Should I own a MALE OR A FEMALE?Males verses females??spay or neuter??
One myth is that males are always "humping" or lifting
their leg to potty or mark everything. If a male
is neutered early, he rarely exhibits these
traits. In fact, boys who are neutered by 5
months of age usually don't ever raise
their leg to potty. They rarely ever get cancer in both sexes if fixed.
FEMALES come into heat and if not fixed and drop blood all over your home. So both sexes need to be fixed if you do not want to deal with hiking or blood on your furniture and home.Also you will have every dog within 4 miles at your doorstep... as fast as you can bend down to grab your female he will have tied AND BREED her.Please spay and neuter your dogs if you do not know anything about breeding.It is very hard work and you do not want to lose your pet if she is bred by a huge dog
Selecting A Breeder ...whats the diffrence??????????
Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder. This cannot be stressed enough. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed. For example, they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate temperament for their breed.
Once you select a breeder, screen the breeder. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or the sire) of your puppy. If they have an excuse go elsewhere and buy a puppy from someone who can show you all you want to see and know.See how the dogs in your breeder's home interact with your breeder. Are they friendly and outgoing or do they shy away? The responsible breeder will also be screening you, looking for the best home for each puppy. Do not meet a breeder on the road to pick up a puppy.Please visit their kennel to see the conditions your pup is coming from.Breeders who will not allow you at their home have something to hide.Ask to see both parents for this is what your dog will look like as an adult.Most breeders who ask you to meet on the road have never wormed or taken that pup to a vet check and probably has no shots probably was raise in a cage never touched.I HAVE BOUGHT PUPS WHO WERE NEVER SOCIALIZED....that dog is messed up for life.You may think your getting a bargain but you may be getting something you didn't bargain for.Yes my prices may be higher BUT YOU get a guarantee.Most breeders do not guarantee any pups.Please ask for a written guarantee.At least till you get that pup to a vet.Rememeber after you leave with that pup it's yours,the puppy mills count on you to fall in love with even if it is sick.Don't expect that breeder to ever answer the phone for you again.I know breeders just like that.They make only profit they do not spend a dime on the pups but pull in thousands on people who don't know any better.
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Can You Afford A Puppy?
The purchase price of your puppy is not the only cost you have to consider. Be aware that the puppy you bring home will need proper care, such as health care (a dog needs annual shots) and food. Your puppy will also need little things like a collar with identification, a bowl, and a leash. Evaluate your budget; ask yourself if you really can afford a dog.
Dog Ownership = Responsibility.
Take the time to ask yourself these questions and to make an educated decision. You and your dog will be happier for it. There is no doubt that a puppy is a cuddly bundle of joy, but it is also a huge responsibility.
Caring For Your Dog
All dogs must be cared for daily. This means proper diet, exercise, grooming and veterinary attention.
Do not attempt to be your own veterinarian!
So you've decided to purchase a dog. Owning a dog can be the beginning of years of happiness as the special bond between humans and canines exceeds even the greatest of expectations. However, to ensure the best relationship with your dog, you must be prepared for some important responsibilities.
Description:The Shih Tzu is also known as the Chinese/Tibetan Lion Dog or the Chrysanthemum Dog. It is called the chrysanthemum dog because its face looks very much like the flower.
The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular of the Toy breeds. It is well known for its long, flowing, luxurious hair, which covers all of its body. It has a round head, pleasant expression, and large, round, dark eyes. Its ears are large and covered by the coat. Shih Tzus are very small and compact in size, with a broad, deep chest. Their tails are curved and covered with fur. Shih Tzus can be any color, and tend not to shed. Their hair is in fact a double layer, with a woolly undercoat below the longer hair. Shih Tzus are small dogs, and are slightly longer than they are tall.he Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with long flowing double coat. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. Although there has always been considerable size variation, the Shih Tzu must be compact, solid, carrying good weight and substance.
