Brief Guide to the Shih Tzu - 4 Questions Answered
What are the characteristics of a Shih Tzu? (pronounced Sheed Zoo) A Shih Tzu makes a devoted companion.
They love the good life, and although they can have selective hearing make adorable pets.
This breed is built for companionship; if you have time for grooming, dedication & room on your lap they have a lot of love to give.
What should I feed my Shih Tzu?All small dogs require a very nutritious diet as every bite counts.
They can be fed tinned or complete dry diet but you may prefer to prepare a homemade diet which may include chicken & rice for example.
Do small dogs really need much training? All dogs need some training.
It is a matter of individual owners choice as to what level of training is required.
On a very basic level they need to learn their place in the pack & rules of socialization with other dogs.
How much exercise will he need? Exercise is important to keep muscles strong & the heart healthy.
It will also help keep weight in check as any extra weight will put a strain on internal organs & the joints.
It doesn't take much to tip the scales for a small dog.
It is important to remember however NEVER to exercise a Shih Zhu in hot weather as the short nose & thick coat don't mix with high temperatures & can lead to a bout of heatstroke.
A suggestion would be to avoid mid day heat & make time to walk early morning & later in the early evening.
They love the good life, and although they can have selective hearing make adorable pets.
This breed is built for companionship; if you have time for grooming, dedication & room on your lap they have a lot of love to give.
What should I feed my Shih Tzu?All small dogs require a very nutritious diet as every bite counts.
They can be fed tinned or complete dry diet but you may prefer to prepare a homemade diet which may include chicken & rice for example.
Do small dogs really need much training? All dogs need some training.
It is a matter of individual owners choice as to what level of training is required.
On a very basic level they need to learn their place in the pack & rules of socialization with other dogs.
How much exercise will he need? Exercise is important to keep muscles strong & the heart healthy.
It will also help keep weight in check as any extra weight will put a strain on internal organs & the joints.
It doesn't take much to tip the scales for a small dog.
It is important to remember however NEVER to exercise a Shih Zhu in hot weather as the short nose & thick coat don't mix with high temperatures & can lead to a bout of heatstroke.
A suggestion would be to avoid mid day heat & make time to walk early morning & later in the early evening.