Shih Tzu
Popular Dog Breeds
All about the Shih Tzu
This lively and good natured dog, the Shih Tzu makes a great companion and family pet. They will thrive when receiving attention from their family and hate when they are ignored or left on their own for too long.
They will get along fine with other pets and are alert little dogs that will bark when a stranger comes to the house.
They are relatively easy to train but some can become very stubborn and strong willed and for this reason this breed is also notorious for being difficult to housetrain.
Shih Tzus make a good pet for the novice dog owner and will take all the affection and pampering that you are willing to give it.
Grooming a Shih Tzu
Hair type: The Shih Tzu is a long haired breed with a long, heavy coat which is typically worn long, but which can be trimmed to make it more manageable. They have a long beard and moustache but despite their long hair, shed little or no hair.
Daily coat care: Your Shih Tzu should be brushed daily using a bristle brush. Long hair around the face should be tied into a top-knot to keep it from your dog’s eyes, which are very sensitive.Shih Tzu’s are extremely prone to skin irritation, which may be caused by a number of factors such as diet, hygiene, genetics or hormones. If you notice any signs of irritation, your groomer will be able to advise you on the next steps.
Recommended groom frequency: A Shih Tzu should be groomed at least every four weeks (longer hair will require more frequent grooming), while their eyes should be kept cleaned between grooms.
At Petmania Grooming Studios we have a full range of treatments available for your Shih Tzu. If you get puppy, we recommend our Puppy’s First Visit at around four months, once your puppy has received all his vaccinations.
Diet
Depending on the size and age of your Shih Tzu, you will need to feed between 80g and 105g of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Prone to skin irritation, allergies and weight gain, your Shih Tzu may need a breed specific diet, available from some dog food brands, to combat irritation that is caused by dietary problems.
Our pet advisors in-store can help you find the most appropriate food for your dog, while you can find out more about the different dog food brands we stock here.
Activity Level
The Shih Tzu needs to be walked daily and will need lots of human attention and activity to prevent it from becoming disruptive and developing behavioural problems. Regular exercise will also help prevent your Shih Tzu from gaining weight.
Where to get a Shih Tzu
There are lots of places offering dogs or puppies for sale in Ireland, but we would always ask that you consider adopting a dog first. Our animal rescue partners have 100’s of rescue dogs and puppies seeking a forever home and would be delighted to introduce you to them.
However, if a rescue dog is not for you, we do recommend that you choose a registered breeder and seek Irish Kennel Club registration papers which will confirm that the dog has been bred to their strict code of ethics.