Temperament:
Shih Tzus are known for being sturdy, attentive, energetic, and responsive dogs. They are best suited to being companion dogs, and are generally easy-going and affectionate. When in a playful mood, Shih Tzus can be feisty and mischievous. Because they are alert and attentive dogs, they make good watchdogs who are fond of barking. If surprised or startled, they can be snappish. Shih Tzus love attention and being spoiled. They are very clever and can be trained, although they are known to be stubborn and a trainer consequently needs to be very patient. Shih Tzus generally get along well with other pets and older children. They do not do well with babies or toddlers, as they have a strong sense of self-importance and can be jealous of little children.
Caring for a Shih Tzu:
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to take care of, as they do not require a great deal of exercise. If the owner chooses to keep the hair long, it will require careful daily grooming. If not groomed regularly, tangles and painful mats can develop. Many owners tie the hair on the top of the Shih Tzu’s head into a distinctive topknot so that the dog can see more easily. The hair can, however, be trimmed in order to keep grooming needs to a minimum. Most Shih Tzus enjoy outside exercise or simply running around inside a house or yard. Their eyes are sensitive and need to be cleaned regularly.Make sure bottums are clipped in the private areas so that the pups wont have any problems from poop getting stuck in the fur along the butt area.which can cause blockage.
Weight Range: EXPECTATION ON WEIGHTS....
standard 9 to 16 lbs.
Imperial 3 to 9 lbs .An Imperial is any dog under 9 lbs.
Colors: All colors are acceptable.All colors permissible," but adds the words, "a white blaze on the forehead and a white tip to the tail are highly prized."The white blaze, collar, socks and tail-tip combine to create a highly prized ensemble" of a Shih Tzu.
Trainability: ShihTzu’s are alert and spunky little dogs who are endowed with loads of character. They are royally dignified and sometimes arrogant. They are stubborn and cleaver dogs who can get snappish if they are surprised or peeved.
With Children: This breed does well with polite, careful children.You must always be careful with children holding puppies.Puppies can be dropped .When it comes to children and puppies, it’s all about rules no matter what size breed is chosen. Children learn by example. If adults in the home are responsible with pets, the kids will follow that example. Simple things like cleaning up after, feeding, watering and securing the location of a puppy are essentials that any child can easily be taught. My children learned how to take care of dogs by watching us
Child safety around dogs
Your children need to be taught that the puppy is not a toy or doll, and should not be disturbed when resting or sleeping, picked up, cuddled, hugged, kissed, carried around, or dressed up, all of which can make it grumpy and snappy.
Toddlers and young children often unwittingly encourage puppies to chase and play bite them, so you should only let them interact under your supervision. Keep them apart (use a child-gate or playpen) if one or the other is having an exuberant moment, and never leave them alone together.
However, even older children (and some adults!) can be excitable and inconsistent or over-stimulating the puppy one minute, and then telling it off (and often hitting it) the next. Children (and puppies) are not known for their patience, so both need to be taught how to be gentle with each other.
Dog bite injuries are a problem in all societies, but a high majority of these injuries are preventable with the correct education. Most dog biting incidents happen in the home and many people are simply unaware of the simple measures that can be taken to avoid problems. The language used by dogs is subtle and children are prone to misinterpreting it, which can lead to biting incidents.
Teach your children the doggy dos and don'ts
Don't play rough and aggressive games with your puppy as this can encourage aggressive behaviour later on
Don't play fight with each other or taunt the puppy to make it protective or jealous, because this tends to backfire badly later if the dog ever misjudges the situation
Most dogs dislike close face-to-face contact, unless they have instigated it themselves, so keep faces away from the puppy's, or risk being bitten on the face!
Never let children ambush or force themselves on the puppy. If they want to play, the puppy should be invited over, but do not let the children force the issue if the puppy does not want to go to them. The children must be made to understand the importance of having 'quiet time' with the puppy, and give it space and peace and quiet when it wants it
Puppies will often steal, chew and swallow children's toys and clothes for attention, so teach your children tidy habits, or your puppy will spend its youth at the veterinary practice having things surgically removed from it (or worse, it could die)
Children have to be 10 years old or over to be legally responsible for a dog outside their homes
Children must learn to ask a dog's owner permission before petting their dog.
