8 Mistakes To Avoid As A Shih Tzu Parent

There is no doubt that everyone loves their Shih Tzu puppies and will never harm them intentionally. But even in this care and concern, we sometimes end up doing something that is absolutely not healthy for the pup.

So later, if you don’t want to feel bad about some of your deeds, it is time you avoid making these terrible mistakes.

8 mistakes to avoid as a Shih Tzu parent

Unlike other big breeds, Shih Tzu is comparatively weaker. Not only because of their small sizes but also they have a smaller nasal pipe and are prone to many diseases.

Moreover, they are small and very delicate both physically and emotionally. So, it is very important to take care of them properly and ensure their healthy life.

1. Are you giving the right food to your pup?

For puppies to have healthy growth, it is very important to make sure that the food you are giving has all the required nutrition. To start with, give calcium, vitamins, minerals and protein to encourage healthy growth. Make sure you are not giving your pup human baby food as it can be quite harmful.

2. Is the training very harsh?

Small Shih Tzu pups can be a bit disobedient. But this does not mean that harsh training should be included in Shih Tzu puppy care. You have to communicate and make them understand everything with love and care. It is only then you can take care of the baby properly.

3. Are you ignoring negative behaviours?

You should never ignore the negative attitude of your Shih Tzu pup, no matter how adorable or cute they look while making mischiefs! If you ignore that, it will be very difficult to take care of them properly later when they grow up.

4. Is there any lack of exercise?

If you think they are small and less exercise will do, then it is a very wrong conception. Because as they are small, they have a tendency to gain weight pretty quickly. This can harm their heart. So, for best Shih Tzu puppy care, a proper routine of exercise is a must.

5. Are you not taking your pup to the vet?

Even when you know a lot about your canine baby, vets have a special role to play. They will give vaccines, medications and other information to keep your bundle of joy healthy.

6. Is your Shih Tzu not socializing properly?

Socializing with Shih Tzu puppies is a must! If they don’t mingle with other dogs and human, they can easily get tormented by other puppies and dogs. Proper socializing will help them to build confidence, greet others and also not take everything as a threat.

Fact: As per the survey, canines bite the most when they don’t have a proper concept of socialization.

7. Have you addressed the breed-specific problems?

Addressing breed-specific problems is important. Why? If you really want to take proper Shih Tzu puppy care, then it is important that you know about breed-specific problems. The best way to know this is by asking the breeder in details about your Shih pup. They can guide you quite well.

8. Is grooming enough?

Proper grooming is another major important for your puppy. The first thing is that they have a coat of hair and not fur. As a result, there is no shedding like other fur coats.

This can result in some serious matting. So, a regular bath (for pups, once a month is good enough) is essential. But you need to brush their coat every day!

If you are avoiding these mistakes, then be sure that your pup will do fine and will grow up to be quite healthy. Clear the slate of mistake and pen down some love, care and concern for Shih Tzu puppies.

FAQ’s

How big are Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically proportional all over, not too short or too small, but a true miniature breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient royal bloodline.

Where does the Shih Tzu come from, and why was the breed developed?
The Shih Tzu lineage is hotly debated; however, one theory is that the Shih Tzu descended from a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso breeds. This cross breed that would eventually become Shih Tzus, were favourites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away.

The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as “Apsos”. The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were categorised again as Shih Tzu. The breed is now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

How is Shih Tzu pronounced, and what does it mean?
The most common and incorrect pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: Sh*t Zoo however, that isn’t actually how the little lion breed is supposed to be announced. According to the American Shih Tzu Club, the official and publicly confirmed pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: “Sheed-zoo."

The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as in traditional oriental art". Interestingly they are also known by another name tied to their European introduction. The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on their face grows out in all directions. They look like a flower with a nose for the centre.

For more than one Shih Tzu, do you say Shih Tzus?
The age-old question, it is Shih Tzu or Shih Tzus? When writing or saying the plural of Shih Tzu, it is a common mistake for a person to write or say Shih Tzus, as one would think this is the normal way to put the dog in their plural form, and in fact, it is so common that I wouldn’t be surprised if we have even made such a slip up in this very article. However, the correct way to say Shih Tzus is Shih Tzu, due it being an irregular noun, allowing the plural of Shih Tzu can be Shih Tzu, just like ‘fish and fish’. With two or more Shih Tzu, there does not need to be an ‘s’.

What colours do Shih Tzus come in?
The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be found in an array of colours and with a variety of markings. It's common for owners to not know for sure what colour their Shih Tzu is. Sometimes a puppy may be referred to as an unofficial colour that is not recognized by the AKC, or another kennel club, through which the pup is registered. And in other cases, there can be some confusion when the colour listed on the papers does not seem to match what is seen. In addition to this, it's common for Shih Tzu dogs to change colour as they grow and mature, meaning that your little snowball of joy may turn sooty in their old age.

How much attention does a Shih Tzu need?
Despite their small stature, Shih Tzu are relatively active dogs. Puppies can be extremely hyper and adults are most content when given opportunities to release stored-up energy and be out and about. Without regular moderate exercise, a Shih Tzu can start to feel pent up and frustrated. This can manifest as behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Aim to take your little guy or gal for a minimum of two 20 to 30-minute walks per day, along with sessions of play like fetch to meet exercise requirements for this breed. If so, this will allow your Shih Tzu to enjoy being inside at home, able to relax beside you (or at your feet) and with a calmer disposition.

Do Shih Tzu get along with other pets?
In general, the Shih Tzu gets along quite well with other dogs, large and small. Shih Tzu rarely suffer from the ‘short leg syndrome’ common in small dogs, and more often than not, are simply little bundle of love.

However, every dog has their own personality, and it will depend on how well your dog as well as the other dogs have been socialized. Overall the Shih Tzu breed is calm and very playful and enjoys a variety of canine friends. But keep in mind each dog has their unique personality and circumstances. To say they will all behave exactly the same isn’t very realistic.

How do I provide the best care for a Shih Tzu?
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch their diet, make sure they get plenty of exercise, regularly brush their teeth and coat, and call a veterinary clinic or pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual.

It is also a good idea to create a routine for your Shih Tzu to lessen their anxiety and ensure they live a happy and calm life. Build their routine care into your schedule to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. Most importantly a proper diet and exercise routine is key to the long-term health of your pet.