There are many things to consider once you begin to think about Shih Tzu breeding. One of the key things that many people who breed dogs of any breed fail to think about is their purpose for breeding dogs. Many puppy mills are created and ran in order to receive a profit and they care about nothing else.

In order to make sure that you would never end up like those puppy mills, you need to consider exactly why you want to get into breeding dogs. While the money is nice and lets face it, we all need it, there has to be other reasons for breeding animals or the results will not be good.

If you truly love getting involved with Shih Tzu care and want to help others receive healthy and loved puppies, then you may be on the right path. Sharing your passion and love with others is an excellent reason to get involved with Shih Tzu breeding. When starting out, in order to ease into things, you will want to start out with just one pair of adult Shih Tzu’s in order to be able to place all of your focus and attention on them.

When you finally decide to begin taking steps towards Shih Tzu breeding, it is suggested that you start with parents who are totally healthy and have an excellent temperament. While this is not a promise that their pups will result with the same characteristics, it is worth every effort to help make it happen.

It cannot be stressed enough that you must have an extensive knowledge of what this breed is prone to.

It is vital that you discuss with your vet that you intend on breeding this pair and let him or her check them over for health concerns. Your vet may be able to point out problems that could arise with breeding that you were not already aware of. Hopefully, with the right steps in the beginning and by taking your time, you will be able to breed healthy and loveable Shih Tzu’s.

Know that you are ready to begin with Shih Tzu breeding; you want to create a safe environment for your dogs to breed and live during the entire process. It is generally best with this breed to keep them indoors and this is what you will find many other people who breed them doing. While under your care you must make sure that the adult dogs remain healthy by giving them proper diets and even possibly vitamins that your vet may suggest.

Understand that giving birth is an emotional roller coaster ride for dogs just like for people. Be prepared that your Shih Tzu may be a little tense or even protective during this time as it is a natural thing. And one of the best things you can do for your female dog is to allow her resting time in between puppy litters. Do not try to turn her into a breeding machine. Give her the time she needs and when she is ready and has the okay by the vet, you can try again.

The importance of correcting Shih Tzu problem behaviors quickly is because if you wait to fix it, the harder it will be and the longer it will take to fix the problem. Although it is never impossible to retrain a dog, it is much easier on both you and the dog if it is done quickly and properly. Taking action quick will help make sure the issue is controlled right away and will remind your dog that they are to submit to you and follow your lead and instruction.

Your Shih Tzu, while tiny, still packs a mighty bite and can do a lot of damage if allowed to get out of control.

While the Shih Tzu looks are innocent and harmless, a lot of damage can be done to someone who gets too close or a child who just wants to give your dog some love. Even if you have avoided addressing the obedience issue with your dog, it is never too late to start taking steps in the right direction.

It is important to diagnose possible Shih Tzu problem behaviors before they even arise. And although they may never come up, it is vital that you know a few of the problems that always seem to come up with Shih Tzus. While these problems appear on the surface to be innocent enough, if left alone, they can turn into so much more. One of the most talked about problems that owners have is that their Shih Tzu wants to always jump up onto company.

And while that may be okay in some cases, if your Shih Tzu jumps up onto a small toddler, they can cause that small child to fall onto the floor with the Shih Tzu jumping on top. This can lead to many different injuries including scratches and bumps to the head of the toddler. This behavior must be stopped right away as it can turn into a game of who can get whom with your dog.

Have you ever seen a dog walk their owner? It happens all the time as more and more owners report that their tiny dog is dragging them all over town or the park. This often becomes a Shih Tzu problem behavior with inexperienced owners.

The dog that pulls or tugs at their leash is simply trying to walk you and you show you where to go. Remember, that dogs are pack animals and in their minds, there is one pack leader. If you are not taking that role, they will assume it and take control of you and your home.

Also, although you do your best at putting a secure leash and collar on your dog, you can never be completely sure that it will not break. A dog who is left allowed to pull and tug on their leash will end up running away if suddenly the leash breaks or you drop it. There are so many dogs lost every year because of that same bad behavior. With the proper training and action, you can prevent this from happening. This is another behavior that must be stopped right away.

People will usually buy Shih Tzu dogs for a variety of reasons but one of the reasons is because Shih Tzu dogs love to be the center of attention. This makes Shih Tzu pictures easy to take and fun to look at. You will have to become familiar with your dog and understand the tendencies of their breed in order to really get it to do what you want when taking pictures but it is worth it in the end.

