Dog Care, Fish Care, Pet Care, Dog Breeds, Dog Training

Want to have a cute and glamorous looking pet? One of the best choices here is the Shih Tzu breed. It belongs to the small dog breed which looks like a small lion when its hairs are full grown. They are mostly white or a combination of brown, black, tan, or grey. They live for up to 10 to 18 years, quite long for a small breed. The Shih Tzu breed is very sweet and friendly. There are times where they want to be with your lap. Just brushing their hair makes them feel comforted and well cared for. But there are also those times where they prefer to be left on their own.

History would state that this breed used to live in the Chinese Imperial Palace as companions of the royals giving them an arrogant trait. However they are very loyal to their master. Being small, the Shih Tzu breed would be easier to carry and would only take a small portion of your homes. Walking them would not be a big deal because a shorter route would be enough for their daily exercise. They are also one of the most intelligent breeds in the world by ranking 70 according to Stanley Coren. However there are times when they would not listen even to their masters.

They would do whatever pleases them and this stubborn nature is common to the Shih Tzu breed. However adopting any dog is not all about the nice stuffs about them. If you really want to know whether a dog is fit for you, you must find out as much information as you can. The other side of the cute Shih Tzu breed must also be known to you. Otherwise you might be getting the dog you don’t want or you can’t handle. For starters, this one needs a lot of maintenance for its hair or coat. They shed a lot and frequent brushing and regular washing is needed to make sure that it does not have tangles.

Their long hairs when full grown catch dirt easily. That is why you need to trim them especially in the eye area to avoid any irritation. The Shih Tzu breed is also prone to food allergies especially to corn which causes them itchiness, dandruff, too much shedding, eye and face staining, hot spots, gassiness, and bowel problems. Like any other breeds you need to watch what it eats to avoid allergies. Being small also implies that they have small bladder which means they let out quite often. Its small and flat body also creates a slight problem during feeding time.

Most of the food is also caught in their hairs so cleaning it after every meal is a must. Another thing is their brachycephalic or snub-nosed feature which means that they are sensitive to high temperatures. Carrying the Shih Tzu breed on plane might not be possible because some airlines refuse to carry them on board when the temperature exceeds 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you are ready for the responsibilities of raising this dog then go for it! And I think their cute looks and affectionate nature could compensate all the efforts you are going to face.

Source:Ezinearticles.com