Question 1

How big does a Shih Tzu get when fully grown?

Accepted Answer

Adult Shih Tzus weigh 10–18 lb and stand 8–11 in tall. They carry heavy bone, so they feel more solid than their size suggests.

Question 2

How much do the parents of Pawrade Shih Tzus weigh?

Accepted Answer

Parents of Pawrade Shih Tzus typically weigh 7–15 lb for fathers and 8–14 lb for mothers, based on the adult weights breeders report.

Question 3

What colors do Shih Tzus come in?

Accepted Answer

Shih Tzus come in every color and marking, and all of them are judged equally under the AKC standard. Registered colors run from gold and black to liver, blue and brindle, solid or with white.

Question 4

What is an imperial or teacup Shih Tzu?

Accepted Answer

No registry recognizes an imperial or teacup Shih Tzu as a separate type or size. The names usually describe undersized dogs, smaller than the breed standard allows.

Question 5

Male or female Shih Tzu: which is better?

Accepted Answer

Either can make an affectionate companion, because the breed's outgoing, friendly nature belongs to males and females alike. One size range covers both sexes.

Question 6

Is there a separate European or American Shih Tzu?

Accepted Answer

There is only one Shih Tzu breed, with no separate European or American type. The AKC, the UKC, the World Canine Organisation (FCI) and the UK Kennel Club each recognize that one breed.

Question 7

Why do some Shih Tzus have a brown or blue nose?

Accepted Answer

Liver and blue Shih Tzus have a matching liver or blue nose, lips and eye rims, and the standard allows it. On every other color the nose, lips and eye rims are black.

Question 8

What does the breed standard say about the Shih Tzu's muzzle and bite?

Accepted Answer

The muzzle is short and square, about 1 inch from the tip of the nose to the stop, the dip between the forehead and the muzzle. An undershot or level bite is correct, with the lower teeth meeting in front of or level with the upper teeth. The muzzle should never be so short that it harms breathing or vision.

Question 9

How is a Shih Tzu different from a Lhasa Apso?

Accepted Answer

Both breeds have Tibetan roots and are often confused, but the Shih Tzu is in the AKC Toy Group and the Lhasa Apso is in the Non-Sporting Group. The Shih Tzu took its modern shape as a palace companion in China.

Question 10

What is a Shih Tzu's personality like?

Accepted Answer

A Shih Tzu is outgoing, happy and affectionate, and it was bred for nothing but companionship. Most are friendly with strangers and trust people in general.

Question 11

Are Shih Tzus calm, cuddly lap dogs?

Accepted Answer

Shih Tzus were developed as palace lap dogs and bred purely for companionship, so most are happiest close to their people. They are still lively indoors and enjoy a game.

Question 12

Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?

Accepted Answer

Shih Tzus bark now and then rather than constantly. That makes them a good fit for apartments and close neighbors.

Question 13

Is a Shih Tzu a good dog for a first-time owner?

Accepted Answer

A Shih Tzu can suit a first-time owner who wants a small, affectionate companion and has time for regular grooming. It learns quickly but can be stubborn, so gentle, reward-based training and patience with house-training help.

Question 14

Should I get a second Shih Tzu as a companion for my dog?

Accepted Answer

A Shih Tzu usually makes a good second dog, because the breed tends to get along with other dogs and household pets. Breeders report that 98% of Shih Tzu litters placed through Pawrade were socialized with small-breed dogs before going home. More than a third of Shih Tzu buyers on Pawrade already have another dog at home.

Question 15

Are Shih Tzus good with kids?

Accepted Answer

Shih Tzus are affectionate and good with children. A toy dog is easily hurt, so supervise young children and have them sit on the floor to hold the puppy.

Question 16

Do Shih Tzus get along with cats?

Accepted Answer

Shih Tzus are generally good with household pets, cats among them. Some Shih Tzu litters on Pawrade also meet cats before the puppies go home.

Question 17

Are Shih Tzus good apartment dogs?

Accepted Answer

The Shih Tzu is well suited to apartment living. It barks only now and then, and short walks plus indoor play meet its exercise needs.

Question 18

How much exercise does a Shih Tzu need?

Accepted Answer

Short daily walks plus indoor play are enough for most Shih Tzus, a breed with moderate energy. Tricks and games give the brain a workout, and sniffing on outdoor walks still matters.

Question 19

How do Shih Tzus handle hot weather?

Accepted Answer

Hot weather is hard on a Shih Tzu, because the short muzzle and heavy coat make it overheat easily. Keep it out of heat and humidity, and carry water on outings.

Question 20

Can Shih Tzus swim?

