Think Carefully Before Deciding To Breed Shih Tzu

If you already own a Shih Tzu you know what a wonderful dog they are. Although they are lively and alert they are also content to be by your side, they are the perfect companion.

Shih Tzu are beautiful and their long flowing hair comes in all colors. It’s no wonder that so many of us consider breeding Shih Tzu. After all, having Shih Tzu puppies around is fun, right?

While puppies are fun they are work and a huge responsibility. But we need to back up a little bit. Let’s talk about before the puppies arrive. First of all you will need to find a good match for your Shih Tzu. Size and color must be considered as well as the health of the babies.

Once you believe your female is pregnant you will need to visit your veterinarian for confirmation and a check up. Gestation is 63 days. During that time you will need to properly feed and care for your female. Her diet must be of the highest quality.

Preparation for the puppies before they arrive is essential. You will need to prepare a whelping box. Plastic sweater boxes work well for this. Line the bottom with newspaper and then place a clean blanket (that has been rinsed well with no fabric softener) over the box. You will want to snug this blanket in and tape it on the bottom of the box.

The idea is to have a comfortable spot for momma and babies but to eliminate the possibility of babies getting lost under the blanket. You will need to have a heating pad to keep under one end of the box. The puppies must be kept warm but the momma may want to get away from the heat at times.

You will need to purchase a baby scale for weighing the puppies. Careful documentation of their weight and growth in general is important. Don’t forget about the vaccinations and de-worming of the babies. And keep in mind that you will need to have food available for them when they reach that stage. Another expense is that of puppy pads. Some people use newspaper but the pads are more absorbent and less messy.

I know that sounds like a lot, and it is, but it is all necessary. In fact, there’s more to do. Your puppies will need socialization. That means you will need to spend some quality time with each of them every day. This includes playing with them, stroking them, rubbing their face and feet, and introducing them to new surfaces. You will also want to insure that they are using the puppy pad.

Of course you will have the added task of finding good homes for the babies. This can mean advertisement costs and probably some stressful moments in seeing your babies leave.

Does breeding your Shih Tzu still sound like something you would enjoy? If so then you will need to learn the details of whelping and caring for momma and babies. You can find out that and much more at Just Shih Tzu. Check it out:
http://www.JustShihTzus.com

Health Concerns Of Shih Tzu

All dogs are vulnerable to disease and illness but certain breeds are more prone to developing one than another. Shih Tzu are no exception to this. This article will list and briefly describe those problems.

ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It can be inherited, the result of an injury, or part of the aging process.

BLEEDING DISORDER

Von Willebrand disease refers to a bleeding disorder that results in a decreased amount of a glycoprotein. This glycoprotein is needed for proper clotting of the blood.

CANCER

Unfortunately cancer can strike our pets. The most common type is that of mammary or testicular cancer. It can occur at any age.

CLEFT PALATE

Cleft palate in dogs refers to a failure of the two sides of the palate to fuse correctly. This defect usually occurs during embryonic development but it can also result from over-dosages of steroids, Vitamin A, and some antibiotics.

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Congestive heart failure is a serious condition that often affects older dogs of small breeds, including Shih Tzu. This condition refers to an inability of the heart to function normally. The result is an increased retention of water and salt which leads to a fluid buildup in the lungs.

DENTAL GUM DISEASE

Just as humans, dogs need a certain amount of dental care to maintain their dental health. This includes having their teeth cleaned at least annually by the veterinarian. Other preventive steps include brushing the Shih Tzu teeth with specially formulated dog toothpaste. Providing hard dog biscuits and bones, and chew toys can also help.

EAR INFECTION

Ear infections are common in dog breeds with floppy ears. The ears fill up with a dark, smelly wax. If the condition is left untreated the infection can become chronic.

FLEA BITE DERMATITIS

Fleas often are a part of dog ownership, but certain steps should be taken to avoid excessive fleas that result in flea bites to your dog. Lawns can be treated as well as homes to eliminate live fleas. And your Shih Tzu can receive preventative medications from the veterinarian.