The first thing you want to do is to make your dog feel at ease by playing with your dog, petting your dog, and just generally making the dog feel comfortable. If you will be using a pedestal to get pictures then put the dog on the pedestal and praise it profusely for sitting there and stop praising it when it gets down. Shih Tzu dogs are smart and after a while they will catch on to what you are trying to tell them.

You are probably going to want to put silly hats and ribbons on your Shih Tzu for the Shih Tzu pictures. And the Shih Tzu normally does not mind these things if you proceed correctly. As soon as you feel that the dog is comfortable with the studio and has calmed down, then start brushing it and grooming it right away. This will get the dog used to any costume changes and will allow you to try any outfits or accessories you want to try for the shoot.

The Shih Tzu loved to be groomed and if you associate trying on accessories and outfits with being groomed then they will more than likely not only stand for it but also love it.

Do not force your Shih Tzu to do one or two things you want it to do because then it will stop responding for the whole session. Cut your losses and take what the dog will give you.

Forcing a Shih Tzu to do something will mean more than likely that your session is over and there will be no Shih Tzu pictures at all.

The Shih Tzu do not respond well to tension or a lot of commotion so any Shih Tzu photo session will need to be very organized and very quiet. You will need everything to flow smoothly and reduce the amount of people in the room as much as possible. Upsetting the Shih Tzu means no pictures.

Yes the Shih Tzu is just like a little movie star in that it wants everything the way it wants things to go and it will, more than likely, reject some of your ideas. But this is what you will have to get used to and expect if you want to capture truly beautiful pictures of your Shih Tzu dog to treasure and keep for many years to come.

A Shih Tzu is a proud and regal dog that likes things very clean and doesn’t really get trained. You can show a Shih Tzu what you expect it to do, but in the end if it does not adopt the behavior then you have a long road ahead of you. Punishment and negative reinforcement will cause all of your training to be undone and you may even have to reconnect with your Shih Tzu after any punishment. Your Shih Tzu only understands positive reinforcement so be patient and use good training.

Punishment never works with a Shih Tzu so don’t try, it will only undo any training you have done. You need to always be engaging in rewards and praise for good activity and ignoring bad activity.

With that being said some people still like to engage in Shih Tzu paper training as a part of housebreaking efforts and honestly that may do more harm than good. A Shih Tzu, for as intelligent as they are, can get confused very easily and if you have been engaged in the same housebreaking routine for months and then you suddenly change it that can cause many problems for your dog.

Housebreaking a Shih Tzu, even in the most ideal situations, can take up to six months to complete before the dog really gets it. So before you resort to Shih Tzu paper training you may want to make sure you have really given all standard housebreaking methods a chance first. Sometimes it just takes your Shih Tzu a little longer to catch on but standard housebreaking will work much better than the paper method.

Since setting up a confined living area for your Shih Tzu is a standard first step in the housebreaking process it is assumed that the Shih Tzu is probably soiling in areas just outside the living area. If this is the case you can try expanding their living area to include the soiled area and move their bedding close to, but not on, the soiled spot. Shih Tzu dogs do not soil where they sleep so perhaps after moving it’s bedding near a soiled spot it may start to think that outside is a better option.

Shih Tzu paper training should almost not be necessary if you are engaged in the other correct ways to housebreak your Shih Tzu but if paper training is a route you want to take then move their living area to encircle the area they are soiling the most. Cover the soiled area with layers of papers and praise the dog when it uses the papers. Keep the papers clean but keep a small amount of soiled paper with the fresh paper so the dog knows it is okay to use them. Then slowly start moving the whole thing towards the door until the dog associates outside with bathroom activities.

It is not easy to housebreak a Shih Tzu and paper training could be one of the worst things you can do when you are involved in housebreaking training.

Breaking that routine by moving the living space and adding newspapers will probably set your housebreaking back to square one so be patient and stick with the standard methods before you try the papers.

It cannot be stress enough how important it is to implement proper Shih Tzu obedience training in the very beginning, when you first bring your Shih Tzu home with you. Shih Tzu training does not have to be a difficult process if done correctly and done consistently.

Even if there are moments where you may feel like giving up, remember that a well-trained Shih Tzu can be a happy addition to your life. But an untrained Shih Tzu can be destructive and possibly even a dangerous dog in your life.

For successful Shih Tzu obedience training, you must gain the respect and submissiveness of your dog right away. Having a well-trained Shih Tzu means years and years of love and friendship. Having an untrained and unruly Shih Tzu means that you will have problem after problem with your dog, as they can easily turn destructive and even dangerous to you and others as extreme biting can occur.