Accepted Answer

Most Shih Tzus are poor swimmers, because the heavy coat soaks up water and the face is short. Stay close whenever your dog is near a pool or other water.

Question 21

Can a Shih Tzu travel safely, given its short face?

Accepted Answer

A Shih Tzu can travel, and heat is the main thing to manage, because the short muzzle makes it easy to overheat. Keep your dog cool on the trip and bring water and ice packs.

Question 22

Are Shih Tzus hypoallergenic, and do they shed?

Accepted Answer

Shih Tzus shed little, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Low shedding means less loose hair, not a coat free of allergens.

Question 23

How much grooming does a Shih Tzu need?

Accepted Answer

A long coat needs brushing every day or every other day to stop mats. Many owners keep it in a short puppy or pet trim from a professional groomer instead. Keep the hair around the rear trimmed for hygiene, whichever look you choose.

Question 24

Are Shih Tzus easy to train?

Accepted Answer

Shih Tzus learn quickly, but many have a stubborn streak. Praise, treats and games work far better than force or harsh corrections.

Question 25

How long can a Shih Tzu puppy hold its bladder?

Accepted Answer

A common rule of thumb is that a puppy can hold its bladder for about as many hours as its age in months. A 3-month-old, for example, can usually wait about 3 hours. The rule works up to about 9 months to 1 year, and every puppy is different. Shih Tzus are often slow to house-train, so take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after naps and last thing at night.

Question 26

Can a Shih Tzu be trained to use pee pads?

Accepted Answer

House-training a Shih Tzu often takes longer than average, and an indoor potty system is a reasonable option for this breed. Whatever you choose, keep a steady schedule and take the puppy out, or to its spot, as soon as it wakes.

Question 27

Is a Shih Tzu puppy crate trained when it comes home?

Accepted Answer

Breeders on Pawrade report whether they have started crate training, so ask how far your puppy has got. At home, put the crate in a room where the family spends time, or in your bedroom at night.

Question 28

Why did my Shih Tzu stop listening at 7 months?

Accepted Answer

Your Shih Tzu is most likely in adolescence, a normal phase when dogs test boundaries and may seem to forget their training. In Shih Tzus this teenage phase often starts at around 7–8 months. Keep training consistent and rewarding, with praise, treats and games rather than force. Adolescence can last until about 2 years, and patience pays off.

Question 29

What activities do Shih Tzus enjoy?

Accepted Answer

Trick training and indoor games suit the breed well. Shih Tzus also compete in AKC agility and obedience, and pet therapy work is open to the breed.

Question 30

Can a Shih Tzu be a therapy or emotional support dog?

Accepted Answer

Pet therapy is one of the activities open to the breed, and a Shih Tzu's friendly, trusting nature suits the work. It was bred only to be a companion, and it is affectionate and outgoing with the people around it.

Question 31

At what age can a Shih Tzu puppy go home?

Accepted Answer

Pawrade puppies travel only once they are at least 8 weeks old and 2 lb, and the breeder's licensed vet examines each one first. Most Shih Tzu puppies go home at about 12 weeks, usually between 9 and 19 weeks.

Question 32

What should I prepare before my Shih Tzu puppy comes home?

Accepted Answer

Plan how to keep the puppy cool, set a steady routine for meals, sleep and play, and be ready to clean the eye corners every day. If there are children, teach them to sit on the floor when they hold the puppy. Set up the crate or puppy pen in a room where the family spends time, or in your bedroom at night.

Question 33

When should my Shih Tzu puppy start socialization and classes?

Accepted Answer

Start right away, because the first 3 months are the most important time for socialization. Puppy classes can begin as early as 7–8 weeks, with healthy classmates and clean floors, as your vet advises. Look for a class that uses positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise.

Question 34

When does a Shih Tzu puppy stop teething?

Accepted Answer

Most puppies finish teething by about 6 months, when the adult teeth are in. Baby teeth start to fall out from about 12 weeks, and a teething puppy may snort or make bubbling sounds. Offer a few safe chew toys at a time and rotate them, and ask your vet to check for baby teeth that stay in.

Question 35

When are a Shih Tzu puppy's vaccines finished?

Accepted Answer

Most puppies finish their core vaccine series at about 16 weeks, as your vet advises. Until your vet says the series is complete, skip dog parks and other places where unknown dogs gather. A puppy class with healthy classmates and clean floors is fine before then.

Question 36

When is a Shih Tzu fully grown?

Accepted Answer

Most puppies stop growing in height by about 12 months, and small dogs like the Shih Tzu finish sooner than large breeds. Most dogs are fully grown and settled into adulthood at around 2 years.

Question 37

How many puppies are in a Shih Tzu litter?