HARDERIAN GLAND PROLAPSE (Cherry Eye)

In harderian gland prolapse the gland of the third eyelid has prolapsed as a pink fleshy mass protruding over the edge of the third eyelid, between the third eyelid and the cornea. This condition usually develops during the first year of life.

HEART MURMURS

Heart murmurs are not necessarily indicative of a heart disease but instead, they can be a hint that the dog may have something wrong. Heart murmurs are abnormal sounds heard when the veterinarian listens to the heartbeat of your Shih Tzu with a stethoscope.

HEARTWORM DISEASE

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is cyclic. Adult worms average about six inches in length (but they can be much longer) and they mostly live in the heart. Microscopic baby worms live in the blood vessels throughout the body.

HIP DYSPLASIA

Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease of the hip joints. This condition is often inherited and it can affect one or both hips. It usually cannot be diagnosed until after the age of 2 years.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland stops working. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing a hormone that is responsible for proper metabolism.

INVERTEBRAL DISK DISEASE

Invertebral disk disease is a somewhat common back problem. The discs in the spine slip causing nerve damage. It results in acute pain, a loss of movement and or coordination, and even paralysis. The condition usually occurs following a fall or jump.

OBESITY

Smaller dogs can more easily become obese and obesity can result in many diseases and disorders. This can include heart disease, kidney disease, and increased pain from other ailments such as arthritis. Obesity can cause changes in temperature, pulse and heartbeat.

PATELLAR LUXATION (Slipped Stifles or Kneecaps)

Patellar Luxation is usually a congenital condition that appears at birth, but it can also happen due to trauma. This condition affects females 1.5 times more often than it does males. The kneecap slips out of the tendon and then slips back in.

RENAL CORTICAL HYPOPLASIA

Renal Cortical Hypoplasia refers to a condition in which the kidneys have developed incorrectly and are smaller than normal. This condition often results in infections and stone formation.

RENAL DYSPLASIA

Renal Dysplasia can be found in almost any dog breed but it is most commonly found in Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apsos. This is a genetic defect or a developmental defect of the kidneys. It is thought that the defect is caused by an embryonic arrest in kidney development sometime around the birth.

STENOTIC NARES

Stenotic Nares refers to a narrow or restricted nostril. The opening to the nostril(s) are too small making it difficult for the Shih Tzu to breathe through the nose. This condition can put a strain on various body systems of the dog and even result in an enlargement of the heart.

TRACHEAL COLLAPSE

Tracheal collapse is most commonly found in small breeds including the beloved Shih Tzu. This condition is characterized by a weakening of the cartilage rings of the trachea. The condition can be either congenital or acquired. Obesity is often a contributing factor.

UMBILICAL CORD HERNIA

The term, Umbilical Cord Hernia, describes a small prolapsed in the stomach wall of the dog in the spot that the umbilical cord was attached. It is possible for intestines to end up inside the hernia and to be twisted, particularly if the hernia is large. In such case the puppy may die.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Learning about the signs and symptoms of these health concerns will enable you to detect a problem before it escalates. If you want to know more about how you can provide better care for your Shih Tzu then check out Just Shih Tzu
You will learn the symptoms as well as the common treatments and prognosis for those health concerns and much more!

Is A Shih Tzu The Right Dog For You?

Many times people will decide they want a new pet based upon the way a dog looks or some story they have heard about the breed. There is no denying that Shih Tzus (often misspelled as Shitzu, Shihzoo, Shihsue, etc.) are adorable. They are small and the perfect lap dog.
If you like small dogs then you are sure to like this dog breed. Shih Tzu are non-shedding, making them a good choice for persons with allergies. They are intelligent and lively and as happy to be with a single person as they are to be with a large family. Because they are small they do not require a lot of space - they are even content living in an apartment.

