I have a shih tzu which has a dull, dry & has little fur. It doesn't seems like shih tzu which has double coating fur. I was thinking to shave all of his fur and let it grow back a new one.

Welcome to the wonderful world of poorly bred Shih Tzu pups. First, get your dog to the vet to see if she has any worms or any other health issues. Second, change his food to a high quality food like Wellness or Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul. Third, make sure that he doesn't have any fleas or ticks, and keep him on preventatives for them.

Many Shih Tzu have serious allergies that affect their coats. Once the allergies are recognized, food, fleas, etc. and treated, the coat usually comes back. Good luck to you!

Most pet owners know that there's no such thing as a non-shedding dog. Even hairless dogs shed flakes or scales of dead skin and dog hair, called dander, that settles like dust on flooring and furniture. Some experts believe that dander is a bigger problem than loose dog hair for allergy sufferers. But people who must keep their dog indoors or who are allergic to dog hair and dander do have answers. There are ways to minimize the problem.

If you're thinking of bringing a new furry friend into your home, you may want to consider a "non-shedding" dog. Though you'll still have to cope with dander, non- and low-shedding dogs, also known as hypoallergenic dogs, don't produce as many allergens as other breeds and are better companions for people with allergies.

No matter what kind of dog you have, the first and most important strategy to reduce shedding dog hair and dander is to follow a regular grooming routine. Daily brushing or combing catches dog hair before it hits your furniture or carpet. It's much easier to remove dog hair and dander from a brush or comb. And regular shampoos and trims will not only reduce shedding, they'll keep your dog's hair healthy and shiny. Regular baths and trims keep both you and your dog more comfortable.

Ready to Go Hairless?

When selecting your non-shedding dog, consider first one of the hairless breeds. They may not be as cute as their furry counterparts, but they have the great temperaments of all dogs. Hairless breeds do shed dander, but the ongoing problem of dog hair and dander is much easier to live with. These breeds may have more skin-related problems, and you may need to use sunscreen if you take them outdoors for long periods. Hairless breeds include the Hairless Khala, Chinese Crested, American Hairless Terrier, Peruvian Inca Orchid (or PIO), and the Xoloitzcuintie (or Mexican Hairless).

Low- and Non-Shedding Breeds

If hairless dogs don't suit your taste, you can choose from the so-called non-shedding breeds that lose less dog hair and dander than most. They come in all sizes and temperaments and make great companions. Some of them have a single layer of dog hair, better for low shedding, or dog hair that is more like human hair.

Single-coated breeds don't have the thick undercoat that other dogs shed in spring. Single-coat dogs include the Power Puff Chinese Crested (Powder Puff), Poodles, Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dog, Bichon Frise, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Coton de Tulear, Kerry Blue Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bedlington Terrier

Smaller low- and non-sheding breeds not among the single-coated variety include many different terriers. In addition to the single-coated West Highland Terrier (Westie) that may be a better choice for allergy sufferers are the Yorkshire, Border, Cairn, Norfolk, Silky, Welsh, Boston, Scottish, and Australian Terrier. Other small non-shedding breeds include the Shih Tzu, Maltese (a close relative of the Bichon Frise), short-haired Dachshund, Bichon Frise, Miniature Poodle, Italian Greyhound, Havanese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Powder Puff Chinese Crested.

You can also choose from a number of medium- to large-sized non-shedding breeds: Basenji, Poodles, Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dog, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Coton de Tulear, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Bedlington Terrier.

Facts to Remember

If you want a non-shedding breed, you will probably want to shop with breeders. For humanitarian reasons, rescuing dogs from the shelter is a compassionate way to get a great furry companion. But shelters have little information about the purity of breeds they house. Even if it looks like a non-shedding dog, it may not be that genetically. If dog hair and dander is a significant problem for you, work with professional dog breeders.

Having discussed the breeds of non-shedding dogs available today, it's important to keep in mind a few basic facts:

* All dogs shed dander, and dander is the most likely culprit when it comes to allergies.
* All dogs shed some dog hair, even the hairless varieties.
* All dogs, even non-shedding varieties, require time, effort, and loving care.
* The best way to reduce shedding, even in non-shedding breeds, is to stick to a regular grooming routine.
* Pure-bred non-shedding breeds may be genetically predisposed to specific, sometimes serious health problems.
* Be sure that the non-shedding breed you select has the temperament appropriate for your lifestyle and personality.
* Unless you've done careful homework about your breeder, you may not get what you think you're getting.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/gog-hair-dander-spills-have-a-look-at-thisyou-will-win-the-war-753330.html

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Shih Tzu vs. Cat Round 1

My Shih Tzu Peaches LOVES my mom's cat! When we go over to visit they play NON STOP! And don't feel sorry for the cat, he is just as crazy as she is!

