Shih Tzu Nursery Four

Shih Tzu Nursery Four was last updated on 02-24-2021

This nursery is currently empty.  If you'd like to reach me, please use the contact form and let me know of your interest in a puppy.

How well do you know the Shih Tzu breed?

Not sure if this is the perfect breed for you?  

When you finish browsing through these puppy pictures, feel free to take our Shih Tzu Quiz at the bottom of this page for some additional insight into this ancient breed.

Shih Tzu Breed Quiz

Answering the following questions will help dispel any myths or fake facts you may have heard about the breed. I think the best Shih Tzu owners are also the most informed and understand what they will be getting before the big adoption day occurs.  

I love the breed and have loved it for many years, but I also know they aren't perfect, just like I'm not perfect.  

All answers and explanations follow the questions.

Shih Tzu Quiz:  Are You Ready for a Shih Tzu?

Take our quiz.

1.  I want a dog that is 7 pounds or smaller.

2.  I want a completely hypoallergenic dog breed because I have severe allergies.

3.  I want a dog that doesn't shed.

4.  I want a dog that will keep my lap warm.  I want a lap dog.

5. I want a dog that will accompany me on my daily walks.

6.  I want a dog that is easy to house train.

7.  I want a dog that will get along well with my 2-year-old.

8.  I need a dog that will do well home alone while I work.

9.  I don't want to spend a lot of time grooming.  Will professional grooming about 6 times a year be sufficient for keeping him looking fine?

10.  I want a dog that I can take everywhere with me.

11.  I want a healthy dog that will live a long life.

12.  I want a dog that doesn't bark.

13.  I want a dog that obeys my commands and comes when I call.

14.  I want a dog that likes to swim.

Shih Tzu Answers and Explanations

1.   I want a dog that is 7 pounds or smaller.

It is true that some Shih Tzu dogs are smaller than others, but the breed standard calls for dogs that are 9 to 16 pounds, which is a good size for these dogs.  Sometimes smaller members of the breed have health problems.

2.  I want a completely hypoallergenic dog breed because I have severe allergies.

No dog is totally hypoallergenic but some breeds are more so than others.  Each person is different and will respond to Shih Tzu dogs in different ways depending on the severity of their allergies.  Many people with mild or moderate allergies can tolerate these dogs well.  When in doubt, I always recommend visiting someone with a Shih Tzu to see how you respond.

3. I want a dog that doesn't shed.

Shih Tzu dogs do shed, but most of the hair they loose through shedding is caught by the hair coat.  You'll see these hairs when you brush your dog because they will be caught by your brush.  If you don't brush regularly, those loose hairs turn into tangles and mats.

4. I want a dog that will keep my lap warm.  I want a lap dog.

It's true that many Shih Tzu dogs make great lap dogs, but there's no guarantee.  They are just as many that enjoy sleeping nearby or resting their head on your foot.  Some just prefer the comfort of their own bed.

5. I want a dog that will accompany me on my daily walks.

Most Shih Tzu dogs love to take walks and will gladly accompany you, but just don't insist they walk for miles.  They are a brachycephalic breed that just doesn't do well with vigorous or prolonged exercise.

6.  I want a dog that is easy to house train.

You may get lucky and have your puppy potty trained within a couple of weeks of bringing her home.  I get reports like this all the time.  On the other hand, be prepared to spend some time potty training.  All small breed dogs have the reputation of being difficult to housebreak.  Some Shih Tzu dogs don't like rainy days and refuse to go out at all.  Some love to play so much in the great outdoors, they forget why you took them out.  Patience.

7.  I want a dog that will get along well with my 2-year-old.

I love-two-year-olds.  I taught them for a few years in a different life time.  I also love Shih Tzu dogs.  So I can comfortably say, without hesitation that Shih Tzu dogs and 2-year-olds don't do well together.  This breed does very well with older, respectful children but I always caution parents who want one of these dogs when they have toddlers in the house.  For these parents, their job of supervision just got exponentially more time consuming and difficult.

8.  I need a dog that will do well home alone while I work.

Shih Tzu dogs are highly social and want to be with their people as much as possible.  Some people even go so far as to call them Velcro dogs because they follow you everywhere.  If you work long hours, you will need to make arrangements to break up your Shih Tzu dog's day, either by hiring a dog walker, doggie day care, or arranging for someone to come in during the middle of the day.  This breed is prone to Separation Anxiety.

9.  I don't want to spend a lot of time grooming.  Will professional grooming about 6 times a year be sufficient for keeping him looking fine?

It is true that finding a good groomer to take care of many of the grooming tasks about every 6 to 8 weeks will make your job a little easier.  Yet, you will still need to brush, comb, and bathe your dog in between visits.  Nails will need to be clipped, ears cleaned and teeth brushed.  There is still plenty of grooming tasks waiting for you even with a professional groomer.

10.  I want a dog that I can take everywhere with me.

Well trained, well mannered Shih Tzu dogs are a joy to take with you when you are out and about.  Remember though, that dogs are not allowed everywhere and you should never leave a dog in a hot car while you shop.

11.  I want a healthy dog that will live a long life.

Shih Tzu dogs can enjoy good health and a long life as long as they are cared for properly.  But like all dogs, they are susceptible to infections and accidents.  Having an excellent veterinarian to help you along the way is your best insurance of good health.  Starting off right with a healthy puppy is also extremely important.  Always ask about problems in the breeder's line and the health of the parents.

12.  I want a dog that doesn't bark.

Barking is the way a dog communicates.  It's like saying I want a child that doesn't talk.  Shih Tzu dogs are purposeful in their barking.  They are trying to communicate with you.  Understanding their language and what they need makes dealing with barking so much more manageable.  They will bark when they see or hear something and will alert you when someone comes to your door.  They are not considered to be yappy at other times.  If this habit persists, a bit of training will reduce their barking to tolerable levels.

13.  I want a dog that obeys my commands and comes when I call.

A well trained dog is a good dog and ones that are stubborn and don't come when you call need more training.  They haven't mastered that lesson yet.  Many people believe that you can train a dog to sit or come and once you've trained them, they should do that for life.  If you want a dog that obeys your commands, then you need to train, reward, and praise under all different situations.

14.  I want a dog that likes to swim.

I honestly can't answer that question.  In the 35 years of owning Shih Tzu dogs, I've only had two that enjoyed swimming.  For the most part, Shih Tzu dogs are quite happy to watch from the side of the pool or on the beach.  But I'm ready to be proven wrong.  Send me your stories.

A Few Past Puppies

Sales Tax on Puppies:  Attention Ohio Residents

NEW:  The state would like their share.  It has come to our attention that we must collect Ohio Sales Tax for all puppies we sell to residents of Ohio.  We live in Summit County and the tax rate here is 6.75 percent.  If you purchase a puppy from us and live in Ohio, please add sales tax to your total purchase price.