Living with dogs enriches children's lives. Taking care of a dog is an excellent way of teaching a child to take responsibility, express empathy, get some exercise and to have fun. Dogs can also significantly help to raise their self-esteem. But it is the responsibility of adults; especially parents, to make sure that these valuable child/dog relationships are nurtured so that one understands the other.
Other Pets: Shih Tzu are generally good with other pets.
Climate: This breed is sensitive to the heat.
indoor / Outdoor: Shih Tzu are good apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Exercise Required: The Shih Tzu is a naturally active dog but they still need some encouragement to exercise. Do not overfeed this breed or it will quickly become fat.
Life Range: 14 to 16 years
Shih Tzu are considered non-shedding because they don't loose hair like breeds we classify as 'shedders'. A Shih Tzu looses hair like people, one strand at a time. Of course, all animals, including people have to get rid of hair, dander(skin flakes), etc... at some point in their life, in order to regrow more hair, skin, etc...
Will my dogs eye color change?Most pups open their eyes at 2 weeks old.All pups eyes are usally blue at this time.Eye color usally changes between 8 to 16 weeks.Eye color after 16 weeks usally stays that color.I have seen blue eye pups eyes change after 10 weeks old over and over so dont trust the eye color until about 14 to 16 weeks..I can usally tell just by the coloring if the eyes will stay light.Hyperglacemia When a puppy gets a bit too much exercise it can become stressed out, they might seem unable to stand or listless. This usually means that they have a low blood sugar problem. Like all toy dog puppies, You can solve that problem with a quick trip to the vet or by dropper/spoon feeding your dog some sugar water, Nutrical (or any good high calorie dietary supplement like Karo syrup). We suggest you keep some Nutrical around at all times. It is essential that you treat this problem right away by giving your pup the supplement or sugar water. AlSO Otherwise they can go into shock. Remember that your puppy needs to take time for feeding and rest. I feed Purina Puppy Chow.If your pup does not eat it dry try adding a little water and that should do the trick.Make sure pup is eating and drinking the first few days you bring it home.
You shouldn't take a young Puppy jogging with you! If you're planning more then just a short walk around a short block, leave your pet at home. The same applies to play time or long rides in a vehicle. DO NOT OVER-PLAY WITH YOUNG PUPS. Inform any children in the house that over-playing with the pup can cause it to become very sick. Limit the time a puppy spends in a vehicle (especially in high or low temperature zones). Long road trips or rides can stressout a puppy and expose him or her to unnecessary health risk.If you are taking a road trip using the a/c helps,preventing pups from getting car sick. Make sure pup is cool when riding in the car. Do not let them lay on the floor board that will make them sick for sure.
Blue eyes that persist throughout life can occasionally be found in Shih Tzu. Such blue eyes (actually, often dark or light gray rather than bright blue) are found in blue dogs. Blue Shih Tzu lack a needed color gene for black. Their color is therefore dilute; they also have blue pigment on their muzzles, noses, lips, footpads, and eye rims. Like liver-pigmented dogs (which have light brown eyes and pigment rather than the more common black), blue Shih Tzu are rare, but are perfectly acceptable in the show ring. All colors and markings are permissible in our breed. Nevertheless, blue eyes are unacceptable in the show ring . Light eyes of this kind do not affect vision, and blue-eyed Shih Tzu make fine pets.
It is suggested that you don't change puppy food or eating habits, started by breeder, during first few weeks with your new shih tzu puppy. Any changes should be done gradually to prevent upset digestive system and diarrhea. Add tiny amounts of the new food to the food the dog was on.... over a 2 week period untill you are giving all of the new food.I use Purina Puppy Chow and have never had a problem with it.Your pup will come with a sample bag to start you off.
It is suggested that PUPPIES not be fed table food, as this will make them "picky" and they will not get the necessary nutrition, for proper growth.
Potty Training
Most new puppy owners have a lot of questions regarding potty training. Generally, they ask is my puppy going to arrive potty trained. What do I have to do to potty train my puppy? Many ask about the potty pads, the dog litter, crate training and outside potty training. The situation depends upon the new owner and their life circumstances.
Your new puppy will be started on potty training but will not be fully trainable until about four months of age or older. Most pups that leave here are about 90 percent house trained to puppy pads.