There are so many reasons for proper Shih Tzu obedience training that it is probably too long to list all of the reasons. If your Shih Tzu is not properly trained, it can lead to a destructive dog that ruins your clothes and furniture, which will make you angry and cause further distress on your dog.

If your dog is able to sit, heel, and come on command, then they are more likely to be allowed a little leash free time at your local park. This training not only helps you but it helps your dog to feel accomplished and proud as you keep up positive reinforcement.

It is also extremely important in Shih Tzu training that you are clear and consistent. Do not break away from training until your Shih Tzu has got it down. Doing so will not get you results and when you pick up training again, you are basically starting from the beginning. Another thing to remember is that while even older Shih Tzu’s can be trained, it is easier if they are trained at an earlier age. And while on that topic, know that young Shih Tzu’s have a shorter attention span then older dogs so keep your training sessions short or your puppy will not have interest and become frustrated.

Although you have studied on the Internet and read all kinds of dog training books, it is important to enroll your dog into Shih Tzu obedience training classes in order to get even more helpful hints and advice you might of otherwise have never known. Having a rofessional right there with you and your dog can help point out things that you can do to improve your chances of having a successfully trained dog.

Socializing your dog is important for not only his or her emotional well being, but also for the safety of others. Getting your dog accustomed to other types of breeds of dog and different types of people will help make sure your dog does not fear anyone. This means that they are less likely to bite or run from someone who strikes them as “different”. A well-trained and well-rounded dog makes an excellent addition to any home but it is up to you to make sure that it happens in a timely and friendly manner.

Purebred dogs have been recognized for years, particularly by The American Kennel Club (AKC), which holds competitions for and celebrates pure breeds. Pure breeds are defined as “of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations.” Examples of purebred dogs include the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. In addition to being two of the oldest breeds, these types of dogs have established lineage and documentation of their ancestry.

The most popular breeds to mix with others are poodles and pugs, possibly because of the resulting cute-sounding names. The Shi-Poo (Shih Tzu/Poodle), Puggle (Beagle/Pug), and Pug-A-Poo (Pug/Poodle) are just a few examples. Dog lovers choose to mix breeds for health as well as aesthetic reasons. Breeds like the Bichon Frise are hypoallergenic and shed very little.

Hybrids have become popular due to the fact they can have any mixture of the characteristics of both parents. The most popular dogs to cross with other breeds are poodles and pugs. Some choose to cross breed for health as well as aesthetic reasons. Breeds like the Bichon Frise are hypoallergenic and shed very little. This is beneficial to pet lovers with allergies. The Bichon Shih Tzu is one popular, non-allergy causing mix.

The Bichon Shih Tzu, or Zuchon, has resulting traits of both the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu breeds. The Bichon is known for its white, “powder puff” fur and its happy temperament as well as its hypoallergenic qualities. The Shih Tzu is known for being intelligent, alert and also very stubborn. It has a double coat of long, silky fur. Both breeds are two of the oldest breeds known. Offspring of the two usually have a soft, curly hypoallergenic coat (in any color), with the Bichon’s temperament and the Shi Tzu’s intelligence. Bichon Shih Tzu mixes are believed to have fewer health problems than their purebred parents.

Purebred animals have health problems due to their long history of in breeding, which is done to strengthen the characteristics of the breed. A Bichon Frise often suffers from a severe form of anemia and, though they are hypoallergenic, they are prone to severe allergies themselves. Shih Tzu are prone to eye allergies and other eye problems, cannot handle temperatures above 75 degrees, and require daily brushing to keep their fur from matting.

The hybrid of the Bichon and Shih Tzu has the benefit of both breeds. Bichon Shih Tzudogs have a long and documented history on both sides of their family tree. The Shih Tzu originated as far back as 1 A.D. The breed is thought to have descended from cross breeding of the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. The Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu breeds were revered by Tibetan monks and honored and presented as gifts by Chinese emperors.

Ancestors of the Bichon Frise date back to 600 B.C. Once called Barbichon, this was later shortened to Bichon. The French added “Frise” which references the breed’s curly fur. The Bichon was not recognized by the French Kennel Club until 1934 and gained official recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1973.

