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Shih Tzus

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Shih Tzu Dogs

The only breed of dog I've ever owned has been a Shih Tzu.

My mother and I are allergic to dogs and when I was 7 years old we asked our allergist which breeds be ok for us. He named a few, one of them being the Shih Tzu. This is because they have hair instead of fur and have less dander than most dogs. They also don't shed any more than humans.

They are super sweet dogs and just plain adorable. This is a sturdy little breed that can tolerate the rough play of children. Their gentle nature and low exercise requirements also make it a great dog for elderly. They are also great apartment dogs as they don't need much room to run around.

I really have loved my dogs and don't see myself with any other breed.

Country & Date of origin: China in the 1600's
Body Type: Small, stocky, and short legged
Standard Height: 10 1/2 inches at shoulder
Standard Weight: 10-16 pounds
Tiny Weight: 6-9 pounds
Imperial Weight: Under 6 pounds
Personality: Gentle and loyal
Colors: Gold, White, Red, Black, Liver, Blue, Brindle, and Silver.
Life span: 10 - 14 years
AKC Group: Toy

My first two Shih Tzus

The first 3 pictures below are of Aisha, a little girl who my family got when I was in the second grade. The last 3 are of Oaki, a little boy we bought when I was in college. My mother still has him and is now "Uncle Oaki". They are both standard size Shih Tzus.

curated content from Flickr

A Book for new Shih Tzu owners

The Shih Tzu Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks)

by: Sharon L. Vanderlip D.V.M.

Amazon Price: $1.20 (as of 05/27/2012)
List Price: $12.99
Used Price: $0.01

This book is filled with pet-care advice including feeding, care, training, and grooming.

Release Date: 11/17/2005

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

For the upcoming holiday

St. Patrick's Day

Shannon Light Green Shamrock Dog and Cat Collar
$14.95

Petite 5" - 9" 3/8" width
Small 8"-12" 1/2" width
Medium 11"-16" 3/4" width

St Patrick's Day Erin Go Braugh Dog Collar
$14.95

Small 7"-11" 5-12 lbs
Medium 11"-15" 10-45 lbs

Collars & Leashes are custom made - allow one to two weeks for delivery.

My third Shih Tzu

This is Shodu. She is the dog my husband and I bought a year before our daughter was born. We were told she was an Imperial but she grew to be 8 pounds so she is a Tiny. Oh...her name! She was named after an Ewok...for obvious reasons. LOL

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Must have items

My fourth Shih Tzu

This is Kneesaa. She was named after an Ewok too. We got her on my 35th birthday. :) She's still a puppy, we're not sure how big she'll be when she's full grown. We think around 8 pounds like Shodu.

curated content from Flickr

Dog Food

Shih Tzu's have sensitive tummies so it's best to feed them a high quality pet food. We only feed our dog (and cat) Wysong. She is 10 years old now so she needs food for 'senior' dogs.

Wysong Canine Diet Senior
$12.49 8 lb. Bag
$46.99 32 lb. Bag

Wysong Senior is an all natural dog food specifically designed to fulfill the nutritional needs of aging dogs.

For puppies:

Wysong Canine Diet Growth
$12.99 8 lb. Bag
$49.99 32 lb. Bag

Wysong Growth is an all natural dog food that fulfills the nutritional demands of growing dogs. It contains highly digestible base ingredients and concentrated sources of important micronutrients essential for normal growth.

For adult dogs:

Wysong Canine Diet Maintenance
$12.49 8 lb. Bag
$46.99 32 lb. Bag

Wysong Maintenance is a well-rounded, highly nutritious diet for the long-term maintenance of dogs that have reached maturity.

One of my pups

This was my dog in the summer of 2000 when we first got her. She was maybe 4 pounds back then. She's about twice the size now.

Shodu: by cr9245 | video info

0 ratings | 447 views

curated content from YouTube

Don't forget to keep them warm

Faux Suede and Sherpa Pink Aspen Dog Coat
$14.95

Faux suede and sherpa keeps your pet extra warm. Velcro belly and chest straps.

XXS Length fits up to 6" Chest 10-12"
XS Length fits 6-8" Chest 12-16"
Small Length fits 8-12" Chest 16-18"
Medium Length fits 12-16" Chest 18-24"

Faux Leather Bomber Jacket for Cool Dogs
$21.95

Faux leather bomber jacket with coordinating fleece lining, ribbed knit trim and D-ring on back

XS Length up to 8" Chest 12-14"
Small Length 8-12" Chest 14-18"
Medium Length 12-16" Chest 18-22"

Shih Tzu Links

American Shih Tzu Club: The American Shih Tzu Club, Inc. (ASTC) was formed in 1963 by a small group of individuals who shared a common interest in, love for, and commitment to the Shih Tzu breed. Since then, the ASTC has continued to grow in membership, in local Shih Tzu club affiliates, and in liaisons with other Shih Tzu organizations throughout the world. The ASTC is a member club of the American Kennel Club.
American Kennel Club - Shih Tzu: Founded in 1884, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership.

Dog Collar Charms

Give your pup some sparkle.

Jazz up your pet's collar with these Austrian Crystal Paw Print Collar Charms.
Crystals highlight this adorable design and a sturdy clasp makes for easy application to any collar. Charms are approximately 7/8 wide"

Pink Austrian Crystal Paw Print
$14.95

Blue Austrian Crystal Paw Print
$14.95

Clear Austrian Crystal Paw Print
$14.95

In the Dog House

Merry Products Log Cabin Dog House with Porch
$174.95

Inspired by the idea of country log cabins, this pet house is constructed by aligning half logs together, creating texture, sturdiness, and durability. Your pet can enjoy lying in the sun on the matching front porch while staying out of the dirt. Available in two sizes, so you can be sure to find the perfect match for any size dog.