But there are many things to consider before adding a new Shih Tzu dog to your family. Perhaps the most important matter is that Shih Tzu are a huge responsibility. You must be committed to providing proper care for them for their lifespan.
You will need to consider your lifestyle and how a Shih Tzu will fit in. Shih Tzus prefer not to be alone. They are the ultimate companion dog. If you are away from home several hours a day your Fur-baby will be lonely. Loneliness in a dog can result in unfortunate consequences. He/she may bark or whine non-stop or your little baby may look for a way to entertain himself -often this is chewing on things that you would prefer he didn't.
Ideally you will be able to spend most of your waking hours with your pet by your side. But if that is not possible you will need to find ways to keep him safe and out of trouble while you are away. Many dog parents have found that the use of a doggie play pen works well for this. They are large enough to allow plenty of play area, a bed, and a puppy pad space.
Although the doggie play pen will prevent any destruction of your items it does not help to keep your Shih Tzu company. A great solution to that is adding another Fur-baby. This is especially true of puppies. You will then have the fun and entertainment of watching the two of them play and grow together.
Shih Tzu are special dogs and require unique care in a lot of ways. If you own or are considering adding a Shih Tzu to your family you will want to learn the details of how to properly care for your little Fur-baby. You can find all the information you need right here:
Just Shih Tzu
http://www.JustShihTzus.com

Should You Become A Shih Tzu Breeder?

Many of us contemplate breeding our beautiful Shih Tzu or we may even think about adding new dogs to our family simply for the purpose of breeding. If breeding sounds like something you would like to get involved in there are lots of things to consider.

First of all, you need to learn a lot of things about your female Shih Tzu in general. You will also need to explore the best ways to care for a pregnant dog. Whelping the puppies may be a hands on experience so you will need to be prepared for that. And care of the puppies includes a lot more than feeding them.

If you believe breeding will bring in a nice income for you - you probably need to think again. Of the breeders that I have talked with they say that breeding is a labor of love and although their puppies are considered expensive by some - those puppies have a lot of time, effort, and money invested in them. The profits are marginal.

Another great tip I have gotten is that before trying breeding on your own you will need to find a mentor. This is someone with experience that is willing to work with you and help if needed.

Before making the leap into breeding be sure to get all the information you can. Information will bring you the needed knowledge to make an intelligent decision about whether or not you really want to get involved at all. Breeding is a way of life for the ones that do well with it. Are you prepared to make your dogs the center of your world? You can learn a lot about breeding, what to do and what not to do - visit Just Shih Tzu

Dog Food - What's Best For Your Shih Tzu?

I have had dogs all my life. As a child my family had dogs that basically belonged to no one in particular but rather, they belonged to the family in general – they were simply a part of us. I remember that little thought was given to what the dogs ate. Whether it was scraps from the table or whatever commercial dog food that happened to be on sale.

My dogs lived long and full lives without anyone worrying if they were getting the proper nutrition needed. But fast forward to nowadays and things are very different. We know much more about nutrition and the specific needs of our dogs, and even how that changes at various stages in their lives.

Are Dog Food Promotions Correct?

Most dog owners prefer to feed their pet commercial dog food. This method is convenient and most people trust that the dog food will meet the nutritional requirements of their pet. These owners are doing what they feel is the best thing they can to provide a great diet for their dog.

Dog food has been promoted as being everything your pet needs. Dog owners that choose commercial dog food over feeding their pet human food are confident that they are doing the right thing. In fact, some would argue that owners that cook for their pets are neglectful of some of the nutritional needs of the pet. After all, dog food is especially formulated for dogs, right?

Processed Food is not a great choice!

Try convincing one of these people that a dog and a human both need similar nutritional foods. It's not that easy. However, no matter how you look at it, or what you believe a dog should eat as opposed to humans, processed food is still processed food! This stuff is manufactured, which means it goes through various steps of processing, preservatives, and other additives before it hits the can and is packaged. Every step that is taken to get this food to the store shelves reduces its quality and nullifies most of its nutritional value.