Potty Pad - Potty pad training or news paper is very similar to outdoor training. You must take the puppy to the pad until they get the idea. Potty pads do cost some money and have to be changed regularly. You can purchase ones that can be washed as well. Sometimes, the puppies find them fun to tear up.
What I need to tell you all that which ever method you use the most important thing is consistency. I never leave a puppy that is not potty trained unattended in an area that I don't want an accident. Also, there are many good books and literature available at the library.
WATER BOTTLES I recommend using Lixit water bottles.Shih tzu's have long beards and when drinking from water bowls they tend to drip water on flooring.Since I use water bottles(purchased at Pet Smart) I don't have that problem anymore thier faces stay dry and clean.You can attach them to thier crates and for trips it is so much easier then a water bowl.
Grooming & Bathing Required:
This breed requires a good daily grooming using a bristle brush. Some owners prefer to have them trimmed to make grooming easier. They shed little to no hair and are good for allergy suffers.
I have learned alot about grooming from my shih tzus.Most of my dogs love the water and love thier baths.A shih tzu has long flowing hair that needs to be groomed every day.
A good shampoo and a conditioner is a must.
I also blow dry my dogs making sure to dry their chest.I bath my dogs once a week or a few days longer depending on if we played in the mud or dirt while having fun outside.Bristle brushes and a good dog comb and de matting tool is also MUST.
Shih tzu's tend to get hair in their eyes because of their long coats.I use the PLAIN saline solution to flush their eyes out and while I'm grooming ,I take regular cotton balls wet them and clean around their eyes.Keeps the tear stains away.Angel eyes is good for tear staining.I also use a whitening shampoo the link should be on this page.
WHY IS A VET IMPORTANT?. All puppies should be seen by a vet,Puppies get worms parasites and need vaccines to build immunity..He is a family member and needs medical care just like you do.
Should I give my puppies vaccines?--- what if you take that pup somewhere and expose it to parvo or another virus??? your in charge of that life that you did not vaccinate. I don't even let my puppies touch the ground till fully vaccinated. FULLY MEANS WHEN THE VET SAYS SEE YOU NEXT YEAR....That's the number one reason I puppy pad train my puppies.I know you want to run out to that puppy store and show it off and buy cute stuff.What is a parvo puppy was in that store? The same goes for letting that puppy potty on the ground.I'm told that parvo can live in the ground for 100 years. Think about it.....Do not bring your pup to pet stores shopping without proper vaccines.
Maternal antibodies in the colostrum usually protects the puppies for the first few weeks of life.
At the age of week 6, around 25% of the puppies would be unprotected, assuming that all had received antibodies from the mother via drinking milk in the first few days after birth.
By week 12, almost 100% of the puppies would be killed by the viruses as their maternal antibodies no longer exist to protect them. It takes about 14 days to provide full protection.
Puppies infected by viruses before vaccination will NOT be protected when vaccinated. A very small percentage of puppies do not produce antibodies even though they are vaccinated.
Puppies receieve their first set of shots while at Bluecajuns all others must be given by your vet.Make sure to visit your vet within 48 hours to set up your next shots.
Do not attempt to be your own veterinarian! All dogs should be regularly examined by a veterinarian and inoculated against the major infectious canine diseases.I know people who buy shots at the feedstore then end up killing the pup.That shot better be given in the right place on that pup not hitting muscles or veins, and better not have gotten hot..this shot needs to stay at a cold temperature before giving it.Please do not give shots if you do not know what you are doing.I know someone who wanted to save money so someone gave her a shot and she gave it in the neck and killed the pup in a hour it was dead.So think before you do something you will regret.
ALSO SHOTS given must be given by a licensed vet to count...vets,groomers etc.. do not recognize shots given by owners or breeders.Vets will regive the shots to pup AGAIN if not given by a licensed vet.Rabies must be given by a vet.
A FEW BREEDER TIPS..may help with your kennels..
