Monday, January 08, 2007

Breeding to the AKC Shih Tzu Standard


There is more than one area of the Shih Tzu that is considered in terms of "breeding to the AKC Shih Tzu Standard. I have been on Shih Tzu Puppies for sale websites in which they will state: "We breed to the AKC standard." We do not breed "imperial or teacup" Shih Tzu. Our Shih Tzu weighs 9 to 16 pounds. They do not weigh below the AKC standard of 9 pounds. And they will go on to say: "My goodness, why in this world would anyone want to steer away from the AKC Shih Tzu standard." If you take a quick look at the pictures of some of the Shih Tzu they are breeding from you will see rather quickly that most of them have excessive eye white (which shows very plainly in the picture). Excessive eye white is not breeding Shih Tzu to the AKC standards. There should be very little if almost no eye white at all showing on a perfect example of an AKC standard Shih Tzu. You might have the right weight there, but if the rest of the standard is missing, "you are not breeding Shih Tzu to the AKC standard."


Sunday, January 07, 2007

Be a Shih Tzu Show Dog Spectator First

Photo: Ginger of Stain Glass Shih Tzu


If you are planning to show your Shih Tzu, your first experiences with conformation should be as a spectator. You need to do some studying and practicing before actually going into a show with your Shih Tzu. Leave the Shih Tzu behind.





The first thing you will want to purchase at the show is a show catalog. Don't miss out. Clubs often run out of these early in the day. The show catalog is like a scorecard. They are usually for sale on the superintendent's table.





Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Tips on How to Become a Successful Shih Tzu Show Dog Breeder

If you decide to enter the show ring with your Shih Tzu one of the greatest benefits will mostly likely be an enhanced appreciation for the sheer beauty of the Shih Tzu. Just think about it, even if you only own one Shih Tzu yourself, at the shows you will see dozens and hundreds of Shih Tzu. Most of these Shih Tzu will be in prime health and perfectly groomed. By observing, and asking questions when the opportunity arises, you will begin to see some of the differences in the Shih Tzu that you may not have noticed without going to the shows. You may be surprised at how much you learn about the Shih Tzu and maybe even your own Shih Tzu during these events.

Shih Tzu showing should also teach you some facts about yourself. You might think you will be a nervous wreck on stage in front of all those people, but then find yourself not at all that nervous, but full of pride and poise that your Shih Tzu shares in some of the qualities of the other Shih Tzu. Or you might feel like you will never lose it at a Shih Tzu dog show no matter what happens, and then the first time, someone else says a slightly less than kind remark about your very own beloved Shih Tzu, that you just fall to pieces and tear out in a rage at that person

Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Friday, January 05, 2007

The Shih Tzu Belongs to the Toy Group

Photo: Ginger of Stain Glass Shih Tzu


How did our different dog breeds come into existence? People created each breed by choosing dogs with the desired qualities and breeding them to each other. People designed some dogs to hunt, others to herd, some to guard and some for companions. Our Shih Tzu is in the companion group of dog breeds.





According to the American Kennel Club a breed is defined as: "A relatively homogeneous group of animals within a species developed and maintained by man."

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Show Dog Requirements for the Shih Tzu and Other Purebred Dogs

Photo: Juliet of Stain Glass Shih Tzu
There are rules and regulations you must follow if you want to show your Shih Tzu or any breed of dog. Among those rules are:


* To compete in conformation, your Shih Tzu or other breed of dog must be a purebred registered with a kennel club. * Purebred Shih Tzu or other purebred dogs adopted from shelters or rescue groups can get a special listing which allows them to compete in performance events, but not in conformation. * Registration papers must accompany the Shih Tzu or other breed of purebred dog to participate in dog shows. * The UKC welcomes mixed-breed dogs to compete in performance competitions. * Shih Tzu and other purebred dogs must be intact to compete in much of conformation. * The Canadian Kennel Club has a class for spayed and neutered dogs to show in conformation. * The Australian Shepherd Club of America is also trying out the idea of a class for spayed and neutered dogs to show in conformation. * You do not have to own the Shih Tzu or other breed of dog. You can show someone else's dog. There are professional handlers also.


