Shih Tzu Adoption Singapore
Puppy Adoption SingaporeShih Tzus are the perfect socialite. They are often form deep and lasting bonds with family members, whilst also being quick to leap onto the laps of new acquaintances.Â
Temperament
What is a Shih Tzu like?
Shih Tzus are extremely trusting around strangers, and love making new friends. They’ll ecstatically leap head-first into the laps of any new friends you bring to the house. The same goes for any other dogs you introduce them to. This abundance of affection is what makes them such amazing companion dogs.
However, this very same happy-go-lucky nature can often trick new owners into thinking they are easy to train. Shih Tzus are highly intelligent dogs, and are generally smarter than most of their toy dog counterparts. They are able to process and digest new information much faster. As a result, they know how to use their unique charms to get their ways around owners. A great deal of patience is required before a Shih Tzu is truly housebroken. Â
At a Glance
Key Measurements of a Shih Tzu
Breed:
Companion Dogs
Lifespan:
10 – 16 Years
Height:
20cm – 28cm
Weight:
4kg – 8kg
Learn
Shih tzu Adoption Notes
Quick Summary
- A small Shih Tzu is called a teacup Shih Tzu whilst a larger one is called an imperial Shih Tzu. They are merely different descriptors of the same dog, and are not altogether different breeds.Â
- Shih Tzus are not the easiest dog breed to housebreak. Much like the Beagle and the Chow Chow, these dogs require a great amount of time and patience before they adapt to life in the house.Â
- Before they are housebroken, monitor the activities of your Shih Tzu closely. Whilst this cannot eradicate all of their bad habits, it will at least minimise the frequency of such occurrences.
- One of the most noticeable bad habits of Shih Tzu is their fascination with their own faeces. They are prone to eating their own faces, and as such, should be housebroken as early as possible. This can greatly reduce the chance of this habit carrying on into adulthood.
yQuick Summary
- Shih Tzu may also be more prone to dental problems than other dog breeds.Â
- Similar to the French Bulldog, Shih Tzu has a flat face, where the air that would otherwise cool their lungs do not enter into their bodies as effectively. This means that they do not fare well under direct heat. Make sure they don’t spend too much time under the hot sun, as they are prone to developing heat strokes.Â
- Shih Tzu has a dense coat which tangles easily. Make sure to brush them every day, or it will result it mattings that can be rather difficult to comb out.Â
- Their small size makes them vulnerable to physical injuries. Just like the chihuahua, any accidental high-impact contact can severely injure them.
- As such, Shih Tzu may not make the best family pet, especially in families with very young children. If such a situation cannot be avoided, adults should at least teach their kids the proper way to handle a Shih Tzu.
Customer Reviews
Testimonials: Shih Tzu
Great knowledge and service attitude
Buyer info: Yi Sheng
Dog info: Ziggy, Shih Tzu
Recommended by neighbour
Buyer info: Qi An
Dog info: Jasper, Shih Tzu
Lived up to reputation
Buyer info: Nick Tan
Dog info: Kelly, Shih Tzu
CONSIDERATION: PROS
A Shih Tzu is perfect if you want a dog who…
Is Sociable:
Shih Tzu gets along very well with other dogs, and are especially keen to make new friends.Â
IS Small
Shih Tzus are small and can fit into any living environment. The best part? They are already hdb-approved.
Is Moderately Active
Shih Tzu are not the most active dogs. Daily walks are more than enough to meet their exercise needs.
Is Quiet
Compared to some of the other dog breeds, Shih Tzus are relatively quiet and do not bark excessively.
Tips: Coat Grooming
Shih Tzus are regular participants in talent and award shows due to their magnificent coats. However, beyond all that glamour is a lot of hard work. Their thick and dense coats require a substantial amount of maintenance. More than just the monthly appointment with a professional groomer, pet adopters should also brush their dogs’ coat daily. This prevents the mat from tightening against the body, which can results in undesirable health concerns. As airflow gets more restricted, the skin underneath may become more prone to infections. If you do however find mats developing, use an electric clipper to remove them.
