Should You Choose a Shih Tzu? Pros and Cons

Shih Tzus can be a joy or a pain depending on your situation, and like any breed there are pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider:

Pros: They have the ideal temperament for singles or couples with older kids are people dogs-outgoing, confident and alert. While they may appear somewhat arrogant on sight, the breed usually possesses a sweet-natured temperament. can go from being the ultimate TV-watching couch potato companion to playful pet at the dangling of a toy or toss of a treat. These little guys seem to know they're irresistible and enjoy being treated like royalty. But all the spoiling their owners lavish them with is returned a hundredfold with their fierce loyalty.

Shitzu Dogs

With: They are not always good for babies or young children
Because are used tobeing the center of attention, they can get jealous of babies or young children who constantly need adult supervision. And an older Shih Tzu may snap if bothered by boisterous kids who are not respectful of its space. But some are more tolerant, and if pup and child are introduced properly at an early stage, they may get along swimmingly.

Pros: The breed requires minimal exercise
Unlike other action-loving breeds, are usually content with a short walk around the block or indoor play sessions. If you have a yard, letting your out for brief periods during the day will thrill him, but this breed is also well suited for apartment dwellers.

Should You Choose a Shih Tzu? Pros and Cons

With: High maintenance when it comes to grooming
The is a long-haired breed, and without regular brushing, it can become a matted,knotted mess. If you can't commit to setting time out daily to comb your dog's fur, you'll have to make regular appointments with the local dog groomer for frequent trims to keep his coat short and clean. also require a weekly bath and nail clipping.

Pro: A storied history
If you want a piece of history ambling about your house, look no further than the. Based on the breed's appearances in ancient Chinese paintings, it is thought that have been around since 624 AD and while the breed's origin is a subject of much debate, they were known to be part of the Chinese court.

With: A history of health problems
While generally healthy creatures, Shih Tzus are subject to a kidney disease called renal dysplasia. Also, because of their short faces, this breed has to be handledwith more care than some other breeds-a Shih Tzu's respiratory system is compromised by his short nose, I don't smoke or use strong chemical cleaning products around him. Also, short-faced dogs have a high risk of heatstroke, so minimizing your dog's outdoor activity during the summer is essential.

Pro: All the cool kids have
Because are awesome, they have been a staple in the American Kennel Club's Top 10 Most Popular Breeds since 2004.

With: All the cool kids have Shih Tzus
The burden of any popular breed is abuse by puppy millers and backyard breeders, who damage the gene pool by mass-breeding dogs for profit and not for the betterment of the breed.

Should You Choose a Shih Tzu? Pros and Cons

Should You select a Shih Tzu? Pros and Cons

Shih Tzus can be a joy or a pain depending on your situation, and like any breed there are pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider:

Pro: They have the ideal temperament for singles or couples with older kids are population dogs - outgoing, distinct and alert. While they may appear somewhat arrogant on sight, the breed ordinarily possesses a sweet-natured temperament. Can go from being the ultimate Tv-watching couch potato companion to playful pet at the dangling of a toy or toss of a treat. These slight guys seem to know they're irresistible and enjoy being treated like royalty. But all the spoiling their owners lavish them with is returned a hundredfold with their fierce loyalty.

Shitzu Dogs

Con: They are not always good for babies or young children
Because are used to being the town of attention, they can get jealous of babies or young children who constantly need adult supervision. And an older Shih Tzu may snap if bothered by boisterous kids who are not respectful of its space. But some are more tolerant, and if pup and child are introduced properly at an early stage, they may get along swimmingly.

Pro: The breed requires minimal exercise
Unlike other action-loving breeds, are ordinarily article with a short walk nearby the block or indoor play sessions. If you have a yard, letting your out for brief periods while the day will thrill him, but this breed is also well grand for apartment dwellers.

Con: High maintenance when it comes to grooming
The is a long-haired breed, and without regular brushing, it can become a matted, knotted mess. If you can't commit to setting time out daily to comb your dog's fur, you'll have to make regular appointments with the local dog groomer for frequent trims to keep his coat short and clean. Also want a weekly bath and nail clipping.

Pro: A storied history
If you want a piece of history ambling about your house, look no supplementary than the. Based on the breed's appearances in old Chinese paintings, it is understanding that have been nearby since 624 Ad and while the breed's origin is a subject of much debate, they were known to be part of the Chinese court.

Con: A history of condition problems
While generally salutary creatures, Shih Tzus are subject to a kidney disease called renal dysplasia. Also, because of their short faces, this breed has to be handled with more care than some other breeds - a Shih Tzu's respiratory ideas is compromised by his short nose, so don't smoke or use strong chemical cleaning products nearby him. Also, short-faced dogs have a high risk of heatstroke, so minimizing your dog's outdoor activity while the summer is essential.

Pro: All the cool kids have
Because are awesome, they have been a staple in the American Kennel Club's Top 10 Most beloved Breeds since 2004.

Con: All the cool kids have Shih Tzus
The burden of any beloved breed is abuse by puppy millers and backyard breeders, who damage the gene pool by mass mis-breeding dogs for behalf and not for the betterment of the breed.

So if you feel a Shitzu is for you, please start your search with a breeder referral from the Akc or a breed-specific club (in this case the American Shih Tzu Club) - these resources will steer you in the right direction. Never buy a puppy off the internet with a "buy it now" tab. Instant gratification is all good and well until you find your puppy is replete with condition problems from poor breeding.