Monday, January 01, 2007

The Biggest Event in the Dog Kingdom

Photo: Ginger of Stain Glass Shih Tzu (Just look at that face, looks almost human.....


What is the biggest event in the dog kingdom? A dog show is the answer to this question. It is also called the "breed ring" or "the fancy." Thousands of dog shows takes place in the United States every year. Thousands of Shih Tzu are entered into these dog shows. There are only a few countries in this world that are not involved in the dog show sport. So you can imagine just how many dogs and owners are traveling to a show on any given weekend. The number has to got be absolutely astronomical!





Just what is the reason for all these people/dogs/Shih Tzu teams to leave their warm and snug homes to go to a dog show that might be held in rain, sleet or snow? Well, if you think about it, why do people go to baseball games, and basketball games and foot ball games? Probably very much the same reason people travel far and near through all kinds of weather to a dog/Shih Tzu show. There has to be more in it than just a tiny piece of silk ribbon or a trophy. And there is more to it for those who enjoy this type of sport. Many people just love the breathtaking beauty of the Shih Tzu show dogs. Others enjoy the adrenal surge when they step out into the ring for a chance to prove their Shih Tzu is the very best Shih Tzu. A person has to have a competitive side to their personality to be a part of the Shih Tzu Show Dog World.

Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Thursday, December 21, 2006

The First Shih Tzu Imported from the British Isles


It is one opinion in Shih Tzu History documentations that the Scandinavian imports were nearer to the direct imperial line, although those who brought the first Imperial Shih Tzu to the British Isles did so at about the same time. These early English and Irish fanciers acted according to the best knowledge available to them and went to very great trouble to secure the finest possible specimens of the breed. However, noted throughout shih tzu history, is the fact that a Danish couple were able to bring home a "palace-born" Imperial Shih Tzu.

A Shih Tzu named Lung-Fu-Ssu was one of the first three Shih Tzu to have been brought to Europe from Peking. A woman by the name of Miss Hutchins brought the black and white dog to Ireland in 1930 and exhibited him at the Cheltenham Show in 1933

Read on at Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Friday, December 15, 2006

Shih Tzu Grooming Tips - Coat Handling Basics


Use gentle action. When bathing, thoroughly wet the coat with warm water, apply shampoo and gently squeeze the suds through the coat to cleanse rather than scrubbing the hair back and forth. Use a gentle, all natural shampoo such as HealthyPetNet Herbal Blend shampoo, which is a unique blend of herbs and other ingredients to soothe dry, itchy and irritated skin as well as to condition dull, brittle or normal coats. It gently cleans away dirt without drying and leaves the skin and coat fresh, clean and healthy. The shampoo has a fresh, peppermint smell. Always follow a shampoo with a creme rinse.

Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Dog Bows


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Fleece t-shirts


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Tuesday, December 12, 2006

My Shih Tzu Puppy Chews a lot - Especially on Me



Photo: Stain Glass Shih Tzu "Jitterbug"

Puppies who chew are normal. Chewing is a natural and necessary puppy behavior. Puppies at about four months of age are more prone to chewing because this is when they usually start teething. Other dogs that chew, especially when you are not at home, may be suffering from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety requires an entire new behavior treatment plan. In this newsletter, I want to give you a few tips for your typical, normal-behaving puppy chewer!

Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

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Purchase Professional Topknot Bows and Everyday Dog Bows at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu Receive a FREE gift with every bow order.

Stain Glass Shih Tzu Available Puppies

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Hypoglycemia: A Common Problem in Toy Breed Puppies



One of the main things a new owner needs to take precautions against is a new puppy developing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia can occur without much warning and within hours of a puppy going to a new home, missing a meal, or does not eat full meals, gets chilled, overtired or exhausted from too much handling or playing. It occurs more in the toy breeds, but can also occur in larger breeds. Signs are a depressed affect or mood, weakness, wobbly gait, jerky, lethargic. The neck may get stiff. The head may appear to be tilted to either the left or right and teeth may be clamped tightly together. These are all signs this puppy is having a drop in their sugar level and if left untreated will progress to convulsions, seizures or coma and can then be fatal.

Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Purchase warm and cozy handmade Fleece t shirts at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

I raise Shih Tzu puppies for sale bred from champion bloodlines in a variety of colors. We have the AKC small standard, imperial and teacups. We also provide dog books, warm and cozy fleece t-shirts and topknot bows (professional and everyday bows). Visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our helpful newsletters to keep up-to-date on our available puppies plus valuable information all about the Shih Tzu.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Let's Talk About Vaccines











There is no universal protocol for canine vaccination schedules. Many vets recommend more vaccinations than most dogs require to be protected from contagious diseases. A lot of vets use the vaccination schedule they receive with the vaccinations they buy from drug companies. Vets are now realizing to trust vaccine makers may not be the best thing to do. Vaccine makers are in the business of selling vaccines.

Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Purchase warm and cozy hand-made fleece t-shirts at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Friday, December 08, 2006

Most Influential Breeder in Early Days Shih Tzu


The most influential breeder in the early days of the Shih Tzu in North America was Swedish-born Ingrid Colwell. Noone has equaled her contribution to the breed. She was the daughter of Ingrid Engstrom.

Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Life With the Shih Tzu Part II

In part I of this series of articles about life with the Shih Tzu I discussed the beginning steps of daily grooming of your Shih Tzu. In this article I will continue that discussion.

Once you have the hair on the tummy and legs all brushed out, flick all the body hair up and over the back before brushing it downwards again, a layer at a time, using the nylon and bristle brush. You might like to spray each layer lightly with water or a crème rinse and water mixture before brushing. You now have the Shih Tzu still lying on its side. You reason you want to work in layers like this is that you are able to brush right to the skin and remove all traces of hair that would start to mat and tangle. If the Shih Tzu is standing you can brush all day and only reach the top layer of the coat. It is really necessary to brush to the skin on a Shih Tzu. Use the comb only when it is necessary to take out a tangle you encounter.

When the first side is finished, turn the Shih Tzu over so he lies on his other side and repeat the process. If you are lucky enough to have a Shih Tzu that will relax and go to sleep this is such a blessing for the both of you. If you are gentle enough and teach the Shih Tzu that this is a time of "relaxation and pleasure" you might just have one that does sleep during brushing sessions. If you have a regular daily brushing routine you will be sure to find skin problems or parasites before they become very serious. When you have both sides of the Shih Tzu's coat thoroughly groomed and free of knots, stand the Shih Tzu up, facing away from you. Straighten the parting down the center of the back, using a comb or the tip of a blunt knitting-needle. Position the Shih Tzu to face you and groom the hair on the chest and neck. There is usually a knot or two behind and under the ears. Take particular care to clear these out.

Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Life with the Shih Tzu Part I


If you want that perfect show dog look in your Shih Tzu you might as well relax to the fact that it involved brushing, brushing, brushing, and daily brushing. A thorough head-to-tail groom is often needed at least every other day if not "daily." However, Shih Tzu coat textures are very different. You might get by with once weekly brushing if the Shih Tzu's coat is the type of texture that does not mat and tangle easily. If you have only one Shih Tzu, grooming should not be a problem. It can be quite pleasurable for you and your Shih Tzu. It can be an excellent time to bond with each other, and have nice close little chats with each other. Where do you start? A good place to start grooming your Shih Tzu is on the tummy, the chest and inside the legs.......perhaps......there are other opinions of course, but in this article I will direct you to start with the tummy, the chest and inside the legs. You will need to have your Shih Tzu lie on his side on the table (be sure you have a nice, sturdy table to groom your Shih Tzu). There is nothing worse than a grooming table that wobbles around, except of course a grooming area that is not organized. You also need to have all your equipment organized and ready to use.

Read on at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Preserving the Show Dog Shih Tzu's Coat

