Some friends of mine are about to buy their first dog, and have decided upon a Shih Tzu. Being a GSD person, I know little about them, but have suggested that they read all about the breed, and whether it fits with their lifestyle. Can anyone tell me whether there are any particular health concerns/tests, and anything else in general that someone thinking of getting a Shih Tzu would benefit from knowing.

Any good websites you know of would also be much appreciated

Thanks

Kat

Hi I have a Shih Tzu and they are actually quite a hardy little breed. They are like any dog if socialised well and taught basic manners they make an excellent family dog. Contary to popular belief they don't yap a lot and my Shih Tzu actually barks alot less than my BC used to. They are also a very laid back relaxed breed which are happy to sleep when your busy but always up for fun when you are. Our Shih Tzu also comes hiking with us and always leads the way no lagging behind for him.

Any new owners do need to be aware of the coat care required, I keep my dog in a puppy cut and this requires regular trips to the groomers every 6 - 8 weeks as well as regular daily grooming at home.

They are a proper dog and if treated like a proper dog make great all round companions, it's the likes of Geri Halliwell that treats them like a doll that gives them a bad impression, I know my dog wouldn't stand any of that namby pamby teatment, he'd much rather walk than be carried any day.

I also know Shih Tzus who have gone on to do very well in obedience classes and even agility as well.

My Shih Tzu was the best behaved puppy in his puppy class by far, the rest were hooligans the other owners were quite jealous at how well Oscar did :-)

Hope this helps

Forgot to add, try this website for more info

www.theshihtzuclub.co.uk

I can only agree with everything Caz says about Shih tzu's, I also have one bit younger than Caz's pup, but like she says they DO NOT yap a lot, mine only barks when someone is at the door, or she can hear other dogs barking (like all other dogs). She is a very laid back and not hyper like a lot of dogs. Keep saying to my mum I am waiting for the mad puppyness to start but she is just not like that. Yes she does have her mad 1/2 hour (again like most dogs) but she is not distructive like a lot of pups.

They do need to be groomed every day, as if not the fur can get into a mess and get matted easily. But if you groom from day one your pup will become accustomed to this and will most likely go to sleep when your grooming the coat. And if your not keeping a long coat a puppy trim is vital every 6-8 weeks, and perhaps getting the fur by the eyes trimmed in between visits to grommers as well, so the dog can see.

Hi, I have a shih tzu also. He decided early on in his life that he was not going to be the type to sit on a satin cushion having his hair done - oh no! Over the summer he has spent time sailing, bike riding (in his basket) surfing and helping me train for a 10k run. They are fantastic little dogs and I highly recommend them. But he does have to go to the beauty parlour every 6 weeks or so...

As I have said before one of mine does not like walking much the other one can be quite yappy which I was surprised about because everyone said shih-tzus were very quiet. In spite of this I love them to bits and they make excellent companions

Thank you all you Shih Tzu's. It sounds like they have chosen well!
Now I have told them NOT to buy from a pet shop, but a reputable breeder and have passed on the links to the breeders on champdogs, and to the Shih Tzu club. They've had a hard time of it lately with family illness (parents) and so they definitely deserve some joy!
Thanks again
Kat