THE SHIH TZU

AKA Purebred Dogs & Pedigree Dog

Utica Pet Supply LLC

John Goeth

The Shih Tzu has been a great seller for us since we opened our store in 1999.  It is so popular that our records indicate that to date (July-2010) the Shih Tzu is the Number One selling Pure Breed puppy at Utica Pet Supply LLC www.uticapet.com.

The Shih Tzu has a luxurious coat that is long and silky.  Shih Tzu puppies come in a full range of beautiful colors.

The Shih Tzu is in the Toy Group of dogs and the normal weight for a Shih Tzu is 9-16 pounds.  From time to time you could see a Shih Tzu that is less than 9 pounds as an adult and that would be fine.  Also, you could see an adult Shih Tzu that is over 16 pounds and that is ok also.

The height on the Shih Tzu ranges from 8-11 inches.

In researching the history of this breed I found that it originated in China and Tibet and had the function of a lap dog.  Also, the Shih Tzu and the Lhasa Apso were simply called the Apso until 1934. After that time they were referred to as two separate breeds.  The Shih Tzu enjoyed rising popularity in the United States in the 1960s and was recognized by AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1969.

The Shih Tzu has a good energy level so we do recommend it for families with kids.  This is a very playful and affectionate dog so it makes for a very good companion.

We promote the Shih Tzu as an indoor dog as its coat is non-shedding.  And while all dogs require some exercise every day, the Shih Tzu has a lower exercise requirement and one good vigorous play session daily should do it.

The Shih Tzu has a great temperament toward other pets and people so if family or friends visit with their puppy that works well. Also, first time visitors to your home will be welcomed by the Shih Tzu.

While most authors state that the Shih Tzu is more difficult to train, I am in the middle on that one.  My daughter Erin who has her own apartment took home a Shih Tzu (Male) that she named Timmy.  This Shih Tzu comes over my home almost every Sunday and it is by far one of the smartest Shih Tzus I have ever seen.  My opinion on this now leans more toward the trainer of the puppy is a far greater influencing factor, than the breed of dog being easier or harder to train.

Overall, Roxanne and I give a thumbs up in recommending the Shih Tzu for you and your family as one of the great dogs to get when you are considering a purchase of a new puppy!

Overall this is a hearty dog with an anticipated life span of 11-14 years.

The Shih Tzu is a Purebred Dog and recognized by the FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, & ANKC.

At the store we feed the puppies a dry kibble made by Diamond Pet Foods, Inc.  This premium dry kibble is called Professional Puppy Chicken & Barley Formula.  This food has the benefits of Professional’s Complete Health Care System.

Fun Fact: Purina Puppy Chow and Purina Dog Chow are two of the most popular and recognized brand names of pet foods today.

Fun Fact: In addition to being the smallest dog ranging from 1-6 pounds, the Chihuahua is one of the shortest ranging from 6-9”.

For more information on Puppies / Dogs go to www.uticapet.com and click on any of the Articles that are related to the topic you are interested in.  If you are interested in purchasing a Shih Tzu or other type of Puppy you can check our inventory at

www.uticapetsupplyllc.com/price.php

Also, please consider Utica Pet Supply if you are looking to adopt a puppy.  Our adoptions are simple, fun, and extremely cost effective.  Sometimes, you can adopt a fully vaccinated puppy between 12-16 weeks of age in some cases as low as $99.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, we hope you enjoyed it and found it informative.

About the Authors

John and Roxanne Goeth established Utica Pet Supply LLC in 1999 and assisted in developing Reliance Animal Hospital with their Staff Veterinarian Y.D. Youanes DVM in 2002.  John Goeth also serves as Director of Reliance Animal Hospital LLC.  Both John & Roxanne publish a variety of articles related to the pet industry.  Utica Pet Supply LLC is conveniently located in Macomb County at 45460 Van Dyke Ave. Utica, Michigan 48317.