As with any breed the shiht zu is known to have large sensitive eyes,DO not put anything into that dogs eye's that you would not put into your own eyes!!! example..a breeder called ME AFTER TRYING TO REMOVE TEAR STAINS with hydrogen peroxide...WHAT??????? THAT BREEDER..burnt both corneas on that dogs eyes and blinded it.I have heard of people using this on pups
RULE OF THUMB PUT IT IN YOUR OWN EYES FIRST IF IT BURNS DO NOT USE IT ON YOUR DOG.....DO NOT PUT PEROXIDE IN THE DOGS EYES!!!!!!!!!!!Whatever you use make use you do not get into the dogs eyes.
For dogs with dry eye you can use an eye lubricant.MEANING artificial tears at your local drug store...Any HAIR or allergen that irritates's the eye and makes a discharge can usually be cleared up just by taking a eye makeup remover pad or cotton ball with warm water and cleaning the area a few times a day.ALSO A BOTTLE of PLAIN saline salution ''PLAIN ''cost about 1.27 at walmart you use it on contacts..NOTICE I SAID PLAIN saline...not the one with cleaners in it..just plain old saline you can use MADE for flushing the eyes out.I always have a bottle it cleans out any irritants.
If you see a white cast FILM over your dogs eye this can be the beginning of an eye ulcer and should be treated right away BY A VET.I recommend taking the dog to the vet.
Things I have tried it and it has worked for me...
watch out for those dips and flea shampoos(read how old that dog should be before you use any product , tiny dogs get poisoned easily ... I have seen dips kill small dogs...small dogs can get poisioned.I worked for a vet for years...
GREAT FLEA PRODUCT IS ''Bravecto'' at your vet that is a chew that last for 3 months and kills flea's and works great that is what we use here at Bluecajuns....TIP...if you use any flea product you you have to put on the dog you must use a soapless shampoo your vet should sell it...so your treatment will not be washed off on the baths given between treatments..that's why allot of people think their product is not working...if you use a soapless shampoo your product should last the whole month.
I use Hartz puppy whitening shampoo.
ultra DAWN DISHWASHING LIQUID....This is not to put on the dog..ULTRA dawn dishwashing liquid....People bath their dogs with this and yes it does kill fleas but also removes ALL the oil from your dogs skin.I do not bath any dogs with DAWN because it will dry up the dogs skin.
I use dawn in a garden sprayer and spray any insect like mosquitoes and it kills them on contact.I also spray it on my bushes and plants and it has not harmed any so far.It kill roaches,mosquitoes,those big black Louisiana grasshoppers,any kind of wasp...ants..you name it ULTRA dawn kills it..the blue dawn.I found that out by accident one day when I was washing my car with dawn and they had an ant pile and I dumped the left over water with dawn in it and they all floated up to the top of the mound like coffee grounds...IDEA pops in Bluecajuns head and I put it in a spray bottle and try it on THOSE BLOOD SUCKING LOUISIANA mosquitoes...wow that's the greatest thing I have ever discovered living in these swamps..I LOVE ULTRA DAWN.I spray my yard and it kills fleas...I spray it in my building anywhere's and it works.I fill up the garden sprayer with water FIRST then add dawn till the water in the sprayer is the color of swimming pool water..light blue...then go spray and get those insects out the way without harming your dogs with insecticides...Set the sprayer on a light mist and watch the mosquitoes drop as you spray the area. Thats all I use now for any insect...its like duck tape..cant live with out DAWN...LOL
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Shih Tzu are one of the better choices for allergy sufferers. Most people think that the hair is the cause of a persons allergy. Dander is the biggest contributor. Shih Tzu have less dander than most breeds therefor people with allergies tend to do better with this breed.One person's allergies may vary greatly from another person's. It is always wise to visit the dog to see if you are allergic to it before you commit.
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Get the supplies and equipment you'll need before your puppy comes home. I attached links to amazon where I buy most of my supplies.These are the products I use here.
Here's a list:
We feed and recommend Purina Puppy chow
food bowl
Lixit water bottles all of our pups are used to drinking out of water bottles it keeps the face clean and your floor dry.
Nutri-Cal, quality high-calorie nutritional gel.We seldom use this but it good to have on hand in an emergency.
