Why am i the only person in a group of friends who have the internet!

After telling friends they should find out about a breed of dog before buying one, & dont just go by its looks. I am here again looking for imformation on the shit zoo (sorry i know the spelling is wrong)

Do they make a nice family dog with sensible children?
How often do they need to be bathed & brushed?
How much exercise do they need?
Can they do basic obedience with training?

I hope someone can help please.

LOL

Shih Tzus originally a cross between a Pekingese & a Lhasa Apso.

They can be delightful little dogs, but do need well socializing(as do all dogs), a patient trainer as they do have the independence of the Lhasa(typical Tibetan breed).

They need to be groomed daily, especially as puppies & as adults need a complete groom out once a week & a comb & brush through daily. Because their coat grows continually(like the Lhasa) it needs trimming & not clipping to floor length. They need to be bathed as much as any dog does-when they are dirty/smelly ;-), but not every week. Their head coat should be fastened up & not cut off. They have a double coat so care is needed to make sure any tangles are removed as soon as possible

They are quite an active dog & when adult do enjoy a good walk.

Please make sure they go a good breeder who does the required health tests

Thanks moonmaiden.

Also check for hernia's they seem to be quite a bad breed for them.

What health tests should we be looking for on this breed?  And does anyone know if there are any all black pups out there?

I've never seen a black one, but I used to groom a dark grey one. Most of the ones I get are that pretty biscuit and white colour though.

Here you go, reams of info on history, care, grooming, choosing and colours :-D

Shih Tzu Club Uk

amazingly, no mention of Health on Uk websites but quite a bit on American ones