buddy. And if you want to watch sports, your Shih Tzu will be more than happy to help you cheer for your favorite team. One exception is the competition Shih Tzu some people train their dogs to compete in obedience (a highly competitive sport that measures how well a dog can follow commands) or agility (a super-active obstacle course sport), but these dogs are like professional athletes. If you want an exercise buddy, consider a sporting or herding breed instead.
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