When picking out a puppy, what is best for you and your family? Do you have children, do you live alone? Are you in an apartment or a home with a back yard? Do you work or stay at home? . The wonderful little Shih Tzu will fit into all the above situations, if handled correctly. Never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy. Puppies and small children can, and do, hurt each other unintentionally. Supervision and training will make it a safe environment for puppy and child!
Living in an apartment? The Shih Tzu does well in apartments. Since they are a small breed, they can get their exercise by running through the apartment and playing with their toys. Of course a walk around the apartment grounds for exercise, would be a good way not only for your dog, but you too! :)
If you are at work all day, know that a bored dog can be destructive and get into things it should not. Always leave your dog with toys to play with and a chew bone. Until you can trust him with the run of the house, leave him in a confined area that is big enough for him to play and move about with comfort.
If you have decided on the Shih Tzu also know that they will require about 30 minutes a day on grooming, if you are keeping them in full coat.
When receiving inquiries about puppies 95% of the time people want to buy a female.I can only conclude that they have heard or believe the bum rap that males receive on the kind of pet they make!
In general most people think that a female makes the better pet. From my experience and from talking with my breeder's group of over 400, 95% of the time, we have all found the male to be more loving,affectionate, and.always eager to please his owner. We all agree that you can always depend on him to be your best friend and loyal companion,at any time,and in any situation! The females tend to sit back and watch,and if things are not as they like,they tend to pout! A male is more accepting of other pets brought into the house and takes very quickly to children!.
There is another very important reason that keeps some from selecting a male.They have heard rumors that males will lift a leg on their furniture! Males most often mark (lift leg) because they are marking their territory. The males that tend to mark are ones that have not been neutered. Males that have been neutered at 4 to 6 months lose their desire for this behavior! They no longer have the male hormones that make them territorial!!
These are just a few thoughts on the subject, keep an open mind when choosing your puppy, don’t close the door on a puppy because of rumors that you may think are true, because you may miss out on the best companion of your life!
Heather and Pauline
TopKnot Shih Tzu
