| Choosing a puppy is not always an easy affair. There are pitfalls, good advice and information can be hard to come by if you don't know where to look. Since you will likely be spending a few hundred pounds on a puppy it is in your own interests to be armed with as much information as you can before you even go and see any litters. Given that you are browsing these pages, it would stand to reason that you are either already smitten with our breed or interested in learning more about if a Shih Tzu is right for you. There is a wealth of information online from breed organisations though to hobby sites, many books have been written about Shih Tzu, a selection of which can be ordered via our bookshop. If you have the time a great way to learn more is pop along to one of the shows up and down the country and have a chat to Shih Tzu enthusiasts. |
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The Shih Tzu is a bright, lively little dog who loves human company - both child and adult. They can, at times, be a little wilful. They would rather do things their way than perhaps the way you would like but, provided they receive sufficient attention, are totally devoted to their owners. They are usually a healthy, long lived breed with few serious inherited illnesses and none which could be considered common. Having relatively large exposed eyes, they can be prone to eye injury and infections and care needs to be taken to keep the eyes and ears clean. They are not normally aggressive but will often stand their ground - size being no barrier! They are very adaptable to either town or country life but they do not like being left on their own for extended periods. This applies to any dog really but Shih Tzu thrive on human company and do not do well left alone for too long. They are not a dog generally possesed with a great deal of road sense - they being of the opinion that cars should stop! You do have to own one to understand and appreciate their true character. Both dogs and bitches are very affectionate although most enthusiasts will tell you the dogs are usually more so. |