Preserving the Show Dog Shih Tzu’s Coat

by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com) The Shih Tzu's coat for the show rings requires extra care. Some show people actually keep their Shih Tzu confined and caged to preserve the coat, or they wrap the coat or oil it. Those who do keep their show Shih Tzu confined and caged pay a price in loss of muscle tone in their dogs. Not all show people practice these methods for preserving their Shih Tzu's long show dog coats. It is also a myth that all show people do not allow their show Shih Tzu to go for long walks, to play and just in general to lead a normal life. For those who do allow their show Shih Tzu do lead a normal life keeping the coat glamorous requires a lot of extra effort, and much more grooming than for the pet Shih Tzu. Coconut oil is considered helpful as a means of preserving the coat of a show dog Shih Tzu. If you do oil the show dog Shih Tzu coat you must remove the oil completely before each show. If you do not remove all the oil the coat appear limp and feel wrong. It can also be uncomfortable to be around a Shih Tzu that has been oiled. There are good oils on the market, however, that do not have this effect on the coat and it may be worth trying them if the Shih Tzu's coat seems to need it. Wrapping the coat in tissue paper protects the Shih Tzu's coat, but you lose some of the pleasure of seeing your dog in full coat with his hair flowing as he moves. I do think this is a beautiful, beautiful sight of the show dog Shih Tzu. The tissue wrapping sort of reminds me of the days when women ran around the house for house with their hair in curlers. Probably the best thing to do if you are just starting out taking care of your Shih Tzu show dog's coat is to experiment with different methods of preserving the coat until you find what works best for your dog. Much the same type of procedures a pet owner must go through, although a lot more intense and time consuming as the Shih Tzu show do requires so much more in the way of grooming. One thing is for certain if you start out with "bad hair" it is virtually impossible to make it good enough for the show ring. When purchasing your show potential Shih Tzu it is wise to study the lines to find out which have good hair in their genes. This way you can just continue to keep it looking good. The topknot and whiskers also need very special attention on the show dog Shih Tzu. The white whiskers on a parti-coloured Shih Tzu must be really, really white to look good. It seems this is especially true for the black and white Shih Tzu. Some older methods of keeping the whiskers white was to wash them at least once a day with a solution of boracic powder, a teaspoon to a pint of water. This mixture is wiped into the whiskers, being careful to get none in the eyes and then rinsed away. One of the keys to keeping whiskers white is above all to dry them immediately and keep them dry. An older method of drying them was to work in some fuller's earth or talcum powder, brushing this out and repeating until the hair was absolutely dry. If you allow the Shih Tzu to dry his own whiskers he will rub and rub until dry doing nothing but harm to the length of the coat. Another problem you run into with all this washing is that the hair becomes dry and brittle. You will need to dress the whiskers with a little coat conditioner from time to time. A method of preserving the hair of the topknot is to use several bands along the length of the hair to hold it to the back of the head. You can also plait the hair to achieve the same purpose. Use neither of these methods just before a show as both methods will cause kinks in the coat of which you do not want. It is always wise to review the rules of the American Kennel Club about the use of oils and conditioners on the coat of a show dog. Any substance used to alter the natural color, texture or body of the coat is usually prohibited.

Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale. Visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our newsletters. We have the Shih Tzu in a variety of colors, the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Monday, November 06, 2006

