Choosing the right shih tzu for sale can be a daunting task. The first thing you need to do is determine your needs, and then find out what your options are. This includes a variety of factors, including the size of the dog, the price range, and health issues that may affect the dog.
Price range
Buying a Shih Tzu is a great idea if you are looking for a small dog. They are playful, fun-loving, and highly intelligent. However, they are not cheap. The cost of caring for a Shih Tzu can vary dramatically depending on the size of the dog and the location it lives in.
The average price of a Shih Tzu is between $500 and $1,600. This amount includes the cost of the puppy, as well as any additional supplies that you will need. The pet will need food, bedding, training, and supplies for grooming. Ideally, you should budget between $200 and $400 for routine vet care.
Choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder is a good way to ensure a healthy dog. However, you can save money on your pet by adopting a rescue dog from a local shelter or a national rescue. These dogs have been veterinarian checked and have been dewormed. They will also have been microchipped.
The price range of a Shih Tzu is a function of its size, color, and its breeder. Younger puppies are more expensive, while older ones are less expensive. The cost of the pet will depend on its age, the parent dog’s lineage, and the region in which you live. Generally speaking, the most expensive purebred Shih Tzus cost about $6000.
The average cost of feeding a Shih Tzu is around $2,570 per year. In addition, a new Shih Tzu will need to have a microchip and be vaccinated. This will add security and help prevent future parasites. The cost of grooming a Shih Tzu is about $55 to $260 per year.
Other expenses that can be added to the price of a Shih Tzu are: spay and neutering, veterinary bills, and training. The average Shih Tzu eats about a cup of kibble every day. The cost of pet food varies from $50 to $130.
Grooming tasks
Regardless of whether you are a professional or a newbie, there are a number of Shih tzu grooming tasks you can perform to make your dog’s coat look and smell nice. Proper grooming can prevent tangles and mats, and help to keep your dog looking and feeling its best.
The most basic grooming step is brushing. A good brush helps to detangle and separate hairs, and also stimulates blood circulation in the coat.
Another important grooming task is trimming nails. You can use a nail clipper, or you can use a nail grinder. A nail grinder is a safer alternative.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is a good way to clean up tartar and bacteria. If you are not comfortable doing this task, you can hire a dog grooming professional.
A good brush will not only keep tangles and mats at bay, it will also stimulate blood circulation and help deliver nutrients and moisture to the coat.
You might want to invest in some eye wipes to clean the eyes. You can also use a wet cotton ball to get rid of debris around your Shih Tzu’s eyes.
Some owners wonder how difficult it is to groom their dogs. While the answer is complex, there are a few steps you can take to do the job right.
The most important step is to find a suitable brush. A bristle and nylon mixture brush is the ideal choice. This type of brush helps to gently remove tangles, but also makes brushing easy on your hands.
Other Shih tzu grooming tasks include cleaning the ears. You can use ear cleaning solution, but a wet cotton ball should do.
Health problems
Generally, Shih Tzus enjoy a long and healthy life. But there are certain health problems that can affect them. Keeping tabs on these issues is essential so that you can take action if needed.
There are several ear and eye problems that can affect Shih Tzus. Some of these conditions are related to allergies. Others are associated with skin problems. If you notice your dog’s ears or eyes become inflamed, you should take him or her to a veterinarian for examination.
Ocular proptosis is a common problem in Shih Tzus. This condition is caused by the facial skin stretching backward. The resulting pressure on the eyeball causes irritation. A veterinary ophthalmologist can perform surgery to correct this problem.
Another health issue that can affect Shih Tzus is patellar luxation. It is a condition that can develop at any age. It can cause problems with mobility and can lead to arthritis later in life.
It is a genetic disease that can affect all breeds of dogs. It can be painful, but it can be treated. If it is not treated, it can be fatal.
The kidney is an organ that filters blood and removes waste from the body. It is important to make sure your pet is receiving the right amount of water and food. It may also be necessary to administer supplements.
Breathing problems can also be a serious concern for Shih Tzus. They are susceptible to a variety of respiratory illnesses, including airway syndrome. This can include a collapsed larynx, a small trachea, and stenotic nares.
These can be severe and can lead to problems with breathing and death. Some cases can be treated by putting your dog on bed rest. Other cases will require surgery.
Size
Depending on your breeder, Shih Tzu may be a small dog or a large dog. There are many dog breeds that have different size ranges.
When breeding a dog, it is important to consider the health of the puppies. Some dog breeds, like Shih Tzu, have several problems that can affect them. One of the problems is hyperthyroidism. Another problem is breathing difficulties. If a puppy is too small, it might have difficulty eating.
There are also breeds that are prone to calcium deficiencies. There are breeds that require grooming, and some have to be wormed. The Shih Tzu has a long, soft coat. The color of the coat is determined by the pigment in the coat. Often, the coat comes in black, white, and liver.
A Shih Tzu’s teeth come in later than other breeds. If a Shih Tzu’s teeth haven’t erupted by the time it is eight weeks old, it can develop problems. Some have delayed tooth eruption, which is life-threatening in young puppies.
There are some breeders who intentionally bred smaller Shih Tzus. These are the ones who claim that there is a “imperial gene” responsible for making these dogs small. However, there has never been any proof of this.
It is also important to remember that a Shih Tzu’s body structure can be affected by its environment. A small Shih Tzu that is not well taken care of may suffer from severe problems. Some of these problems are eye issues, breathing problems, and organ damage.
The American Shih Tzu Club is an official organization in the United States. They set the standards for the breed. It is illegal to advertise Shih Tzu as an “Imperial” or as a “teacup” without a breeding certificate.
Imperial and teacup shih tzus
Despite their tiny size, Imperial and teacup shih tzus for sale are very active. They are playful and easy to bond with. They also make great pets for a small family. Unlike other toy dog breeds, they do not need much space. This makes them ideal for apartment owners.
While the Imperial and teacup shih tzu is a very popular breed, it is important to choose a responsible breeder. Some irresponsible breeders may overuse the term “Imperial” or “teacup” to sell puppies. It is best to ask for a written health guarantee from the breeder.
A good breeder will provide evidence of health screenings and will ensure that their dogs are well-balanced. This can prevent health problems in smaller dogs.
Some Imperial and teacup shih tzus may be born smaller than expected. Some of these dogs will not be AKC registerable because of their small size. Depending on the breeder, some of these puppies may be runts.
Some Imperial and teacup shih Tzus are also prone to injuries and health issues. These include hypoglycemia and spinal disc disease. They are also prone to slipped stifle and a collapsed trachea. They are prone to infections, and they need special care during the first few days. They are microchipped and dewormed.
Some Imperial and teacup shihTzus are more susceptible to respiratory problems than other breeds. They may experience coughing, wheezing, and reverse sneezing. They are also prone to ear, eye, and teeth issues.
These dogs are sensitive to temperature and have fragile bones. They have short legs and long backs. They are usually vaccinated and dewormed. They have a low blood sugar level, which can lead to hypoglycemia.
