If you're thinking of getting a Shih Tzu, you've opted for a popular but possibly difficult to take care off breed.
This dignified presence, or the way this breed carries itself, is one reason it's also called the Imperial Shih Tzu.
As a companion pet, however, it is a superb one.
The tests to restore the original function of different dog breeds Over the years, there's been much discussion about holding tests to see if various dog breeds live up to original expectations.
There are specific tests for herding dogs, hunting dogs, lure tests for sight hounds, grounds tests for terriers, stamina tests, and water and draft tests.
Dogs that pass the tests assigned to the breed they belong to were judged adequate to expectations associated with their breed.
These tests of performance, appropriate they may be for some breeds, is not need for the toy dog breed, a breed which has a different set of expectations associated with them.
Many toy dog breeds perform well in the job they are expected to do, namely, be great companions, lively pets, and healthy company.
The personality - treat it like a king This breed is often outgoing and friendly, but it's got a brat persona that wants only to be spoiled.
It has a great sense of self, which is probably why many owners notice this breed is not good with other pets and little kids around.
But if the other kids love to comb the Shih Tzu's long, fine coat of hair, that dog will love that kid.
This breed make for reliable watchdogs, being alert to people around them and their owners.
Be careful though, as poorly bred and trained one can be noisy and snappy.
A smart dog, the Shih Tzu can be trained, although not as easily as other dogs.
You need to be persistent when training it, as it can be stubborn.
Be careful with punishing it, since it can shut down and do the opposite of what you want to train it to not do.
A short list of health problems Renal dysplasia (a kidney disease), slipped stifles or kneecaps, and large eyes that are prone to injury - that's a quick glance at the Shih Tzu's health problems.
It also has a slight wheezing problem with its short muzzle.
Other than these, everything else is connected with his coat maintenance - poor grooming results in tangles, hot spots, painful mats, skin infections, and to some extent maggot infestation.
You have to establish a grooming schedule - groom your Shih Tzu everyday to prevent coat problems.
If you can't do that you need to choose another breed.
This dignified presence, or the way this breed carries itself, is one reason it's also called the Imperial Shih Tzu.
As a companion pet, however, it is a superb one.
The tests to restore the original function of different dog breeds Over the years, there's been much discussion about holding tests to see if various dog breeds live up to original expectations.
There are specific tests for herding dogs, hunting dogs, lure tests for sight hounds, grounds tests for terriers, stamina tests, and water and draft tests.
Dogs that pass the tests assigned to the breed they belong to were judged adequate to expectations associated with their breed.
These tests of performance, appropriate they may be for some breeds, is not need for the toy dog breed, a breed which has a different set of expectations associated with them.
Many toy dog breeds perform well in the job they are expected to do, namely, be great companions, lively pets, and healthy company.
The personality - treat it like a king This breed is often outgoing and friendly, but it's got a brat persona that wants only to be spoiled.
It has a great sense of self, which is probably why many owners notice this breed is not good with other pets and little kids around.
But if the other kids love to comb the Shih Tzu's long, fine coat of hair, that dog will love that kid.
This breed make for reliable watchdogs, being alert to people around them and their owners.
Be careful though, as poorly bred and trained one can be noisy and snappy.
A smart dog, the Shih Tzu can be trained, although not as easily as other dogs.
You need to be persistent when training it, as it can be stubborn.
Be careful with punishing it, since it can shut down and do the opposite of what you want to train it to not do.
A short list of health problems Renal dysplasia (a kidney disease), slipped stifles or kneecaps, and large eyes that are prone to injury - that's a quick glance at the Shih Tzu's health problems.
It also has a slight wheezing problem with its short muzzle.
Other than these, everything else is connected with his coat maintenance - poor grooming results in tangles, hot spots, painful mats, skin infections, and to some extent maggot infestation.
You have to establish a grooming schedule - groom your Shih Tzu everyday to prevent coat problems.
If you can't do that you need to choose another breed.
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