I cook for Molly and Ben (my Shih Tzu) daily. They mostly eat a mixture of vegetables, rice, beef and gravy. It’s a sort of beef stew concoction. They seem to be very healthy and I do not have any plans of changing their diet to commercial dog food. However, I do supplement their diet with a vegetarian dog food by mixing a small amount of it in the stew mixture.

Feeding your pet a great food regimen is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Talk to the breeder you purchase your Shih Tzu from as well as your veterinarian. But ultimately the decision is yours – you have to decide what is best for your pet! Learn more about the nutritional requirements of your Shih Tzu and how they change over the lifespan. This knowledge will enable you to make wise choices when it comes to feeding your pet, visit: Just Shih Tzu

Do You Understand What Your Shih Tzu Is Trying To Say?

All dogs have the ability to tell you exactly how he/she feels – or perhaps more accurate - he can convey his emotions - whether he is happy, sad, bored, excited, disgusted, puzzled, confident, uneasy or frightened.

Even dogs that are not quite as intelligent as some others will still demonstrate emotional body language. Shih Tzu, of course, are very intelligent little dogs and they use movements of the eyes, ears, body and tail as emotional body language. This is also your Shih Tzu's primary means of communication. Researchers are finding that, rather than being limited in their means of expression, animals are attuned to an extremely subtle and refined system of communication.

Wild dogs of Africa were studied by Jane Goodall and wolves were observed by Dr. Michael W. Fox. Both researchers are recognized authorities on canine body language. They found that the animals communicated to each other a wide range of attitudes, including anger, dominance, submission, joy, interest, disgust, dismay, affection and fear – using only the slightest body movements.

Domesticated dogs have evolved throughout time - becoming increasingly comfortable ith human companionship and the domesticated lifestyle. Through this 'evolution' our Shih Tzu may have lost some sensitivity to this subtle and refined language. But it is still true that in their dealings with humans, they still use most of these instinctive, inherited forms of communication. With practice, a sensitive observer with a keen eye can learn to read his dog's body language.

As he becomes more skilled at identifying subtle changes of mood in his pet, his communication and companionship with him will grow deeper and more pleasurable. Obviously this is a worthwhile skill and because it can be learned and sharpened over time every Shih Tzu owner should work toward mastering the skill.

Veterinarians with long experience often read canine body language well, noticing the smallest nuances. Dr. Theodore Stanton, a veterinarian who has practiced now for more than forty years, has become an expert at it. He frequently acts as interpreter for his patients when their owners bring them in for treatment and ask him why their dog is doing certain peculiar things.

“Among Dogs, as among most animals, a hierarchy exists in every group,” says Dr. Stanton.

He goes on to say, “From the most dominant 'top dog' to the lowest 'under dog,' each dog works out with each other in the group which of them will be dominant and which will be submissive. Much of a dog's body language is used in the context of establishing these dominant-submissive relationships with other dogs and also with people.”

A dog uses every part of his body in some way to express his feelings and intentions. The appendage he uses most conspicuously and expressively is his tail.

“You can tell everything by a dog's tail,” explains Mr. Stanton, “He holds it up when he is alert and expecting something. If he has met a strange dog or heard an unusual sound, it quivers a little. He is saying, 'I'm ready for danger; I'm ready for anything!”

The Doctor finishes with, “A tail held very high – almost vertically – or arched over his back says he feels aggressive and dominant, and intends to do something about it if necessary. The dog with his tail tucked tightly between his hind legs is saying, 'I'm scared, and I'm getting out of here!'”

Most of us have seen all of those emotions in our Shih Tzu at one time or another. But it is also important to remember that your Shih Tzu is an individual that may or may not be like the next Shih Tzu. Get in tune with your shih Tzu and learn how to determine the subtle signs he/she demonstrates as a means of communication. Consider joining Just Shih Tzu for much more information about dog psychology, their emotions, health, training, and various other topics.

Does Your Shih Tzu Have Human-Like Emotions?

