Shih Tzu dogs: reviews of owners

To date, there is a huge number of breeds, and each of them differs from others in a number of characteristics. This is the external data and characteristics of the character, the sensitivity to training and much more. Today we want to tell you about representatives of a unique breed called shih-tzu. Reviews owners of these crumbs do not have time to repeat that this is the best pets that only breeders could get. It is up to each of you to decide whether this is so, but first, we recommend you read our article.

general description

If you are looking for the most loyal, beautiful, intelligent and sociable pet, for whom aggression is completely alien, you can consider that your task has already been accomplished. We present you a charming shih-tzu. Reviews about them are extremely positive, as these animals are easy to care for and quite unpretentious. All owners note their mobility and cheerful disposition, curiosity and high intelligence.

In addition, this is an excellent option for a small apartment. Miniature creatures do not take much space, they have a soft pillow at the master's feet. Despite the miniature size, shih-tzu has the courage and heart of a lion. Distinguished by a thin, sensitive hearing, she is always the first to perceive danger and warn about it.

Breed Standard

In fact, this only matters if you are planning an exhibition career for your puppy. If the puppy is purchased for the soul, then minor deviations do not matter much. However, you need to know the general characteristics of the breed, at least if you do not want to sell another dog.

What should be real shih-tzu? Description of the breed, reviews of leading cynologists, all this draws a very attractive image of a small, but very proud creation. A high-raised head and ceremonious gait give it a noble lineage. Luxurious coat, long and thick, with a well-developed undercoat, is a real decoration for your pet.

The head is wide and rounded, the muzzle is square, without wrinkles. Colors can be very different, but experts appreciate the snow-white tail, which is richly dressed with wool and is thrown high on the back.

The eyes are large and expressive, which creates an additional charm. Ears are large, hanging, with thick fur, which smoothly passes into the mane on the back of the head.

The body of representatives of this breed is stretched, rectangular format, strong. Chest deep, low down. The back is straight, the waist is slightly convex.

Character

At first glance it is a charming toy. But despite their decorative appearance, these are not dogs of the Shih Tzu breed. The reviews of dog handlers and leading breeders emphasize that this is a companion with an unusual temper and character.

Most often they do not have one master, like dog-bodyguards. They share love among all household members, without depriving anybody of attention. It is very important not to leave a crumb at home alone. Shih Tzu is extremely difficult to bear loneliness and will howl and bark even if you are away for an hour. Therefore, the best option if family members work and study at different times and can be at home in turn. Your pet will follow you persistently, watch at the door of the bathtub, watch the preparation of food in the kitchen.

Even in a dream, the faithful Shih Tzu does not stop working. Reviews of the owners say that even if the puppy is fast asleep, this does not mean that he does not control the situation. It is worth the master to stand up, as his constant companion will immediately follow him. Thanks to such affection, they become ideal companions for the elderly and lonely people, brightening up their everyday lives. This breed is very much attached to people, but with representatives of the canine world is kept at a distance.

Roles in the family

This elegant, refined dog actually has a fairly strong physique. Of course, commensurate with their actual size. They can move a lot of weight and have good health. But, despite their fortress, they are not guard dogs because of their small size and affectionate, loving nature.

But if you have small children, then with the purchase of a puppy of this breed it is better to wait. The fact that the kids perceive them as their own kind and are actively involved in the game. It is clear that they can by negligence damage the fragile puppy. But for a schoolboy, starting from the first classes, a handsome shih-tzu can become an ideal companion. The responses of the owners say that children growing up with a four-legged friend become more responsible and punctual.

Older people and people with disabilities can enjoy the company of this dog also because it does not need to walk in the street. Shih Tzu can be grown completely homemade. He will be able to manage the need in the tray, and the owner remains only for hours combing his long fur, which the pet will be inexpressibly happy.

If there is a person in the family who is chained to the house due to physical possibilities, then the cynologists recommend starting a shih-tzu. The owners' reviews repeatedly emphasize that this breed reacts very painfully to loneliness. Even an adult dog will whine and cry when her beloved master leaves home. However, this breed is considered to be surprisingly silent, its suffering will remain almost imperceptible to its neighbors.

The cost of a puppy

This is an important issue that needs to be discussed inside the family, because puppies of Shih Tzu are not cheap at the market today. Reviews of breeders is better to start collecting in advance, so as not to make a mistake and not to buy a knowingly sick animal.

Of course, the cost will depend on the pedigree. If you want to see at home a luxury representative of the show class, then consider the price category from 30 000 to 50 000 rubles. However, in this case, you need to know that the breeder sees his puppies every day, and if among them there is a real star, it will not be sold for any money.

If you do not plan a star career for your dog, then you can choose a pet in the lower price segment, namely within 10-15 thousand rubles. For this money, a normal healthy shih-tzu dog can appear in your house. Photos of parents and close relatives are very desirable material, on which you can navigate when choosing a future pet.

In the markets, you can sometimes meet puppies at lower prices. However, it is here that you are at great risk. Mostly, dealers here trade, who take the puppies from the breeder, and then keep them in poor conditions, which undermines the health of the kids. One can not deny cases of obvious fraud when mongrel puppies are dyed and screwed up with wool, forged documents and sell them as thoroughbred. Therefore, you need to be as attentive as possible.