Accepted Answer

Breeders on Pawrade report a typical Shih Tzu litter of 4 puppies, usually between 2 and 6.

Question 38

How are Pawrade Shih Tzu puppies raised before they come home?

Accepted Answer

Breeders report that 98% of Shih Tzu litters placed through Pawrade were socialized with small-breed dogs, 84% with older children and 81% with younger children. Most litters also meet everyday sounds and travel before going home. Breeders report that 67% of litters heard a vacuum cleaner, 55% heard loud music or TV, 55% rode in a car or truck and 52% heard pots and pans. These figures come from the breeders' own litter forms.

Question 39

What should I feed a Shih Tzu puppy?

Accepted Answer

Feed puppy food in three small meals a day until about 6 months, then two meals a day until the first birthday. Most switch to adult food at around 7 months, and because Shih Tzus gain weight easily, count the treats. You can ask what your puppy is eating now before it comes home.

Question 40

What is the Veterinary Health Report?

Accepted Answer

The Veterinary Health Report is the written record of your Shih Tzu puppy's health exam before it goes home. The breeder's licensed veterinarian examines the puppy to PetPay's exam standards and records the results in the report. It is a full hands-on exam of your puppy itself, not a record of the parents' health.

Question 41

Who examines my Shih Tzu puppy before it goes home?

Accepted Answer

The breeder's own licensed veterinarian examines every Shih Tzu puppy before it goes home. The vet follows PetPay's exam standards and records the findings in your puppy's Veterinary Health Report. A hard copy of the report travels with your puppy for your records, and a digital copy is in your PetPay account.

Question 42

What does the exam check in a Shih Tzu?

Accepted Answer

The breeder's licensed vet gives each Shih Tzu puppy a full hands-on exam before it goes home, to PetPay's exam standards. The vet checks the eyes and eyelashes, looks at the nostrils and listens for noisy breathing. The vet also checks the bite and inside the mouth, weighs the puppy and looks for one that is not thriving next to its littermates. Big, exposed eyes and a short muzzle are why the eyes and breathing get a close look in a Shih Tzu.

Question 43

Which vaccines will my Shih Tzu puppy have had?

Accepted Answer

Before travel, every puppy follows PetPay's vaccination and deworming schedule as far as its age allows: deworming at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks, and the distemper, parvo, adenovirus and parainfluenza combination shot at 6–8, 9–11 and 12–14 weeks. Bordetella and corona are given at the vet's discretion, and no vaccine is given within 3 days of travel. Rabies is given by a licensed vet on the schedule your state requires. Your own vet completes the series. Your puppy's vaccination and deworming records are separate documents that travel with your puppy. Bring them, with the Veterinary Health Report, to your first visit so your vet starts from the same record.

Question 44

What happens if the vet finds something?

Accepted Answer

If the vet finds something that could put your puppy at risk during travel, your puppy stays with the breeder until it's resolved. Problems that can be treated before travel are treated by the breeder's licensed vet first. Anything else the vet notes is shared with you.

Question 45

Why can't the exam find everything?

Accepted Answer

Puppies grow and change quickly, and their immune systems are still developing, so no exam can find everything. The pre-travel exam by the breeder's licensed vet is a strong early indicator and a documented starting point. Your own vet builds on it at the first visit and at every checkup after that.

Question 46

Does a Shih Tzu from Pawrade come with a health guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Every Pawrade puppy comes with a health guarantee administered by PetPay, independent of the seller. The terms are on the health guarantee page.

Question 47

What do other Shih Tzu buyers say?

Accepted Answer

Shih Tzu buyers rate their Pawrade experience 4.8 out of 5 on average across 702 reviews, and 87% of those reviews give the full 5 stars.

Question 48

How much does a Shih Tzu puppy cost?

Accepted Answer

Right now, most Shih Tzu puppies on Pawrade are listed within the typical range shown on Pawrade's Shih Tzu listings. Each breeder on Pawrade sets their own price, and each puppy's listing shows it. A Shih Tzu puppy's price reflects what goes into it: its pedigree and registration, its coat and color, and the breeder's program. Every Pawrade puppy's price also includes the pre-travel exam by the breeder's licensed vet, the Veterinary Health Report and a health guarantee administered by PetPay.

Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale – Page 3

Available Shih Tzu Puppies

Health Guarantee

1-Month Included with every Puppy!*

Need help finding a puppy?
Call us at (888) 729-8812

Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale – Page 3

Available Shih Tzu Puppies

Health Guarantee

1-Month Included with every Puppy!*

Need help finding a puppy?Call us at (888) 729-8812

Need help finding a puppy?
Call us at (888) 729-8812