The ancestors of the Bichon Frise date back further, to 600 B.C. The Barbichon were Mediterranean dogs. Later, descendants of the breed went to sea with Spanish sailors and the name was shortened to Bichon. They migrated to Europe and the French added “Frise” to the name to reference the breed’s curly fur. The Bichon Frise dog was recognized as a breed by the French Kennel Club in 1934 and the American Kennel Club followed suit in 1973.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes and celebrates purebred dogs. Pure breeds are defined as “of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations.” Though pure-bred dogs are extremely popular and are the only dogs allowed to compete in AKC competition, a new type of dog is gaining recognition and breeder interest. Crossbreeds, or hybrids are on the rise. These are mixtures of two or more pure breeds, resulting in such combinations as the Shi-Poo (Shih Tzu/Poodle), Cock-A-Chon (Bichon Frise/ Cocker Spaniel) and Beabull (Beagle/Bull Dog).

These hybrids, or “designer dogs” can participate in competitions sponsored by the American Canine Hybrid Club, which recognizes over 100 different mixed breeds. Hybrid dogs usually have parents with a documented ancestry.

Hybrids have become popular due to the fact they can have any mixture of the characteristics of both parents. The most popular dogs to cross with other breeds are poodles and pugs. Some choose to cross breed for health as well as aesthetic reasons. Breeds like the Bichon Frise are hypoallergenic and shed very little. This is beneficial to pet lovers with allergies. The Bichon Shih Tzu is one popular, non-allergy causing mix.

Hybrid dogs are the result of mixing two or more pure breeds. Though most mixed breeds are known as “mutts,” hybrids have parents with documented ancestry. Many dog lovers want a pet with the traits of more than one breed. In hybrids, any mixture of hereditary traits of both purebred parents is possible but resulting dogs will have recognizable characteristics of both breeds. These dogs, called “designer dogs” by the media, are highly sought after possibly due to their cute-sounding names as well as their appearance.

Purebred animals have health problems due to their long history of in breeding, which is done to strengthen the characteristics of the breed. A Bichon Frise often suffers from a severe form of anemia and, though they are hypoallergenic, they are prone to severe allergies themselves. Shih Tzu are prone to eye allergies and other eye problems, cannot handle temperatures above 75 degrees, and require daily brushing to keep their fur from matting.

The hybrid of the Bichon and Shih Tzu has the benefit of both breeds. Bichon Shih Tzudogs have a long and documented history on both sides of their family tree. The Shih Tzu originated as far back as 1 A.D. The breed is thought to have descended from cross breeding of the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. The Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu breeds were revered by Tibetan monks and honored and presented as gifts by Chinese emperors.

The Shih Tzu most likely is a cross between the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. Though this may have occurred as much as 2000 years ago, the Shih Tzu probably began as a hybrid and is recognized as a pure breed today.

The hybrid puppies of these two remarkable breeds are thought to have many of the good traits of their parents. Just as the Shih Tzu originally descended from a mix of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese, it is possible that one day the Bichon Shih Tzu, Beabull, Shi-Poo and even Cock-A-Chon may also be known as pure breeds recognized by the American Kennel Association.

Any living creature is going to come with its own special list of problems when it is trying to adapt to a new environment and a Shih Tzu is no different. Shih Tzu problems can range from biting to housebreaking issues but if you understand why your dog is behaving a particular way then it is a little easier to devise a plan to bring that behavior to an end. With the Shih Tzu it is all about patience.

The Shih Tzu hates loud noises and a lot of clatter and commotion. They feel pressured and a lot of tension when there is something loud going on or a lot of people are running around.

It is for this reason that Shih Tzu dogs have developed a reputation as a potentially bad dog to have around kids so you may want to look in to that if you have kids and they want a Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu dogs descend from the dogs of Chinese royalty and it seems like every one that is born is born with that knowledge. They carry themselves very well but they are also stubborn and want everything to go their way, which causes Shih Tzu problems. It can take months to get them to do anything you want them to do, especially if they don’t want to do it. The best part is that they have no idea why they ever get punished so all punishment does is set back your training efforts another few months.

Shih Tzu dogs can be playful when they want to be but they do not require a lot of exercise so any activity they do get is on their terms. They are not very likely to fetch a stick for you and they certainly won’t be playing catch with a Frisbee thrown by you any time soon. If you are looking for a rough and tumble play dog then the Shih Tzu is probably not for you.

The most common of Shih Tzu problems is housebreaking. A Shih Tzu does not like dirt and grass so you have to find a nice concrete and clean place for them to go outside. Then if they decide they don’t want to go outside, or that housebreaking isn’t for them, then you are stuck with a long and frustrating ordeal.

Your only weapon is positive reinforcement and a lot of praise because if they don’t understand what you want then they will do whatever they want.

