Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos

Purebred Shih Tzu Puppies

Health

Why Responsible Breeders Weigh Puppies Daily

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Responsible breeders should weigh puppies daily. Puppies are very fragile for the first few weeks of life. As a responsible Shih Tzu breeder, I want to know if a puppy starts losing weight so I can supplement when necessary. Puppies can go downhill very quickly. Daily weight checks help me track growth as well.

As you can see in the gallery below, the puppies don’t love weight checks. They prefer to be very close to their mother during this period of development. Mom isn’t very fond of me moving her puppies around either right now. As a result, I weigh the puppies in the whelping box right next to Mom. I move as quickly as I can. The goal for the first few weeks of life is to allow puppies and Mom to bond with very little human interference. There is plenty of time for socialization during the appropriate developmental period in the future.

I hope you enjoy the photos! Hopefully, as the puppies mature they will be a little less squirmy and I will be able to capture higher quality images. If you have any questions about purchasing a purebred Shih Tzu puppy from my responsible breeding program please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

Shih Tzu Puppy weight check.
Puppy weight time!
Shih Tzu Puppy weight check.
Sunny
Shih Tzu Puppy weight check.
Blaze
Shih Tzu puppy weight check.
Smokey
Shih Tzu puppy weight check.
Sky
Shih Tzu puppy weight check.
Peaches

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Why I Genetically Test All My Adult Breeding Prospects

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A purebred chocolate Shih Tzu puppy with his tongue out wearing a baby blue hoodie.
Shih Tzu Puppy From my Responsible Breeding Program

The Importance of Genetic Testing

All of my Shih Tzu puppies for sale come from parents who have gone through genetic testing to rule out health conditions they may carry in their lines. I take pride in my responsible breeding program. As a result, I am very careful when choosing which dogs I choose to include in my program.

I look at everything including temperament, confirmation, and health testing results. It is my goal to positively contribute to the breed and produce healthy, even-tempered Shih Tzus that will provide their new families with many years of unconditional love. 

Genetic testing is imperative to know what breed-specific health conditions my Shih Tzus carry in their lines. For instance, if I have two breeding dogs that are both carriers for a thyroid condition which is common in Shih Tzus, I wouldn’t want to use them as a mating pair. When a breeder pairs two carrier dogs they have the possibility of creating offspring with the actual disease.

Ideally, I breed clear dogs. Or, I breed a clear dog to a carrier which would only produce clear or carrier puppies. This is perfectly fine since the offspring will only be carriers and not be at risk of inheriting the actual disease.

The only exemptions I will make are if the disorder is benign and will cause no harm to the offspring or if the disease is not breed-specific and hasn’t been shown in research to be a problem in the breed. Responsibly pairing dogs for mating allows me to create healthy offspring instead of producing at-risk puppies.

Genetic testing also allows me to get an inside look at the different unique traits that my breeding adults carry. I use Embark genetic testing. When I DNA test my breeding adults, I receive a wealth of information including coat color and pattern genotypes, body size, muzzle length, etc. I also found out with certainty that my breeding adults are purebred Shih Tzus which is important! To learn more about the Embark genetic test that I use with my breeding adults check out the link: https://embarkvet.com/.

Each puppy in my responsible breeding program is sent home with a two-year congenital/genetic health guarantee as well. I am very confident in doing so because I have done the health testing suggested by the Shih Tzu National Breed Club. I go to sleep every night knowing that I did my very best to create healthy, purebred Shih Tzu puppies that will go on to hopefully live a long and healthy life. 

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How Much Should My Shih Tzu Weigh?

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A cute Shih Tzu puppy for sale sitting on a chair outdoors.
Sweet Shih Tzu

What is an ideal weight for a Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus belong to the toy group of dogs. Shih Tzus typically weigh between 9 to 16 pounds when they reach adulthood. Shih Tzus are full-grown at approximately 10 months of age. It isn’t uncommon for a Shih Tzu to sometimes be above or below the breed standard. All of the Shih Tzu puppies for sale in my responsible breeding program typically weigh 9 to 16 pounds.

Overeating is one reason that a Shih Tzu might fall out of the 9-16 pound range. It’s important to make sure that you don’t feed your Shih Tzu too much. Shih Tzus are prone to weight issues if they eat too much. A few extra treats every day can quickly pack on the pounds. This can be a serious issue in a small breed dog.

The extra weight can put additional stress on your Shih Tzus internal organs and lead to health conditions and even premature death. New owners should watch for signs of weight gain. A simple way to check and see if your Shih Tzu is packing on the pounds is to see if you can feel the rib cage. If you cannot feel the ribs your pet is likely overweight.

