Shih Tzu

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day is the recommended daily volume for a Shih Tzu. When the Shih Tzu reaches adulthood, you can feed them at least three times a day. If they're already a puppy, they'll also need 4-6 meals per day. Since this breed is prone to hypoglycemia, this is the case. They don't have much of an energy balance because of their high metabolism.

Shih Tzus are one of the few dogs with a topcoat consisting of hair rather than fur, which is one of the key reasons they shed very little. Hair has a more extended growth period than fur, so it grows, dies, and falls out more slowly. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, and Afghan Hound are only a few examples of well-known dogs with hair instead of fur.

Shih Tzus have an undercoat that keeps them warm in the winter and cools in the summer, and it sheds. So you're not entirely out of the woods yet. While the Shih Tzu is an excellent companion for allergy sufferers, it isn't exactly fair to call them non-shedding dog type.

Weekly baths with coat oiling are needed for Shih Tzus and regular grooming to prevent foreign objects from catching in the coat. The Shih Tzu's coat is long, fluffy, and thick, with a lot of undercoats. They do take a lot of brushing regularly to keep their coats in good shape. It is better to begin grooming the dog while it is still a puppy. Hair develops upwards from the bridge of the nose and is often wrapped in a topknot on the crown of the head. If the hair gets too long, it should be groomed or left short; a groomer or breeder can usually better decide on how to do this.

They do not need or want a daily mile climb, but they do love walks and should be kept fit. Shih Tzus excel successfully in obedience and agility. Avoid training a Shih Tzu in hot, humid weather because the breed is vulnerable to heatstroke due to its short muzzle. They do need exercise, but they are perfectly content to sit at home and play. Short walks are perfectly sufficient for them. The Shih Tzu was created as a house dog. As a result, they only want light exercise.

They can need veterinary attention because they protrude and are vulnerable to eye problems. As a result, they are more susceptible to lacerations, and their eyelids and lashes can extend, irritating the eye. It is necessary to treat tear ducts that contain too many or too few tears. Shih Tzus has wide eyes and small eye sockets, making them prone to various ocular problems, including retinal dysplasia.

If you notice your Shih Tzu has an irregular discharge or is constantly scratching his or her eyes, you should have your doctor examine him or her as soon as possible. Luxation of the patella, or irregular movement or dislocation of the kneecap, is a common genetic disease in Shih Tzus. A veterinarian may diagnose a luxating patella during a physical examination and make surgical or medical treatment recommendations.

Shih Tzus are known for their upbeat, joyful personalities. They are vivacious and sociable. Shih Tzus are known for getting along with people of all ages. Shih Tzus can be introduced to children at a young age. You can't rely on your Shih Tzu to keep the house safe; he'd most likely greet a burglar with open paws.

The Shih Tzu is a loving, playful, and intelligent breed of dog. They are fond of youngsters. They are an independent breed that is afraid of outsiders. Aside from the possibility of behavioural issues, the Shih Tzu is a very loyal dog and gets along well with children. However, if not adequately monitored with the breed, younger children have been known to elicit an aggravated reaction.

When playing with a Shih Tzu puppy, children should sit on the floor to avoid lifting and losing the puppy. Children can also learn to keep their fingers away from the Shih Tzu's extensive, easily damaged eyes.

Shih Tzu's love being the centre of focus, but they enjoy practising and learning tricks. They love studying and enjoy pleasing others. They can be obstinate at times, and their dignified demeanour gives the appearance that certain things are beyond them. They will become somewhat loyal with patience and persistence.

Since the Shih Tzu is vulnerable to stubbornness when it comes to training, careful socialization and training must begin at an early age for the Shih Tzu to follow simple commands. However, good, quick, direct communication is needed, as is children's mindfulness. Shi Tzus have a reputation for nipping and barking at youngsters. Growling, kicking, and yapping habits will develop rapidly if adequate instruction and discipline are not provided.

Shih Tzu dogs get along well with other dogs and other pets of all species. There are a few snippy Shih Tzus out there, but the majority are friendly. When exposed to other dogs and family pets at a young age, they will welcome them. While the temperament of a Shih Tzu varies from dog to dog, the breed as a whole has a loyal, affectionate, outgoing, cute, and alert personality. When it comes to other puppies, they tend to be possessive. For hyper or bigger dogs, they can be a little temperamental, but in general, the Shih Tzu gets along with them.