Life with the Shih Tzu Part Iby Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com) If you want that perfect show dog look in your Shih Tzu you might as well relax to the fact that it involved brushing, brushing, brushing, and daily brushing. A thorough head-to-tail groom is often needed at least every other day if not "daily." However, Shih Tzu coat textures are very different. You might get by with once weekly brushing if the Shih Tzu's coat is the type of texture that does not mat and tangle easily. If you have only one Shih Tzu, grooming should not be a problem. It can be quite pleasurable for you and your Shih Tzu. It can be an excellent time to bond with each other, and have nice close little chats with each other. Where do you start? A good place to start grooming your Shih Tzu is on the tummy, the chest and inside the legs.......perhaps......there are other opinions of course, but in this article I will direct you to start with the tummy, the chest and inside the legs. You will need to have your Shih Tzu lie on his side on the table (be sure you have a nice, sturdy table to groom your Shih Tzu). There is nothing worse than a grooming table that wobbles around, except of course a grooming area that is not organized. You also need to have all your equipment organized and ready to use. So now that you have your Shih Tzu lying on its side on the table, with his legs towards you (this can be an accomplishment in itself that may take several short training sessions to get done). If the Shih Tzu just will not cooperate with you, you can start trying to train him by having him lay tummy upwards in your lap with his head facing your chest. Do this exercise first for a few days if he absolutely refuses to lie this way on the grooming table. If the above fails, you might try to groom the chest and tummy while the Shih Tzu sits on the table facing you, holding him up into a begging position by the front paws; this is not easy, since both hands are needed for some parts of the grooming, but you might have to try this as a last resort. If your Shih Tzu mats the tummy will be a prime target for matting. The tummy side of a Shih Tzu is sensitive also, so be gentle in this area. Check where the legs meet the body, this is a prime target area for severe matting as well. Something you don't want to deal with is severe mats in these areas. These are extra sensitive areas on your Shih Tzu. The best rule to follow is pay close attention to these areas on a daily basis and never allows the mats to occur. The hair around the male penis can also be a very sensitive trouble spot. It is best to keep this area clean and shaved off. Your male Shih Tzu will give you a sigh of relief when you remove the hair in this area. How do you remove knots and mats? If you come across a mat or knot first try to tease it apart with your fingers. Then take a comb and use the end with coarse teeth to tease out the tangle slowly, working from the outside inwards and holding the hair between the knot and the body between your fingers so that you don't pull too hard and hurt the Shih Tzu. If all else fails, a knot may have to be cut out. Cut into the knotted hair away from the dog several times before gently using the comb to clear away the knot. Never cut across the coat. This will leave an obvious hole. If you will cut down through the length of the coat you will cause much less damage. Note: The hair on the legs is more likely to tangle than anywhere else. So.....pay particular attention to these areas as well to avoid those awful and painful mats. This article continues in Part II of "Life with the Shih Tzu." Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies in a variety of colors especially the silver blues, reds and solid blacks. We have the AKC small standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. Our website provides you with an educational experience all about the Shih Tzu. Please visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our newsletters. This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Is Your Shih Tzu Too Thin?by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com) I write more about obesity in the Shih Tzu than I do about a Shih Tzu that could be "too thin." In general, the Shih Tzu breed is a hearty breed. My Shih Tzus have been hearty and healthy. This is true even for my Teacup and Imperial sizes. They tend more toward wanting to eat too much. Yet there is always another side to every story or an opposite position. A Shih Tzu too thin is quite apparently the opposite of a Shih Tzu being obese. This type of Shih Tzu might also be nicknamed "a poor doer." It is often, however, that a concerned Shih Tzu owner will think their Shih Tzu is one of these "poor doers," when in fact the vet may tell you the dog is in excellent condition. A healthy Shih Tzu is not a plump Shih Tzu, although some in the show dog world continues to confuse "well-bodied" with "fat." The standard for the Shih Tzu calls for it to be "compact," which I suppose can also mean "well-bodied." A compact Shih Tzu is one that is just that - Compact - not fat and flabby. One of the first things to check when dealing with a Shih Tzu that is actually underweight despite eating normally is that has the Shih Tzu been wormed regularly? There is nothing worse than the presence of worms for keeping a Shih Tzu or any dog "thin." So of very much importance is keeping your Shih Tzu wormed properly. If this has been done regularly and your Shih Tzu is still thin, you really need to consult with your vet. There could be an underlying health problem such as diabetes. When all health problems have been ruled out by your vet oftentimes just the increase of quality food intake is sufficient to put some meat on the bones of a Shih Tzu and help to accomplish that neat compact look called for in the standard. You will probably want to go with a diet that is high in calories. Offer nutritional and high calorie treats as well. You might even treat your underweight Shih Tzu to some homemade deserts, treats and food in addition to his high quality commercially prepared food. It is very difficult to deal with the reluctant eater. Sometimes this could be a behavior issue. For that, one must consult with a dog psychiatrist I suppose. And to be perfectly honest with you, I am not sure these actually exist. That is only my first thought. My next thought would be to surf the internet and my new website in particular About Toy Dogs. At About Toy Dogs I am searching and surfing the internet for you. I have a collection of dog training books from Dogwise you might be interested in looking at on the site. On the site you will also find a collection of other internet dog trainers programs. At any rate, regardless of the problem, and because of the human's keen interest in dogs these days I know for certain someone has come up with a solution to your problem if it is determined "behavior." Shih Tzu is extremely intelligent and clever. They will challenge you in intelligence. I continue to believe they understand much more of what is really going on in their environment than people realize. If they get a hint you are going to "pamper" them about eating, they may hold it over on you and try to see just exactly what you will offer them in the way of "different foods" for them to try. I suppose how I would like to conclude this article is if you think your Shih Tzu is too thin, first rule out worms and health problems. Then proceed slowly at finding ways to add extra calories to your Shih Tzu's diet. Don't panic about the situation and don't ever let your Shih Tzu know you are "worried" about its thin condition. I do not breed Shih Tzu specifically for the show ring or even specifically to sell puppies to others. I live with the Shih Tzu as a keen interest in exactly who the Shih Tzu truly is. I am fascinated by their personalities and behaviors, and I am learning firsthand just how clever the Shih Tzu can be about all situations in a household. If I did not know it impossible, I would say for sure the Shih Tzu is actually another form of a highly intelligent perhaps genius "human being." Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies for sale in a variety of colors. All puppies are sold with a health guarantee. We have the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups. Our website provides you with an educational experience much unlike any other private or personal Shih Tzu website on the World Wide Web. Visit us online at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our FREE newsletter. This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