Features:
Constructed of kiln-dried cedar wood
Removable roof and bottom panels for easy cleaning
Lightweight and easy to handle
Raised floor keeps dog dry
Treated with natural color stains for enhanced durability; can be re-stained
Stable cellular structure of wood withstands humidity and extreme temperatures

Assembly:
Comes in panels
Easy to follow instructions and hardware included
Assembly time is approximately 20 to 30 minutes
Tools Required: 1 Phillips head screwdriver

Medium Dimensions:
Exterior 28" H x 32" W x 34" D
Interior 21" H x 22" W x 26" D
Door 14" H x 13" W
Porch 9" H x 24" W x 17" D

Super Cute Shih Tzu Gifts

For any Shih Tzu lover!

Shih Tzu Puppies 2012 Wall Calendar
$8.39

Size Closed: 12" x 12"
Size Opened: 12" x 24"
12-month +6

Shih Tzu Bobble Head
$15.99

Made of hand painted resin
Approx. 4 3/4" tall

Shih Tzu Fluff Luggage Tag
$9.99

Faux leather w/ embroidery details
Approx. 5 1/2" Wide x 5" High

Shih Tzu Euro Decal
$3.99

Laminated, vinyl decal
Dimensions: 3.5 " x 5.5"

Some of my favorite Shih Tzu items on CafePress

If you aren't up for the real thing

GUND Stuffed Plush Shih Tzu
$18.50

A premium quality soft plush Shih Tzu from GUND.
9 1/2" Long

Melissa & Doug Stuffed Plush Shih Tzu
$34.50

Soft cuddly premium quality lifesize plush. Realistic characteristics perfect for play or display.
18" Long

Shih-Tzu Puppy at Christmas

Framed Photographic Print

Shih-Tzu Puppy at Christmas, USA Framed Art Print
Buy at AllPosters.com

Do you love Shih Tzus too?

Reply

DahliaValentine Apr 1, 2012 @ 9:28 pm | delete

Shih Tzu mama here! They are such loyal little honey buns!

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queenofduvetcovers Dec 7, 2011 @ 9:50 am | delete

Thank you for this great lens, I also own a shih tzu =)

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beckyf Nov 11, 2011 @ 10:12 am | delete

I enjoyed your lens. Our beloved Shih Tzu is gone now. We miss the little guy a lot!

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Jan 26, 2011 @ 2:16 pm | delete

love the lens..visit me take a look at shuz tzu puppies

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Slothlover Oct 10, 2010 @ 9:03 pm | delete

Shih Tzus are so adorable! I love them! Great lens!

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AngelineSophia Sep 9, 2010 @ 12:03 am | delete

Shih Tzu is one of the cutest toy breed.

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Jim in Florida Dec 8, 2009 @ 3:29 pm | delete

Ours was an unexpected gift from daughter who took an out-of-state job. For the longest time we thought Buddy was unique and very special, but then we learned that the breed is unique and special. No love like that from---or for---a Shih Tzu!

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GonnaFly Sep 18, 2009 @ 6:12 am | delete

Mmmm. Yes. I know what you mean about dog fur being dropped everywhere. We have a furry dog rather than a hairy dog, but because he is little, he makes an ideal lap dog :-)

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Karen Nov 29, 2008 @ 9:44 pm | delete

Love them? They are like Lay's potatoe chips...can't stop at one!!!

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CoolFoto Nov 18, 2008 @ 6:11 pm | delete

A neighbor walks his cute shih tzu past our window every day. I lensrolled you to my shih tzu lens, too.

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Oct 19, 2008 @ 12:17 am | delete

I love shih tzu's. I just got a shih tzu as a wedding gift a few months ago, she is now 5 months old. That's how I came up with my name for squidoo (shihtzumommy). My baby is black with white paws and a white bib. Oh, and the tip of her tail is white too, so adorable!!

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Norma_Budden Jun 7, 2008 @ 7:30 pm | delete

We used to own a Shih Tzu but he has passed on. However, he was certainly a joy for my girls to have around but, as adorable as he was, he was the wrong type of pet to bring to northern Canada. It was too cold for him to go outside during winter months.

I enjoyed your lens and it brought back many pleasant memories. Thanks!

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Jun 1, 2008 @ 11:07 pm | delete

Hi Christene, I also own Shih Tzus and I have 3 of them: Jet, Bruce and Jackie and they are all black belt! Yeah, I'm not kidding. They have some sort of black strip on their waist! Isn't that cute? anyway, thanks for you lens and the collars are lovely. I'm sure they have collars for my kung-fu masters (lol)! I love buying things for them or anything about them! I even have my own personalized Shih Tzu checks which I also bought online! why not check it out? I'm sure you will love what you see from there and this I want to share to you and thanks for sharing this lens! Good work!

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Gatsby Oct 8, 2007 @ 4:56 pm | delete

5* My neighbor has one of those. He loves to play with my Border Collie. Dog Whisper With Rena

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DogWhisperWoman Oct 8, 2007 @ 1:15 pm | delete

5* For knowing your stuff! Dog Whisper Woman

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Barkely Sep 2, 2007 @ 9:27 pm | delete

I love Shih Tzus. We have one her name is Lilly. We adopted her, she gets into trouble sometimes, but adorable even when she's doing wrong.