Animal behaviorists have conducted complex and probably expensive studies trying to find undeniable proof that dogs have emotions. Scientific evidence is great to have and studies should be well documented - but anyone that has a close relationship with a dog knows that 'yes' they do experience emotions.

Animals express themselves often in much the same way that humans do. You are sure to have seen your Shih Tzu tilt his/her head to the side or change facial expression or wag the tail or even tuck his/her tail. Theses things demonstrate a means of communication and emotions.

Dogs communicate with humans as well as with other animals. If you happen to own more than a single Shih Tzu I am sure you have noticed interactions between the animals. You probably know which dog is the alpha dog. And you probably have seen times that the pets were in playful moods and enjoyed each other's company and other times when they did not.

We can logically make some assumptions about what is going on in the mind of our Shih Tzu by the expressions and actions he/she displays. Just as humans communicate with body language - so do animals.

Most animal behaviorists start their research with the thought of what it would be like to be a dog. Skepticism is the initial drive which these men and women spark their research with. They wonder if dogs and other animals actually “feel” anything inside. As you can probably guess, since you cannot place an emotion under a microscope, most scientists dismiss the idea.

However, as time goes on, more and more people are becoming less skeptical about the idea of dogs and other animals having emotions. For example, there are scientific journals that are considered prestigious publications who have reported such findings as rats experiencing joy, mice that have empathy, and elephants which feel grief. Once again - our little Shih Tzu clearly demonstrate emotions when they show excitement at our arrival or at times that they feel threatened and need to be comforted.

Now the big question is, why? Why have emotions evolved in certain species as adaptation tools to their environment? The answer could be in the possibility that these emotions have evolved to become somewhat of a “social sticky” which glues the bond between animals and each other for a variety of social reasons.


We know that emotions allow animals to be flexible and adaptable to their behavior through a variety of venues. An interesting study has reported that mice are empathetic, yet they're also fun loving. Other reports show that iguanas seek pleasure, baboons become angry, and elephants - surprisingly enough - have flashbacks and post traumatic stress disorder. Documented research has also been done on fish as well as otters. In fact, it has been shown that otters show affection as well as grief at times that would be appropriate with humans.

Many researchers also concluded that animals which are living as companions to humans, especially dogs, can develop specific emotions due to our relationship with them. I'm sure that I don't have to tell you that dogs and humans share many common emotional traits. If you would like to learn more about your Shih Tzu I recommend Just Shih Tzu - you will receive information related to virtually every facet of Shih Tzu ownership.

For All Shih Tzu Lovers

If you are like me you feel that Shih Tzu are special. I have two, a male and a female, Ben and Molly. Now if you have read any of my articles or reports about this amazing breed you probably know that I don't think Ben is full bred.

Why?
Although he is registered his body-build is not like that of a Shih Tzu. Ben appears tall - his legs are long. If you are familiar with Shih Tzu you know that they are short, being about 11 inches at the withers. Their bodies are somewhat stocky. Ben is very slim. I am not sure if his genetics are off or what but I do not think he is completely Shih Tzu.

However, Ben's coloring does seem to be like that of Shih Tzu. He is mostly black - having a full black saddle and white feet. He also has a little white on his face and tail. Ben was given to me - if I hadn't accepted him his fate was that of the local shelter. Ben has a permanent home with me now and he is a happy dog.

In comparison to Ben, Molly is a wonderful specimen. In my opinion she is beautiful! Molly is very small, weighing about 7 1/2 pounds when soaking wet. She is mostly white with black/silver ears and a black mask over her left eye. She also has two small black spots on her back. Molly is not registered.

I wanted to begin this blog by 'introducing' you to my Shih Tzu because I will be talking about them from time to time. I will reference them whenever a subject fits.
By the way, Ben and Molly are both 8 years old. Molly is my best friend and both of them are always by my side when I am at home. I plan to add a new Shih Tzu to my family soon - another female. I am even considering getting involved in breeding! I will keep you posted on that.

To learn more about my story and how you can become a more conscientious Shih Tzu owner check out Just Shih Tzu.