When Should You Socialize and Start Training your Shih Tzu Puppy


This is the first puppy from our Simon Says. I am keeping her. She is so much like her daddy, Simon. I have her named Miss Sheba! She is a tiny teacup size and very "frisky." I had the hardest time getting this t-shirt on her.

When Should You Socialize and Start Training Your Shih Tzu Puppy?by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com) Shih Tzu puppies get plenty of exercise with their littermates before leaving all behind for new homes. Once a Shih Tzu puppy is in his new home, has reached the age of four months and is fully vaccinated he should be taken for walks. Start out slow with your walks. This is the time you want to start lead training your new Shih Tzu puppy. A lot of his exercise should still come freely around his new home and in the backyard so he has the opportunity to rest at will. Allow him to wear a collar most of the time (never in a cage or crate). Add a leash as he exercises around his new home to get him use to the new gear. From time to time casually pick up the leash and allow your puppy to follow behind you. Eventually, you will be able to walk with the Shih Tzu puppy by your side on official walks through the woods or any favorite place you have to walk. A bond of love will develop from these little walks with your new Shih Tzu puppy as he and you exercise together. A young Shih Tzu puppy can make a good start toward socialization when he has learned to play with his new owner. He should also be handled by all the members of his new family as well as visitors. He should now begin to relax and learn to tolerate grooming. Before he has received all vaccinations you really need to limit his contact with other animals and humans. By the time the Shih Tzu puppy is four months old, however, he should be fully vaccinated and ready to acquire socialization skills. It is in the best interest of the Shih Tzu puppy for the breeder to follow these same rules - to limit exposure to other animals and other people until the Shih Tzu puppy is fully vaccinated. Therefore, many Shih Tzu puppies sold at the young age of eight and nine weeks should have only had contact with their littermates, their mother and the breeder. If you are lucky enough to live in an area where puppy classes are held, please take advantage. These classes can do a world of good for a young Shih Tzu puppy. In the final phase of puppy hood at six months to a year of age a Shih Tzu puppy will complete most of his physical growth. By now his second teeth should be through. Be aware that Shih Tzu puppies are a bit slow at acquiring their teeth. The assessment for the show ring is actually best done at about one year of age. I am not sure how some show dog breeders claim they know a show quality Shih Tzu puppy and thus mark the price up because of these so called show qualities. However, many show dog breeders claim they have this insight to be able to tell a show prospect at the young age of eight weeks. From all I have read, this is quite impossible. The true age to tell whether or not a Shih Tzu is show dog material is at about one year. When show dog breeders are anxious to sell their stock at eight to twelve weeks of age based upon the claims of "show dog prospect," with a higher price tag, be leery of this type of sale. You are probably not actually getting the show dog prospect that is being advertised to you. It is best to wait and shop around with other show dog breeders who have kept their Shih Tzu to one year and over in order to truly find a true "show dog prospect." Beginning at the age of six months a Shih Tzu puppy can be taken to shows if this is your interest. Please allow your Shih Tzu puppy to enjoy puppy hood before rushing him into the show ring. Don't make Shirley Temples out of your six month old Shih Tzu if he is still quite babyish. Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies in a variety of colors. All puppies are sold with a health guarantee. We have the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. Our website provides visitors with an educational experience all about the Shih Tzu. Visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com/ and sign up for our FREE newsletter. This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

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