Should You select a Shih Tzu? Pros and Cons

Should Your Shih Tzu Eat Homemade Dog Food?

Today more and more Shih Tzu owners feed their dogs homemade food. Dog owners are well informed and gone are the days when dog food manufacturers can convince owners that their food is all a dog needs to live a long and wholesome life. There is a lot of facts available how to make homemade foods and every owner is now in a position to give his dog appetizing and wholesome homemade meals. If you don't all the time have the time to prepare homemade food, at least give your Shih Tzu homemade food once in a while to vary his diet. Just think if you received the same food day in and day out. How boring! I am sure you will consideration that he waves his tail and runs to the bowl when he sees you have ready his favorite homemade meal.

The question with industrial foods

Shitzu Dogs

The first objective of industrial dog food manufacturers is to make money and the condition of your dog is of secondary importance. They add preservatives so that the food can last longer and colorants to make the food more appealing. Exactly what effect preservatives and colorants have on animals are difficult to quantify, but I can tell you this: many Shih Tzu allergies disappear not long after they started eating homemade food.

There is also a request mark about the quality of the meat going into industrial products. In some cases it is by-products and meat that is not fit for human consumption. The more high-priced brands, as a rule, consist of great ingredients than the cheaper varieties.

I am also sad to say that most owners have convenience, instead of their dog's health, in mind when they pick their dog's food and manufacturers know and exploit this.

What is homemade dog food?

As the name suggests homemade dog food is food you make at home, but there is more to it than that. Your Shih Tzu should not receive the same food you eat or even worse the scraps from the table. Nor should he receive processed foods that are the cause of so many illnesses in humans. Homemade food should consist of all the key ingredients of protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals in the right proportion to ensure your Shih Tzu receives everything he needs from his food. A good rule of thumb is to ensure the food is 40% protein, 30% starch and 30 % vegetables. Proteins are usually in the form of meat. 

Just a word of warning! Stay away from the following ingredients when you prepare a homemade meal, as it is poisonous to your dog: raisins, avocados, citrus fruits, bread dough, garlic and onions.

The big advantage of homemade dog food is that you can operate what goes into your Shih Tzu's food - whether it is A grade steaks or chicken breast.

Think nature

Some population take homemade dog food one step further. They believe their Shih Tzu's diet should resemble, as closely as possible, what a dog would eat in nature. They argue that the heating process destroys vital ingredients and nutrients in food. They may have a point, but keep in mind that the prey a wild dog catches in nature is commonly consumed immediately, and eating raw meat after it has matured a bit may not be the same. Some vets warn that the pathogens in the raw meat can cause food poisoning in your dog - so be warned.

If your dog suffers from unexplained illnesses, give homemade dog food a try. It may just mean the end of your Shih Tzu's allergies.

Should Your Shih Tzu Eat Homemade Dog Food?

Ten perilous Dog Foods Your Shih Tzu (Or Any Other Dog For That Matter) Should Never Eat

You may like to spoil your dog and I certainly cannot blame you. With those loving eyes who can resist? But when it comes to the food you give your Shih Tzu you need to be careful, as you can harm your dog without even knowing it. Please go through this list and make sure you don't feed your dog any of these foods. Some of the foods may even surprise you.

Fast Foods

Shitzu Dogs

Pizza, hamburgers and similar foods comprise a lot of dead calories. It can add a lot of kilos to your mid riff and the same is true for your dog.  A small dog like a Shih Tzu does not have to eat a lot of junk food before the extra kilograms begin to show. Even worse, once your dog takes a liking to junk food, he may want it all the time and your dog will not get all the eating these type of foods can lead to malnutrition. Malnutrition and being overweight can have serious long term consequences to your dog's health.

Chocolate

The ingredient in chocolate that is toxic to your dog is theobromine. It takes approximately 150mg per kilogram of body weight for theobromine to cause a toxic reaction. Bakers chocolate is the most perilous because it contains 390mg theobromine per ounce. Semi sweet chocolate is less perilous with Milk Chocolate being the least dangerous. Someone else reason to avoid chocolate is because it has been known to cause depression in dogs.

Onions

Onions comprise thiosulphate that will lead to haemolytic anaemia. It means the red blood cells of course burst while circulating in the body. Scary!

Garlic

Garlic is family of onions and will affect your dog in the same way, but to a lesser extent.

Avocado

The poisonous ingredient in avocado is called persin. This can be found in the Avocado leaves, the fruit, the skin and the bark. Also be particular of products containing avocado oil.

Grapes and raisins

Grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. All it takes is a small amount, especially for such a small dog as a Shih Tzu. Be particular of foods like fruitcake.

Tomatoes

The tomato plant is the most dangerous, but tomatoes can also be fatal. Tomatoes can cause heart arrhythmias and tremors.

Caffeine

The most tasteless perilous are coffee and tea. Caffeine can cause restlessness, vomiting and heart palpitations and can lead to eventual death if an overdose occurs. Caffeine has the same corollary on dogs as humans meaning it affects the central nervous principles and the cardiac system.

Chicken bones

Chicken bones can splinter and cause serious damage to your dogs digestive tract. For this reason it is good to avoid chicken bones. You should rather avoid all bones that have the ability to splinter.

Dairy Products

Like humans, a lot of dogs are lactose intolerant and it is good to avoid all dairy products. Dairy products are also one of the main causes of allergies in dogs.

Ten perilous Dog Foods Your Shih Tzu (Or Any Other Dog For That Matter) Should Never Eat