Duration : 6 min

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We found a new home for our wonderful schnoodle because of strict laws to bring dogs to Guam and really miss her. Have had a hard time finding a non-shedder here. Found an ad for a Jack Russell Terrier/Shih Tzu mix. I know Terriers shed and Shih Tzus don't, wondering about the mix.

There is pretty much a 50% chance that this dog will be a shedder. It's hard to tell without an examination, because mix breeds can go either way. I would ask to meet the dog and bring a brush to see if this is a dog you'd like.

Recently I had to put down my blind shih-tzu's long term companion. For the last couple of months he has been lost without his mate, crying, stressing etc so I decided to buy a pug puggy in the hope that he would be himself again. The problem is that everytime the pup goes near him he runs away and is on edge. The puppy is actually pretty placid for a pug and is not biting him or anything along those lines. I realise its probably only a matter of time before the shih-tzu relaxes with his new friend but any suggestions on how to make this an easier process would be greatly appreciated.

Sounds like your mistake was trying to replace the dead dog, which had its own place in your shih-tzu's "pack". The shih-tzu is now probably completely confused, especially as he can't see the puppy. I wouldn't even assume this will get better of its own accord, with the special circumstances. Why not consult an animal behaviourist or trainer - ask at your vet's surgery, they will have contacts for both.

P.S. LOLOLOL!!!!! at ****-tzu, that is the best laugh I've had for a long time! Hope it made you laugh a little too, under the harrowing circumstances. Good luck!

Not too sure which type of dog to buy? This is part 1 of 3 articles that addresses the different needs and characteristics of some of the popular dogs. Look out for my other 2 articles on 'Dog Breed Characteristics - medium-sized dogs' and 'Dog Breed Characteristics - large dogs'.

Chihuahua

A small, fast-moving toy dog named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. It stands between 15 cm to 25 cm tall, but some grow as tall as 35 cm. There are only 2 recognised varities of Chihuahuas, the long-coat and the short-haired. Long-coat Chihuahuas have a downy undercoat, which makes them look 'fluffy'. Short-haired Chihuahuas, on the other hand, require minimal grooming. Although Chihuahuas are small, they are not suitable for families with very young children because they have the tendency to bite when frightened. They can also be quite picky eaters. OVerfeeding is definitely a no-no because overweight Chihuahuas are prone to joint injuries, diabetes and shortened life span. And they don't really cool that cute.

Maltese

This is one of the oldest breed around and is believed to be originated from the island of Malta. A Maltese is a toy dog that is covered with long, silky fur and is usually pure white in colour. They have very expressive facial features, which makes them popular as pets. They are companion dogs and love attention from their owners. They are also extremely playful, and are good with children. They thrive well in small enclosed areas, and are popular with those living in the cities. However, Maltese can get very aggressive and they have the behaviour of barking constantly.

Australian Silky Terrier

They are a friendly lot. They orignated from Australia (hence its name) and this breed is classified as a toy dog in Australia but a terrier in Europe. It has a silky coat and it is usually non-shedding. This breed is suitable for those who are allergic to pet hair. Similar to the Maltese, they love the attention of their owners. A playful breed, it is suitable for those families with older children. They respond well to obedience training, coupled with rewards and praise. The only main problem with this breed is that it's coat tangles easily and will need daily grooming.

Pomeranian

This is one of my favourite breed. It looks lively and graceful with its trademark tail. They are typically friendly and active, but they can develop a bad habit of barking excessively if allowed to do so. They are also intelligent creatures and can be trained easily. Note that they are extremely loyal and will lay around their owners' feet. Owing to this loyal behaviour, they will follow the owners from room
to room, thus risking getting stepped on. It is important to train them not to do so.

Shih Tsu

It's name was derived because it looks like a lion (Shih Tzu literally means "lion dog" in Chinese), and it originated from China. They are very sensitive to high temperatures, so it is important to keep them in cooler conditions. They need regular grooming to maintain their coats, and they shed little if proper care is given. Supervision is recommended during drinking because water can enter their flat noses easily and cause breathing problems. Not suitable for busy professionals due to its constant grooming needs.

Are you having problems training your dog? Click the link below to see how you can train your dog now!

George Yeo
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-breed-characteristics-small-dogs-706596.html

Our dog has been trained to go to the bathroom outside, and for the past week he has been having issues, and has been going inside the house a lot. He is a four year old Shih-Tzu, and we were just recently in an area that is common for ticks. Could the ticks have anything to do with this, and is there any specific illness that he might have?