Exercise Pen,
A bed, washable,
A plastic baby gate for blocking doorways.
Puppy Potty Training Pads If you have a puppy who tears or shreds pads you can buy washable ones.Pups are already started on throw away puppy pads at the age of 3 weeks .The washable pads I have linked are great and come in a pack of 6 they are large.I use the washable ones after pups make 8 weeks because they save me money and the pups start tearing pads after 9 weeks when they are in a pack as a game.. cause they think they are toys..so washables for me..Its all up to your pup.Some pups leave them alone..some DO NOT.I do not want to be picking up cotton all over all day so.. it's cloth pads for me.
!!!!!I do not recommend a crate!!!!!! till after a puppy is fully potty trained which is usually after nine months. A PUP CAN NOT hold itself all night in a little crate. It will pee or poop in there and you will only be training it to use where ever he is at any time. You can not fit a pad and bed and all you need in a crate and that is why we suggest a puppy pen like the one above. The pup will adjust easily in this same pen. It was raised from birth in there and while here I prepared it to USE the puppy pads.A crate should only be used for travel with a puppy under a year old. A crate creates anxiety.Puppies start off on pads then move to the door then outside below are great tips for preparing to train them to go outside.
BRINGING THE NEW PUPPY HOME from Bluecajuns
Your new puppy will be undertaking alot of stress from moving from one home to another. So to for the puppy to feel secure I use puppy pens,(see picture ABOVE)your pup has been raised in this from birth and will adjust easily to it, they feel safe and secure in.For people who want to use just a crate....a puppy under 9 months can not hold it self for that long and I think staying in a crate all day will make a pup get anxiety and will untrain all the work I put it training to the pads.I leave my puppy pens open and my dogs go in on their own.They love their pens,It is their own place to get away from it all If you feel bad about cooping up a puppy in a crate buy a play pen for puppies that will keep the puppy safe and allow the dog room and a place to play.Petsmart has those also.I put the puppy pads,toys,and water bottle and food and they are safe ,fed and secure.They are used to it already being here and will adjust better to your home.Your puppy's first night can be a miserable experience since he is used to sleeping in a cozy nest with his mother and littermates. You can place his bed next to yours for the first few days, so that you can comfort him if necessary. If he cries or whines comfort him, then leave him alone. If you weaken and take him to bed with you, you may be creating a new problem that you will have to break.
Puppies tend to roam and if left alone to do what they please they will come into trouble.Would you leave your baby alone roaming the house?No ,so treat your puppy like you would a newborn or toddler.Couches and human beds should bed should be off limits to a puppy until it can climb up on it's own.(I worked for a vet and have seen lots of pups die from falling).Rule number 1..If it cant get up on its own it wont fall off on it's own... The NEW PUPPY WILL CRY. The puppy has just left it's surrounding it has known from birth.It usually takes a week or more for the puppy to adjust to leaving its old home.Puppies tire out easy so for the first weeks. Don't ever wake up a sleeping puppy to play.Let them sleep.Chew toys will save you alot of chewed up items in your home.Puppy's are teething and need something to chew on.Puppies also get bored so doggy toys will keep them occupied,I would recommend not giving a puppy anything with sewed or buttons that can be swallowed.I advise reading about puppies so you will know what to expect and that will make you and your new puppy happy.For the puppy who won't let you sleep, put a light throw or blanket on the front of the pen where he can not see out will usually quite them down and you should get a good nights sleep....I feed Purina puppy chow .If your pup does not eat it dry try adding a little water and that should do the trick.Make sure pup is eating the first few days you bring it home.My pups are used to water bottles so you will have to introduce it to a water bowl if you do not have a lixit bottle.I also use a radio since the pups are born or a sound machine.If your going to work all day, turn on the radio so the dog will not be bored and wont hear outside noises all day.This calms all dogs down.My pups are raised in the pens since birth so if you purchase one you should not have any trouble they will already be used to this as their safety place and home if you work.I attach a water bottle and place a puppy pad and bed and they are good safe and sound.
FOOD...Do not change the puppies food within the first month. You have to change it gradually or the pup will get sick.