Tips: Teeth Brushing
Humans have 32 teeth. Shih Tzus, meanwhile, have 42. Their teeth can therefore get rather crowded inside their mouths, making them increasingly prone to developing dental issues and gum diseases. Pet adopters should therefore introduce dental healthcare to their dogs on a daily basis. Start by using a small toothbrush, and choose toothpaste brands that veterinarians recommend. Take note that these toothpaste should be free of fluoride. You should never use your toothpaste on a Shih Tzu’s teeth. In terms of diet, special kibbles and biscuits can also be chosen instead of the mass commercialised dog food. They help to reduce the rate of plague and tartar build up.
ConsideratiOn: CONS
Don’t get a Shih Tzu if you don’t want to deal with its…
Obstinacy
Shih Tzus are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Training them takes a lot of time and patience.
Strong Will
Shih Tzus can suffer from small dog syndrome, where they possess an irrational amount of confidence.
Coat
Pet adopters must be prepared for regular visits to the groomer, as well as brushing on a daily basis.Â
Health
Shih Tzus are more susceptible to health conditions than other dogs due to their flat faces.
Adopt
Featured Shih Tzu
BJ
Shih Tzu
Adult (9 years old) – Female
Buddy
Shih Tzu
Adult (10 years old) – Male
Cuddles
Shih Tzu
Adult (10 years old)Â – Female
Habitation
Coexisting with a Shih Tzu
Appearance
Shih Tzu are strong, compact dogs who are longer than they are tall. They have dark eyes and short muzzles that’ are magnificently framed by the long hairs of their coat. Shih Tzus also have heavily-plumed tails that are curved at the back. They walk with an easy flowing gait.
Their most notable feature is the long, luxurious flowing coats that they wear. Shih Tzus are typically long-haired, which gives them the appearance of an overflowing tress. They look extremely graceful when they walk, and it is of no wonder they are so frequently paraded at competitions and talent shows.
Children
Stars: 2/5
I’ll do best in a home with children aged 12 and up.
Dogs
Stars: 4/5
Cats
Stars: 1/5
I’ll do best in a house with no cats.
%
Family-Pet Satisfaction
Other Details
Basic profile of a Shih Tzu
Activity
01. Exercise Requirements
Whilst Shih Tzu might not be the most active of dogs, they still require their daily doses of exercise. For puppies between the age of 6 months to 1 years old, 20 minutes of daily walk should suffice. As they transition into full-fledged adults, pet owners can start increasing their exercise frequency. These adult Shih Tzus should be taken out for at least two walks a day, each lasting 20-30 minutes.Â
However, Shih Tzu are prone to overheating, so avoid taking them outdoors in the afternoon. Instead, choose periods with less direct sunlight, such as the early morning or the late evenings, to take them for walks.
Fitness
03. Potential Health Issues
Much like most other dog breeds with flat faces, Shih Tzu are prone to certain medical conditions. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) is common within the breed, where problems with the larynx or trachea would cause breathing difficulties. This condition is inborn, and usually does not manifest itself until the dog is between one to six years of age.
Regular health check ups should be absolutely mandatory for Shih Tzus. Pet Adopters should be prepared to take these dogs to the veterinarian at least once a year. This allows for early diagnosis and treatment of any potential problems.
Breaking In
02. Obedience Training Style
Training a Shih Tzu might not be the easiest nor the most straightforward experience. Yet, it is often a highly-rewarding one. Different from other breeds that are difficult to train, Shih Tzus are in fact rather eager to please. Instead it is another trait of theirs, their great affinity with people, that makes them difficult to control. Shih Tzus are incredibly charming, and often have the last say, where they convince their owners into letting them do what they want.Â
Some patience is required when working with this breed. Positive reinforcement trainings with food treats often work wonders too.
diet
04. Nutritional Requirements
Just like with any other dogs, the best diet is one that is personally customised for the Shih Tzu by you local veterinarian. As a general guideline, however, the Shih Tzu should be fed between 300-600 calories per day. They require at least 25% of protein in their meals, and very much prefer to get them from fish or meat.
Since they are such small dogs, and are not especially active, they do not have high calories requirement. It is important to watch over their diet, and be sure that they are not overeating. Also, refrain from feeding them any artificially processed food.Â