The shih tzu is a popular house pet.
The shih tzu is a popular small breed of dog originally from China, thought to be the cross of a lhasa apso and a pekingese. The Mandarin word shih tzu means lion dog, based on the breed's round, wide head and long, flowing coat. The shih tzu puppy is a lively, friendly and lovable house pet with big eyes and a playful spirit. A Shih tzu puppy will mature into an adult dog within the first year, averaging 9 to 15 pounds and ranging from 8 to 11 inches in height.
Instructions
Shih Tzu Puppy Search
1. Shih tzu rescue puppies often come from shelters or the streets.
Contact a shih tzu rescue organization that places purebred puppies in new homes. Make sure the organization is a nonprofit, dedicated to finding good homes for spayed or neutered shih tzu puppies that are vaccinated, tested for heartworm and microchipped. Usually rescue agencies charge an upfront fee for these services. Many rescue organizations will not place shih tzu puppies in homes with young children who may play too roughly with a newborn.
2. Contact a local shih tzu adoption agency. Adoption agencies offer free dog listings that provide basic information about the puppy, the cost to adopt and reach the owner or breeder.
3. Contact the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Many SPCA organizations will take requests for a certain breed of puppy for a fee and put those eager to adopt on a waiting list. Although most shih tzu puppies will not have a complete history, the SPCA will provide a medical exam, all vaccinations, spaying or neutering services and microchipping. SPCA adoption counselors are trained to help match the right puppy with the right family.
4. Find a shih tzu breeder. While often the most expensive option, the popular shih tzu puppy can be found from a variety of hobby breeders worldwide. Choose a local breeder and meet the puppy and its parents in person. Make note of the puppy's environment, including living conditions and availability of food and water. Most hobby breeders take a personal interest in their puppies and usually belong to a breed club or are involved in professional dog showing. The breeder should provide a record of inoculations, puppy care instructions in writing and proof of pedigree.
5. Learn more about the breed. Finding the perfect shih tzu puppy is not based solely on first impressions. Look into the character traits of the shih tzu puppy, including grooming needs, short snout health issues and various personality traits. Be prepared to spend some time with this toy dog before choosing to make it part of the family.
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