Without question, Shih Tzu are people dogs. Long-time Shih Tzu breeders often joke that they are like potato chips—you can’t have just one. Th is is such an easy breed to live with. Th ere are few sex dif- ferences. In fact, most people think that male Shih Tzu are more a ff ectionate than females; the latter seem to take all of the attention for granted rather than actively seeking it out. Shih Tzu of all ages love to be near you and puppies are so underfoot you have to be very careful not to trip over them. (A tip: slide your feet along the ground and sit on the floor to play with them.) Your Shih Tzu will always be ready for a brisk walk or a game of fetch or a snuggle. At the same time, he will be just as happy to curl up quietly at (or on) your feet when you are busy. And don’t even think of not letting him share your bed! Shih Tzu get along well with children of all ages and other dogs of all sizes and shapes and are as contented to live in a small city apartment as in the country. If you do not have an enclosed yard, or have an unpredictable schedule, you can train your Shih Tzu to elimi- nate on paper. Th is is particularly useful when it is snowing or pouring rain! Age, sex, or color should not influence your decision on which Shih Tzu joins your family. Evaluate the individual dog and take the advice of your breeder. Older dogs usually adapt as quickly as puppies to new, loving homes.
To learn more about all aspects of owning or judging this sturdy, happy breed, or how to locate a responsible breeder, go to the American Shih Tzu Club website, www.americanshihtzu- club.org. And welcome to the wonderful world of Shih Tzu!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jo Ann White got her first Shih Tzu in 1967 and has been actively involved with the breed ever since. Past president of the American Shih Tzu Club and the Shih Tzu Fanciers of Central Florida,
she is currently on the ASTC board of direc- tors and manages the ASTC website. She has written several books on the breed, includ- ing The Official Book of the Shih Tzu and has been Shih Tzu breed columnist for the AKC Gazette since 1988. Jo Ann bred and/ or owned about 20 champions before moving to a Florida condo with a two-dog limit in 1996. She got back into the ring in 2007 with Chico (Ch. Krissy’s Tybee Dream Machine), her much loved “house mouse.” Retired after winning the 2010 ASTC Specialty, he has since earned his ROM and is having a grand time back out in the ring as a veteran.
288 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , S EPTEMBER 2014
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