Slightly loose stools can be due to something as simple as stress, eating something he was not supposed to or can be as serious as an infection or illness that may need medication. Depending on how your dog is feeling otherwise, is he eating, drinking and playing otherwise normally and what his stools look like, very watery, cow pie/pudding consistency or with blood or mucous.
You can try adding a bland diet, boiled chicken and rice, and a source of good bacteria like plain yogurt or cottage cheese for 1-2 days to see if his stool firms up. If he is acting sicker or it does not improve, the best advice is to be seen by a veterinarian. They will likely need to run a fecal analysis to determine if he has any parasites or other infection so be prepared to bring on in. Unforetunately, the fresher the better.
Hope that helps.

Or is it already a common color in shih tzu? Specially where there is a traingular black color in the eye part?

From what I've seen black and white is a very common color for shih tzus.

Small dog breeds are becoming increasingly popular as companion dogs because they are extremely portable, adaptable to nearly any living environment, easier to take care of and cheaper to upkeep. With an overwhelming number of small dog breeds available, this may makes finding the perfect small companion a difficult task.

Breeds of small dogs have a reputation for being excellent companion pets for someone living alone or for an older couple. This is because these types of small house dogs are happy and energetic, making them a great pet for a family, but are also small enough to do well in a small apartment because they don’t require much exercise.

Another benefit of small dog breeds is that they have an average life expectancy of 14-16 years. While some are prone to ailments simply because of their size, many experience less health problems than large breeds that deal with hip dysplasia, arthritis, or joint problems. Before selecting a small dog breed, you will want to do some research regarding potential breed specific health issues.

Often small dogs, usually less than 15 pounds or so, are considered part of the "toy" or "miniature" group. Some small breeds like the Poodle, are actually a tiny version of the Standard Poodle. You may find some small dog breeds available in weighs as little as 4-6 pounds at full growth, while others will weigh closer to 14-16 pounds.

Although there are great benefits to owning a small dog, you will need to be especially careful with some of the smallest breeds outdoors in the cold, as well as around other large dogs, as they are more vulnerable to injury. If you live in a cold climate zone and are interested in a small dog, you might want to consider small fluffy dog breeds, like a Shih Tzu or a Pomeranian.

As well, just because these dogs are small does not always mean that they are instantly cute and sweet. Many small dog breeds, like the Chihuahua and Pomeranian, have a reputation for being temperamental, jealous and downright spoiled at times. Depending on the breed, some may also be difficult to train and housebreak, as they are often known for being headstrong to make up for their small stature. Before deciding on a small dog, you will also want to do some research, as some are better suited with children or other pets, while others may not be suited in these homes.

Their benefits as pets far outweigh any downfalls and this shows as they continue to rise in popularity. They are wonderful family dogs, as well as easy going companions that are usually content doing whatever their owners do. Most just enjoy snuggling up while their owners watch a movie and many are content with a little romp in the backyard.

Some of the most popular breeds of small dogs include…

Chihuahuas: This pup is known for being fiercely loyal, as well as having a big dog attitude. Although this works well for couples looking for a little watch dog, Chihuahuas may not do well with children because of this loyalty and attitude. Because of their short hair, they will do best in a warm climate zone or where they can be kept indoors unless they are of the long-haired variety.

Dachshunds: Most recognize the "wiener dog" right away and this has helped to make them one of the most popular small dog breeds in America. They are popular because of their fun and fearless attitude, a happy personality as well as being a great companion dog. Owners need to regularly exercise them and be careful of overfeeding because they are short and long.

Pomeranians: This breed loves to be spoiled, so will do well with a companion that wants to make their pet the center of attention. They don’t mind sitting on their companion’s lap all day long, although they are known for being jealous. Poms are one of the most popular small fluffy breeds that have more bite than its bark, making it a great watchdog.

Pugs: A sweet and lovable small dog with lots of energy, Pugs fit well with any type of family, although they will need regular exercise because of their tendency towards being overweight.

Shih Tzus: Often referred to as the little lion because of their lion face and big personality, this breed commands attention and respect. Surprisingly, although they are long-haired and require regular grooming, Shih Tzus are actually considered hypoallergenic.

Yorkshire Terriers: One of the smallest of the small breeds, Yorkies are actually pretty hardy and can stand up to a little rough housing. These dogs are extremely loyal companion dog that will usually pick their favorite owner, and have a tendency towards being jealous.

These are just a few of the many small dog breeds out there, and if chosen carefully, both you and your pup will benefit with years of love and companionship.

When Richard Livitski isn't busy digging up information about various dog breeds, he's working on his dog names website http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names and puppy names in all shapes and sizes can be found.

Richard Livitski
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/small-dog-breeds-that-make-excellent-house-dogs-and-companions-128867.html

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Shih Tzu vs. Cat Round 1

My Shih Tzu Peaches LOVES my mom's cat! When we go over to visit they play NON STOP! And don't feel sorry for the cat, he is just as crazy as she is!

Duration : 4 min 22 sec

More on Shih Tzu vs Cat Peaches and Cooper Round 1

Tags: shih