Care of hair

Now let's talk a little about the main virtue of Shih Tzu. Reviews of the breed agree that it is a luxurious coat. Each time, seeing in the show ring a dog with flowing hair to the floor, a newcomer is asked the same question: "What kind of aids do you use to care?"

In fact, cosmetics here play far from the most important role. Much of the abundant hair is inherited, although this does not exclude the need to care for it. Here you can say even more, there is not one magic tool that would fit for any dog of this breed. Like people, they can have a different type of wool, so you'll need to scramble a dozen before stopping at one. The hardness of water can also influence the result.

Grooming

Despite the best cosmetic means, no one canceled the duty to care for the fur. It is very important to comb the dog daily so that no collars develop.

Many shih-tzu molt at the age of 10-12 months. At this time, care for the fur coat becomes even more complicated. The mallets are knocked down at a record speed, and it seems that there is no way to put the dog in order. In fact, this is normal for a shih-tzu dog. Comments of leading experts on grooming say that juvenile molt lasts only three weeks, after which the dog will cover with an adult, harder hair, caring for which is much easier. The most important thing is to continue combing your pet every day.

Dirty wool becomes more difficult to care for, more coils are formed in it. Therefore, the pet should be washed regularly. If you are walking with him on the street, then it is possible that water procedures will have to be performed more often. For a domestic dog, the normal interval is 3-4 weeks. It is very important to comb out the pet before bathing. The wetting of the collars leads to the fact that it is impossible to comb them out, it remains only to cut and wait for the new wool to grow.

To care for pet hair, you must have a set of combs. To begin with, go through it with a wide jagged comb and make sure that you have disassembled all the koltuns. Having stumbled upon one of them, it is necessary to disassemble it with your hands, if necessary, cutting it with scissors.

To make the process easier, treat the wool from the spray gun. To prevent hair from getting dirty with food, collect it before each meal and chop it with special rubber bands.

Features of care

Each breed has its own nuances that you need to know and consider. Was not an exception and Shih Tzu. A dog, whose owners' feedback is very warm, needs your daily care and affection. Like all big-eyed dogs, their eyes are very vulnerable. Inspect them daily, especially paying attention to any redness or turbidity.

Care must be taken also for the appearance of external parasites, such as fleas or ticks. Just a few fleas can cause the animal to itch in such a way that all the precious wool you've been growing for years will start to crawl out.

Pay attention to the toilet of your pet. Very often feces get stuck in thick wool and clog the anal area. The problem is solved very simply: under a stream of warm water, the feces soften and are easily removed. It only remains to dry the hair with a hair dryer.

Health of your pet

Many beginning dog breeders, who first decided to get a pet, most worry about that he did not get sick. In this regard, just the ideal option may be a dog shih-tzu. Veterinarians' comments emphasize that miniature creatures often differ in excellent health and are often included in the list of long-livers. Be sure to think about it before you get a gentle toy terrier or any other representative of the breed. Severe illness and, moreover, the death of a pet - this is a real tragedy for any master.

However, in order for your shih-tzu to live happily ever after, you must constantly monitor his eyes, the state of his teeth and gums. Eyes can be wiped daily with the help of cotton pads. But only a professional can remove tartar.

Another problematic place is the ears. Wool from shih-tzu is very thick and long, it covers both ears, because of what the air circulation is disturbed. Long hair tangles, forming a tangle that will cover the ear canal. This can lead to inflammation. To avoid such consequences, the overgrown hair should be cut or plucked. Do not forget to wipe the ear canal after each bath, so that moisture does not stay in it.

Feeding

This is an important part of knowledge for every caring owner. Many health problems result from malnutrition. That's why you need to pay special attention to this moment. For the first time taking the puppy home, be sure to ask the breeder what to feed the shih-tzu. Reviews of the owners say that this dog is not too choosy. Representatives of this breed will perfectly eat natural and ready-made food.

In case the natural food is the basis of the diet, raw or boiled beef, quality by-products, boiled vegetables, cereals and dairy products, as well as fish should appear daily in the bowl. In addition, add to the menu additives: sea kale, fish oil and complex vitamins.

If you just take the puppy home, it is extremely important to know what to feed the shih-tzu. The owners' feedback emphasizes that for the fastest adaptation and avoiding digestive problems, the first month the baby needs to be given only the habitual food. Only then you can change the diet. Any changes must be gradual.

The problem of excess weight

It is very relevant for shih-tzu, especially if it is solely home-based. In this case, you need to carefully monitor the amount and quality of the contents of the bowl of your pet.

These dogs are predisposed to fullness, so from an early age, try to accustom them to quality and not too fatty food. It is best to choose a specialized food for adult dogs prone to fatness.

Pocket Shih Tzu

In fact, it's a myth, but it brings good money to breeders every year. It is believed that the most prestigious pets are the mini shih-tzu. Reviews of dog handlers do not support this propaganda, saying that there is no separate branch of miniature dogs of this breed.

However, there is always a possibility that among puppies one will be much less than the others. Most often it will be the weakest of all the litter. Therefore, if you want the kid lived with you a long and happy life, then you should not chase the miniature size. With good care these dogs can live up to 20 years. The average life expectancy is 13-15 years.