Teacup Shih Tzu Puppies
The teacup Shih Tzu puppy is a breed of dogs that are very ancient and mostly kept for the purpose of companionship and they have long silky fur. The breed is known to have originated from China. The name Shih Tzu translates into “Lion Dog” as the breed was originally bred in order to resemble the Chinese oriental art form of the lion. In England, the dog is also known by the name Chrysanthemum Dog. Other common names to refer to the same dog are Tibetan Lion Dog and Xi Shi Quan.
The Shih Tzu is a small dog with a very short muzzle, which is why they are often described as being teacup sized and eyes that are large, dark and deep. Their coat is soft and long, have double coat and the dog does not stand any higher than 10 and a half inches nor does it weight more than 4.5 to 7.3 kg. It has beautiful drop ears that are covered with long fur and the tail is very furry too. The coat is subject to being of a variety of colours though a blaze of white is commonly seen at the forehead and the tip of the tail. The way they carry themselves is often known to be courageous and arrogant. The silky coat of the Shih Tzu puppy needs to be brushed and clipped regularly in order to avoid tangles. Shih Tzu puppies are known to have braided ponytails in order to look magnificently cute.
However, most Shih Tzu puppies are known to suffer from a number of health problems – some that are genetic and the others environmental. It is best to ask your breeder to show you the reports of tests taken by your Shih Tzu pup to ensure yours is free of such ailments. Some puppies are known to suffer from portosystemic shunt of the liver and hip dysplasia. Shih Tzu puppies are especially sensitive to high temperatures – so much so that some airlines will refuse to ship them if at any point the planned itinerary exceeds 24 degree centigrade. The simple process of drinking water can hinder their breathing, which is why it is important that somebody monitors over them while they are eating or drinking. Some owners prefer to let their Shih Tzus drink from a licker bottle, which is often used to feed hamsters and gerbils.
The eyes of your Shih Tzu puppy must be checked every day to clean any kind of mucus build up. Another solution for the same is to give them chlorine free water to drink as that prevents mucus build up. The known life span of a Shih Tzu puppy is 2 to 15 years although variations along this gap are possible. Shih Tzu puppies are friendly lap dogs that were originally bred to give the Chinese royalty companionship. They are highly devoted and adaptable dogs yet they would not fear to stand up for themselves. They are lovable, playful and trustworthy and do not need as much exercise as larger sized dogs. However due to a small bladder, they often suffer much.