Visit your vet
Make an appointment with your veterinarian to give the puppy a complete checkup within 42 hours of your purchase. Although your puppy has been health-checked by our veterinarian, an exam by your veterinarian is additional security against health defects, problems that weren't apparent the first time.
Quick Method of Estimating Shih Tzu Adult Weights
Eight Weeks Old: Weight X 3 = Adult Weight
Ten Week Old: Weight X 2 PLUS One Pound = Adult Weight
Twelve Weeks Old: Weight x 2 = Adult Weight
Age of Puppy
Estimated Weight of Puppy
Estimated Weight of Puppy1 MonthPuppy is 10% of her adult weight
Puppy is 10% of her adult weight2 MonthsPuppy is now 20% of her Adult Weight: Average weight at 8 weeks is 2 pounds
Puppy is now 20% of her Adult Weight: Average weight at 8 weeks is 2 pounds3 Months Now your puppy is about 1/3 of her adult weight
4 Months Your puppy is approximately 1/2 of her adult weight
5 MonthsPuppy is 2/3 of her adult weight
Puppy is 2/3 of her adult weight6 MonthsPuppy is 83% of her adult weight
Puppy is 83% of her adult weight7 MonthsPuppy is 96 % of her Adult Weight
Puppy is 96 % of her Adult Weight10 MonthsShih Tzu puppies have reached their adult weight
Shih Tzu puppies have reached their adult weightI want to take a minute and discuss why we do a series of puppy vaccinations, and how they work. Most people, including myself for many years, are under the impression that once a puppy is vaccinated, it is immune to the diseases, and that each subsequent shot just builds the immunity higher. That could not be further from the truth.
Puppies need to be vaccinated several times until they are 16 weeks old. The reason is, the effect of maternal antibodies. Puppies receive maternal antibodies from the dam. These maternal antibodies are more powerful than any vaccination that we can give (Go Mom!). As a result, vaccinations that are given while maternal antibodies are high will be ineffective. THEY JUST WON'T WORK. The problem is that we don’t know with any certainty when any individual puppy’s maternal antibodies will drop off. They might drop off (allowing effective vaccination) at 6 weeks or at 16 weeks.
This means the first shot may or may not have worked. Maybe the second one will, maybe it won't. I vaccinate my pups at 8 weeks. If they still have the antibodies from their mom, then the shot did nothing for them; they are still protected from the mom's antibodies. Now what happens if those antibodies drop off at 9 weeks of age??? The answer is simple, your puppy is highly susceptible to catching parvo, distemper and the other diseases we vaccinate for, until they get that next shot.
It is vital that a puppy not come into contact with any area other animals could have been. Any other animals other than your own vaccinated pets. This means no public grounds. No stores. No veterinary floors. Not even your own yard if it is open to other wandering animals.
Basically you want to treat your puppy as tho it has no immunity until it has had it's final vaccination around 16 weeks old. By then we can feel pretty assured that about every puppy has lost the maternal antibodies by then and that if not before, then this final shot did the trick.
Most vets like to see pups have anywhere from 3 - 4 shots. There is a balancing act here too tho. Too many shots can be overload on your pup's immune system and can have adverse effects such as auto-immune. So please do not ever do more than 4 shots; that is including the one they receive here.
Just please keep your puppy safe and treat them like they are highly susceptible until they have had their final shot around 16 weeks of age.
This is how your puppy is raised while here in Whelping pens ready in my living room .Set up all my lamps(only pups under 3 weeks have a lamp because they can not hold body temperture) and I put my supplies I need fast on top.I love my setup It works great.I can get in each puppy pen and deliver my pups and enough room for pups till they leave.Easy to mop and clean.First pen I put a towel as a curtain to hold in heat and privacy for the new mom it works great.Im ready here we go.I have to have my babies with me 24/7 thats why they are in the living room thank god it's big.
This is how you should set up the pen before the puppy gets home if you want a very easy transition.This will help keep the puppy potty pad trained.
I recommend the one with the DOOR ON IT So pups can go in and out to use the pad or eat or drink.These can fold up and can be used when traveling.they also hold the water bottle on.