The Shih Tzu literally has a mind of its own. It is not waiting for you to teach it commands and train it, it is going to do whatever it wants to do and you have to figure out how to make sure that it listens to you on the things you want it to do. It is frustrating and never easy but if you love your little dog then it is very much worth it in the end because a Shih Tzu can be a very loyal and loving pet.

Deciding to go for that cute and adorable little Shih Tzu you saw in the paper is a choice that many make based on the cuteness factor that these little dogs have. But, before anyone decides to bring a Shih Tzu into his or her home and into their lives, you need to consider many things about the personality of the Shih Tzu dog so that you know this dog is the perfect match for you.

Think of it like you are building a blueprint for the perfect dog and compose a list of things that you need your dog to be. Once you have established the type of dog you and your family want, you can compare this to the personality of a Shih Tzu dog and see if you still think that it is the perfect dog for you. For some it will be, but for others it won’t. Either way, it is better to know upfront instead of finding out after your dog has been brought home.

Now that you have a better understanding of what type of dog would be the perfect fit into your already busy life, it is time to review the personality characteristics of the Shih Tzu dog. What generally makes this breed a fun one to have is that they are very outgoing and peaceful with other pets and strangers so they can be taken just about anywhere with you. Also, this smaller breed is very sturdy even though they are tiny, with their short legs and long body.

Even with their short legs and long body, the Shih Tzu dog is a sturdy little dog that will carry himself with a proud sense about him. But don’t worry that this breed is a snob as they are still very playful and happy, not only with their owners but with strangers and other pets as well. These characteristics often makes the Shih Tzu dog a perfect choice for those who can’t get out a lot, but when they do, they want a relaxed and well-behaved dog.

But if you are looking for a breed that will not be prone to a lot of problems, which can require costly vet bills, then this breed may not be for you. The Shih Tzu dog is prone to many things but problems with their breathing are often the most noted issue.

If they are left alone for hours on end, they may end up showing their frustration with destructive chewing. Shih Tzu dogs are also known for having difficulty in house breaking. With their independent attitude, they don’t often like being told what to do so housebreaking may take up to six months to complete.

One thing to keep in mind that when owning a Shih Tzu dog, you might run into the costly issue of vet bills as their short face and their nose structure can lead to breathing difficulties.

The Shih Tzu dog is also known to have a variety of skin and kidney problems. So, in hinking of whether or not a Shih Tzu dog is right for you, consider all the good and bad and think hard about if they are truly a good fit for you and your home.

People love to give Shih Tzu cuts to their dogs and they love for those cuts to display maybe a little of the owner’s personality. But if you spend enough time with your Shih Tzu you begin to realize that your Shih Tzu has a personality of its own and you should always try and get your Shih Tzu dog’s cut to reflect the personality of your dog as much as your own. After all, your dog is the one that has to wear the cut.

You do have some standard rules that need to be followed when it comes to grooming your Shih Tzu and these have to be followed because they affect your dog’s health. Always keep the hair around the eyes trimmed as long hair in the eyes drives a Shih Tzu crazy and can cause an unhealthy infection. Keep the hair short in the summer and long in the winter to help avoid any unnecessary exposure to the elements. The long hair may look great in July but it is unhealthy for your dog.

The Internet has changed the world and has put information from all corners of the globe at your fingertips. You can use this resource to check out the websites of regular Shih Tzu owners to see what kind of Shih Tzu cuts they are giving their dogs and get yourself some ideas. Another great source is the websites of professional groomers. Not only will you find some great ideas, but you may also be able to find a professional that can work on your dog for you.

Really plan your Shih Tzu cut out because as much as you may think you know what you want it may look totally different on your dog. There may be pictures on the Internet that have dogs similar to yours that you can use to get an idea of how it will look from. Remember that your dog has to live with your bad hair cut idea for a while so take your time.

Since your Shih Tzu dog’s coat is made of hair like a human and not fur you will probably have to blow dry your dog’s hair. This prevents Shih Tzu cuts from matting or causing any health problems. Always use low heat and start from the back of your dog.

Any kind of matting of the hair not only ruins the effect of the Shih Tzu cut but can also be unhealthy for the dog. Start at the back of the dog with low heat and move towards the front. Always brush your dog while you dry it.

Everyone loves to save a couple of bucks by doing it himself or herself, but when it comes to your dog’s cut you may want to consider a professional.

A professional will take great care of your dog and even have some very good ideas for your Shih Tzu cut that you may have never thought of. Plus your dog would probably love being pampered once a month.