WELCOME TO SMALLANDMINIDOGS
THE SMALL PRECIOUS THINGS IN LIFE
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The Shih Tzu dog always behaves with a air of dignity, and gets along well with children and other household pets. This breed of dog's somewhat obstinate nature makes consistency an essential component in the training process. The Shih Tzu is an independent breed that is intelligent and lovable. Although they are known to be very affectionate, sociable, and cheerful, they are not always as outgoing as most breeds. Shih Tzus are happy with short walks around the block, and they seldom bark.
The Shih Tzu originates from the mountainous regions of Tibet. It is a tiny dog, with an average shoulder height of only 9.75 inches (25 cm). It's coat consists of long fine hairs, which must be combed everyday to prevent any tangles. Shih Tzus can come in a variety of colors including black, red, beige, and sometimes even white. It is important to note that Shih Tzus require extensive grooming.It usually is necessary to provide them with a hair bow or something similar to keep the hair out of the dog's eyes. Special eye drops must be applied to keep the eyes clean. The ear passages must be cleaned regularly as well. To keep the coat in good condition, it is necessary to take the dog to a professional groomer every two months to be clipped.
The exotic looking Shih Tzu is one of the sturdiest and most robust of the toy dog breeds. Shih Tzus are intelligent, playful, affectionate, friendly, self confident and outgoing. Shih Tzus make great apartment dogs and companion dogs for the elderly. These charming and personable dogs are devoted to their owners and their families. They make great traveling companions and rarely show any aggressive behavior toward strangers or strange animals. The breed gets along extremely well with older, considerate children.
Grooming:
Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming to keep it looking good. The double coat needs to be brushed and combed thoroughly every day to prevent tangles. The long hair on the head can scratch the dog’s eyes and should be tied up with a hair band. The beard and moustache should be combed daily and the dog’s bottom checked for cleanliness. Shih Tzu owners who are not planning to show their dogs should consider getting their coats trimmed and clipped to a 4 inch length every six weeks. Although this will change the breed characteristics, it is better to have a clipped Shih Tzu than one that is full of tangles. Remember to check the eyes and ears on a regular basis.
Small dog maintenance comes down to two things: brushing and vacuuming. Some breeds are almost maintenance-free and only require an occasional brushing and don't drop virtually any hair so you don't have to vacuum.
You need to brush a long-haired dog daily so his coat doesn't become a matted and tangled mess! However, you can avoid this if you keep his coat clipped short (just clip it short every few months--it only takes about 30 minutes to do) and then you only have to brush it occasionally (problem solved!). So you aren't limited to just the short-haired breeds if you don't have time for regular brushing. You still can choose a longhaired breed; you just have to clip his coat short to make it easy to maintain.
If you don't have time to be vacuuming up hair, either, then you will want a low-shedding breed.
Virtually all small dog breeds make good little watchdogs--they will all make some sort of commotion (growling or barking)--when a stranger enters their turf. But some breeds are better at this job than others. A few are highly alert and will bark unrelentingly if a stranger is on "their" property.
Contrary to popular belief, it's not dog hair that causes allergies (sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose) it's dog dander (or dead skin flakes) that does. This microscopic dander floats through the air and when inhaled or when it lands in the eyes it triggers the allergic-reaction.
All dogs with skin (which is all of them) produce dander. So there is no such thing as dog, big or small, that doesn't produce it and is therefore totally safe for allergy-sufferers. However, because small dogs have less skin, they produce less dander. It is also thought that breeds who are low hair shedders also shed less dander.
So if you have allergies to dander, first consider a small dog (your on the right site).
And, to be safe, if you do have allergies arrange to spend some time around some dogs of the breed you are interested in (maybe at a breeders home)--to make certain that they don't trigger your allergies... before you get one!
Buy a high quality dry puppy food that is specially for small dogs. Commercial dog food manufacturer's spend millions of dollars researching dog nutritional needs so products are nutritionally complete and balancedA good puppy food should have vitamins, minerals and ratio of fat to protein to carbohydrates. It should have high levels of phosphorous, calcium and be highly digestible so it can absorb nutrients. Dry dog food is also good for dental health. Check local pet store for best premium dog foods. Ask your breeder or veterinaian for recommends.
A puppy requires twice the amount of nutrients per pound of body weight than adult dogs. A 6 pound puppy needs 47 calories per pound of body wieght. Check manufacturer's recommendations for the amount to give him.
PUPPY FOOD
Be sure to match puppy food with size of puppy and life stage he is in. Tiny toy dogs don't have very big mouths so you will need small kibble size food.
Small dogs need food for rapid growth development for bones and muscles. In general, their fastest growth is the first six months depending on the breed.
Feed your puppy 3-4 times a day. After 8 weeks go to twice a day. Small dog breeds reach (most of them) adult weight at 9-12 months.
If he is fussy and doesn't want to eat try rehydrating his food with a little hot water. He must enjoy his food so he will eat it!
Don't give a small dog breed table food. This is not a complete and balanced diet for them. You can give them puppy treats but don't exceed 10% of their total diet.
Make your house safe for your puppy before you pick him up. Put household chemicals, poisonous plants and small objects out of sight. Remember to remove valuable or sentimental items out of reach until he is out of the chewing stage. Get electrial cords and wiring out of reach or in flexible plastic tubing. Have a place for him to exercise, either an exercise pen or yard. Puppy proof your yard by being sure the fence and gate are sturdy. Check for gaps in the hedges and under the hedges or fence. Your puppy should be at least 8 weeks old, some older depending on the breed, when you bring him home. For example, a Maltese puppy should be 12 weeks old before you bring him home. If you bring him home to soon he will have separation anxiety - he is use to having his parents and litter mates around him. Some breeds aren't ready to be weaned from their mother yet or moving around enough yet to leave the kennel.
SAFETY
THINGS TO KNOW