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 BRED 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.They used to have shots to abort unwanted litters. THEY DON'T ANYMORE.Now your choice is spay or go through with having the pups..If the dog is bred and you do not wish to have a litter and your dog was bred, call the vet RIGHT away AND GET HER SPAYED.Do this within a week.Or face a C-section and unwanted pups or the death of a female who can't carry huge pups if a c- section is not performed.C-sections run in the price range of $400 to $1600.And must be paid for at the time it is rendered.It takes 59 to 63 days to have a litter.Are you prepared to deliver short faced pups who drown if not assisted at birth?I have bred different breeds in my 20 years.The shih tzu needs help birthing pups or the pups can drown.I make sure I am here for every delivery.Will you be?Do you know what to do with a pup that isn't breathing?I'm on the phone with first time breeders who are trying to expell afterbirth that is retained in thier females and the breeders(more then one) are vomiting(I can hear them) and im saying you have to do it ....(yes you know who you are lol) was not funny at the time.(she says she will never eat Bologna again)..lol.Do you know they need those pups have to be kept a certain temperature for 3 weeks because they can't hold their own body heat?I use heating lamps..thermometers measuring room temperature and box....If the mom dies you will have to get up every 2 hours to bottlefeed for at least 6 - 7 weeks.By the time you finish FEEDING the litter your 2 hours has passed so you will be getting NO SLEEP..ask me how I know??ITS VERY HARD..enough said ........If you rather not fool with that please spay and neuter your pets.Most females can be fixed at 6 months,males can be fixed starting at 8 weeks..depends on your vet..
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.I have raised dogs my entire life and have a hard time getting an unsocialized dog to come around.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
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.
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 below)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 7 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 trianing to the pads.Please do not buy a pup from me if you are going to leave it in a crate all day.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. In my 20 years of breeding I have had one pup come back to me....the lady said after one hour that she didn't know puppies cried....?????.......I was glad she brought it back ,if you don't know puppies cry what else didn't she know????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 like raw hide and pig ears 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,crate him and put a light throw or blanket on the front of the crate 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.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.
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.
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. I do not use puppy pads..They are expensive and leak through.I use ''human'' underpads ''23 by 36'' They are thick and large and last longer.I buy them at Sams club for 23.00 for 120 pads...now thats saving money...aslo purchase my dog food there because I can get it in 50 lb bags for a great price.
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 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 purchased a conditioning spray from Dr. Fosters and Smith called grooming plus mist -with mink oil in it.This is an awesome product smells great and keeps the dog matt free between brushings..Their coats are shiny and soft.
I also blow dry my dogs making sure to dry thier chest.I bath my dogs once a weekor 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 dematting tool is also MUST.
Shih tzu's tend to get hair in thier eyes because of thier long coats.I use the PLAIN saline solution to flush thier eyes out and while I'm grooming ,I take regular cotton balls wet them and clean around thier eyes.Keeps the tear stains away.
Here's another good tip.I worked for a vet FOR years and to kill fleas ON BABY animals, we would use baby shampoo.It is gentle around the eyes and kills fleas if left on for about 5 minutes.When bathing my dogs I use baby shampoo for thier heads so thier eyes don't burn or get red And it kills fleas.