Information you should know about why neutering young by a excellent veterinarian is recommendation and endorsed
by American Humane Association, The American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association.
1. Neutering early is simple, fast and inexpensive and result in no adverse side effects when done at an early age.
2. Early neutered males are easier to housebreak than females.
3. Early neutered male are more affectionate and loving than females.
4. Early neutered males don't roam looking for a mate, and so they want to stay home.
5. Early neutered males don't mark territory or lift their leg to urinate.
6. Neutering a male early reduces problems with territorial and sexual aggression and get into fewer fights.
7. Neutering early also reduces inappropriate urination sometimes called spraying and other very undesirable male behaviors.
8. Neutering early decreases the chances of developing prostatic disease and hernias .
9. Neutering early eliminates the chances of developing testicular cancer to zero.
10. Neutering early results in quicker healing and a shorter recover period .
11. Early neutering does not affect the health of the puppy.
12. When neutered early there is no difference in immune function, growth rates and/or final size.
These are not the correct questions when looking for a pet that will be with you for years to come. What sex do I want? What color do I want? Sorry wrong questions. Sex should never be a determining factor as much as what you see and feel.
Both sexes are lovable but it is from years of loving this beautiful breed that I see that the males are most often the more affectionate and tend to love to please. I live with several adorable females, but the females can be moody at times,(like all women). BUT there are always exceptions to this as to every rule.
When looking for a companion, it is better not to have a preference and to watch the little babies, pick out your puppy because of what you see and feel. It seems like the right puppy always goes to the right parent, because you will make them yours. They will blend into your home and it will be a perfect match, because regardless of the sex, a Shih Tzu is truly a wonderful creature to live with!! These sturdy little funny creations are made to love, pamper, and please. The puppies colors may change, but the baby stays the same. If you see a baby that you want, whether on the website or with a breeder, remember that you will make it yours. They love their people!
Enjoy and love the baby you choose. These lovely little dogs will take your heart and strive to please. What more could you want out of your baby (pet)?
How to achieve a Clean and White face
First be sure your food and treats have no added color. Stick to white or pale colored "cookies" and treats. Examples would be IAMS biscuits or Natures Recipe Lamb and Rice Bones. Better quality foods usually don't have color added. If the stools have a red tinge or if you use canned as a supplement check for a pinkish tinge. If it's there, chances are the food has been colored. In many areas of the country, water is very hard, has a high iron content or has chemicals that aren't good for you or your little dog. Use bottled water or have a reverse osmosis water purification system installed in your home. In some areas the water is so hard it is known to contribute to kidney and bladder stone formation in both people and pets. A stainless steel bowl is best. Shih-Tzu, being "brachycephalic" or short faced breed, prefer shallow bowls. Stainless steel is bacteriostatic, it doesn't chip or crack and is easy to keep clean. Some plastics are known to discolor faces. Plastic absorbs odors. Food or water left in plastic containers may have an unpleasant odor, undetected by humans but quiet obvious to dogs who have a much more developed sense of smell. Some folks like to add a little cider vinegar to the water or even lemon juice. We found that dogs didn't seem to drink as well. Adding about 100-200 mg a day of vitamin C daily won't hurt, if you would like to do that. Some Vets say it works, others say it doesn't. A naturopathic Vet recommended that I try a zinc supplement for face stain. If tear ducts are blocked, often tears will spill over and possibly stain the face. Take your thumb and forefinger and gently massage the bridge of the dogs nose up on the sides under his eyes. Most dogs like this. At first do it once or twice daily for a week or two then just once or twice a week. You may be surprised after a while when the hair starts to grow back in white. Sometimes an eye inflammation contributes to the eye stain. It is probably "conjunctivitis". You can have your Vet check to be sure. You can order or ask your Vet for Tetracycline ointment, commonly called "Terramycin". Some folks like to use oral Tetracycline. I' am afraid we don't recommend it. Tetracycline can cause seriously upset stomachs and has to be eliminated through the Kidneys. It is best to save an Antibiotic for when it is really needed. And then always use enzymes and friendly bacteria to reseed the intestinal tract. The final thing to do is make a dilution of 1: 1 distilled water and 3% hydrogen peroxide. This is the weak antiseptic strength. We use a spray bottle, gently spray under the eyes (avoid getting into the eye). We also use to spray on cotton balls for cleaning the eye and mouth area as needed. Some people use powders or corn starch under the eyes and on the moustache. Corn starch is fine, talc is not advised. Some dogs will tear and react to powders of any sort coming near the eyes. So use your own judgement here. When we use powder, we use a cosmetic "blusher applicator" brush. Some people use a baby toothbrush or use their fingers to work the cornstarch in. Do not use boric acid if there is a chance of another dog chewing on the face hair. Don't get into the mouth. It is caustic to the stomach. The boric acid will help dry, whiten and kill germs on the face hair. Shih-Tzu Club (Singapore)
903-485-2326
Puppy Application/Questionaire
The following questions are being ask of you so that the right placement of each puppy made by bringing the various requirements of both the puppy and the new owner (s) into perspective. Before choice is made. I hope you agree that the puppies' welfare must be my foremost consideration in considering placement. Please answer the following questions as you can, and return this form when you've finished.
Name Address Phone Referred by: What reference materials have you read? How many individuals of this breed are you acquainted with? Type of dwelling? House Condo Apartment Mobile Home If renting please give name and address of Landlord: Name, address and Phone # of your Veterinarian: 1. Who will be the primary caregiver? 2. Where will the puppy be kept during the night? 3. Where will the puppy be kept during the day? 4. Is anyone home during the day? 5. How many hours on the average will the puppy be left alone? 6. Will there be someone available to feed and exercise the puppy during the day? 7. Have you ever owned a dog before? 8. Do you have any other animals? 9. Do you have any children? If yes, what are their ages? 10. Doe's anyone in your household have allergies to animals? 11.If yes, to what and how severe? 12. Are you interested in a male or female puppy? 13. At what age do you wish to get a puppy? 14. Have you considered an older dog instead of a puppy? 15. How did you hear about this breed? 16.What do you expect the activity level of this breed to be? Very high Moderate Below average 17. What kind of floor surfaces will the dog be on in the house? 18. How many hours a day will the puppy be kept outside? 19. How will he be confined when he is outside? 20. Do you have a fenced yard or suitable pen? 21. Have you ever housetrained a dog before? 22. How long have you lived at this address? 23. Will you be attending training classes? 24. If yes, at what age will you start, which activities or competitions are you interested in? Who will be the trainer. 25. How long did your last pet live? What were the circumstances of it's death? 26. Have you ever returned a pet to the breeder? If so, what were the circumstances? 27. Have you ever given a pet away? If so, what were the circumstances? 28. Have you ever taken a pet to a pound or shelter? If so, what were the circumstances? 29. Are you interested in showing the dog in the confirmation ring? 30. Have you ever shown a dog to it's championship? 31. Are you interested in competition in performance events such as obedience, agility, hunting or herding, Etc? 32. Have you shown a dog to any performance titles? 33. Do you intend to breed this dog? 34. Do you understand the difference between a limited registration and a full registration?