On the opposite end of the scale, your Shih Tzu could be underweight. If your Shih Tzu weighs less than 9 pounds, is fully grown, and isn’t an Imperial Shih Tzu he or she may be underweight. You can check to see if your Shih Tzu is underweight by checking to see if you can feel the ribs. If the ribs are easily felt your Shih Tzu is possibly underweight. 

If your Shih Tzu is over or underweight it is important to discuss these findings with your veterinarian. Being overweight can lead to chronic health conditions. Being underweight can lead to malnutrition. Also, an under or overweight Shih Tzu may indicate that your pet is suffering from a medical condition that needs attention. Either way, make an appointment with your veterinarian so you can learn what steps to take to get your Shih Tzu back to an ideal weight. 

The takeaway here is that you should keep your Shih Tzu at an ideal weight. If your Shih Tzu is too thin or obese he or she could suffer from health problems down the road. Although it isn’t uncommon for a Shih Tzu to be a pound or two above or below the current weight guidelines it is still important to offer your Shih Tzu a balanced and healthy diet.

Plenty of exercise is another step in the right direction. It is equally important that you talk to your veterinarian if your Shih Tzu suddenly starts to lose or gain weight. Your veterinarian must rule out serious medical conditions. After all, a healthy Shih Tzu is a happy Shih Tzu!

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Is Pet Insurance Necessary for a New Puppy?

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Are you on the fence in regards to buying pet insurance for your new puppy? Is it worth it? How likely is it a puppy will get ill anyway? If you find yourself asking these questions you’re not alone!

Buying a new puppy is a huge responsibility and can be very costly. Racking up a monthly insurance fee can put an even bigger burden on new puppy owners. Below, I will list a few of the pros and cons of purchasing puppy insurance. Hopefully, the information will help new puppy owners make informed and educated decisions regarding purchasing puppy insurance. 

Pet Insurance Pros:

Let’s start with the pros. The good news is that pet insurance premiums are usually much lower for puppies compared to older adult dogs. Some companies even offer new puppy owners a complimentary month of pet insurance.

For instance, I send all my Shih Tzu puppies for sale home with one month of free puppy insurance through Trupanion: https://trupanion.com/. Furthermore, unlike human insurance, pet insurance usually doesn’t come with as many restrictions. Puppy owners typically can choose the vet of their choice and deductibles aren’t usually too unreasonable. 

Another pro is that new puppy owners will sleep easier knowing that their puppy is covered financially if an unthinkable medical emergency ever happens. I’m here to tell you that the unthinkable can happen. Puppies are notorious for getting into everything! Our first puppy Izzy swallowed a piece of chewing gum that contained xylitol when she was little. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. It doesn’t take much xylitol to cause a toxic reaction in a toy-breed dog. Fortunately, Izzy was okay after having her stomach pumped. Let’s just say that the emergency vet visit after hours wasn’t cheap. 

Pet Insurance Cons:

Now for the cons of having pet insurance. Pet insurance doesn’t cover everything. Some things like routine vet exams may be considered an out-of-pocket cost. Puppy clients may need to shop around to find the best bang for their buck as well. Also, it’s important to set aside money for vet emergencies to cover expenses until claims are processed. If you don’t plan on purchasing pet insurance it is even more essential to put aside money for pet emergencies. 

Some of the lower-priced plans exclude certain diseases from coverage as well. Often clients need to go with a higher priced plan to get the coverage they’re looking for. There’s also the possibility that your puppy remains super healthy and never encounters any true emergencies. In that case, you’ve shelled out a lot of money. Nobody wants to waste money, especially in today’s economy.

In the end, it is up to each new puppy owner to decide whether or not pet insurance is worth the money. It is sort of a gamble. On the one hand, your pet could be blessed with perfect health and suffer no true emergencies. On the other hand, your pet could be a victim of an unfortunate medical emergency. Life doesn’t come with a guarantee for humans or animals. Either way, a responsible pet owner will front the cost to make their pet well again regardless of whether it is through pet insurance or money put aside for unforeseen pet emergencies. After all, our pets are family and we love them unconditionally to the very end.

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Common Health Issues in the Shih Tzu Breed

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A liver Shih tzu puppy for sale by a responsible Shih tzu breeder.
A Healthy Shih Tzu Puppy

Are Shih Tzus prone to health issues?

In general, Shih Tzus are a relatively sturdy breed. But, like all breeds, there are inherent conditions that are more common in some breeds. I make it my mission at Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos to follow all mandatory health testing recommendations from the Shih Tzu National Breed Club. Furthermore, I use Embark Genetic testing (https://embarkvet.com/breeders/) on all my breeding prospects to breed away from any serious health conditions.

Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed. This means that they have a relatively flat face and a shorter snout. These features sometimes lead to snoring and snorting. The snoring and snorting are sometimes more obvious during the teething stage of puppyhood. Shih Tzu puppy owners may also notice that their Shih Tzu puppy sounds nasal. Pinched nostrils almost always open over time as the puppy reaches adulthood and the teething stage ends. If not, your veterinarian may want to widen the nostril openings during the spay/neuter procedure.

Reverse sneezing is another common yet harmless occurrence in Shih Tzus. Your puppy may honk and snort and look like he or she is unable to catch his or her breath. It is important to remain calm so your puppy doesn’t feed off of your fear response. I have found that simply placing my finger over the nose remedies the flare-up rather quickly.

Overheating is another issue that plagues the Shih Tzu breed. Brachycephalic breeds are more prone to temperature regulation issues. Their breathing airway is more narrow which means they have to put more effort into breathing in general. When it is hot outside dogs must pant more to cool down. The extra demand on a Shih Tzu’s sensitive respiratory system in hot weather can cause breathing difficulties and an inability to cool down. Shih Tzu owners must keep their pups cool and offer plenty of shade and water in hot weather.

A good harness is a must in the Shih Tzu breed as well. Any extra pressure on a Shih Tzus windpipe or trachea can cause permanent damage. A collar is fine for holding dog tags but isn’t necessary for walking. The risk of injury to a Shih Tzu’s delicate airway is far too great.

Shih Tzus are also known to be a Chondrodysplastic breed. This means that as a whole the breed is known for their short legs and long body appearance. Some common Chondrodysplastic breeds include Corgis, Beagles, Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, etc. This makes the breed more prone to back injuries. There is a genetic marker known as IVDD which predisposes Shih Tzus and other dogs with short legs to back issues. None of the Shih Tzu puppies for sale in my responsible breeding program carry IVDD fortunately.

I still suggest using precautions to protect your Shih Tzus back. Simple measures like not letting your Shih Tzu jump from high places and using a ramp or steps to get on and off of furniture can be very useful. Also, low-impact exercise and maintaining a healthy weight will go a long way in keeping your Shih Tzu safe from back issues.

Shih Tzus are notorious for having a classic underbite. So much, so that the underbite is even part of the American Kennel Club breed standard for Shih Tzus. This form of malocclusion is extremely common in dogs with short muzzles like the Shih Tzu. Many breeders breed for the underbite because they find the characteristic desirable in appearance.

I strive for perfect bites in my Shih Tzu breeding program, but every once in a while I will get a less-than-perfect bite. I don’t make a big deal about it because it is part of the breed standard. But, If the vet notices it upon exam, or I notice the bite alignment issue before the puppy go home day I make sure to inform my clients before puppy pick. I aim to always be transparent with my puppy owners.

Shih Tzus are also prone to teeth overcrowding, misaligned teeth, and retained teeth. The reason Shih Tzus are more likely to have dental problems is that brachycephalic breeds have the same number of teeth as other dogs, but the teeth are in a much smaller space! Dental cleanings both at home and professionally are a must in the breed. Dental treats are also great for removing plaque. Retained puppy teeth are usually taken out during the spay/neuter procedure.

In the end, all breeds have common conditions that they are often confronted with throughout life. The Shih Tzu is not exempt from health ailments that may pop up over time. There is no perfect dog, even though we all believe our dog to be perfect. I do my absolute best to rule out serious health conditions in my responsible breeding program.

Unfortunately, it would be unrealistic for me to breed out every minor health issue or benign condition in the breed. What I can do is promise to be transparent with my puppy clients. My puppy clients will always be made aware of any issue that either my veterinarian or I notice in any of the puppies before puppy pick day. Building a relationship built on trust is one of my key goals as a local, reputable Shih Tzu breeder.

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Puppy Immunity 101

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Did you know that a puppy’s immune system isn’t fully developed until 22-24 weeks of age? Puppies gain antibodies through breast milk. Once the Dam starts to wean the puppies those protective antibodies slowly fade. Unfortunately, nobody is sure exactly when the antibodies fade completely.

This is one of the reasons why many breeders are uncomfortable with families making frequent puppy visits. A fatal disease like Parvovirus could wipe out an entire litter. Parvo and other viruses can be easily brought in on the bottom of shoes and clothing. As a responsible Shih Tzu breeder I have families visit after the first set of vaccines. Furthermore, families take off their shoes and wash their hands for extra protection for the puppies.

On another note, did you ever notice that puppies have to have several vaccine injections to complete the puppy series? Another interesting fact is that it only takes one vaccine to immunize a puppy from Parvovirus. The reason puppies receive several boosters is that nobody knows when the Dam’s maternal antibodies from nursing wear off enough so the vaccine can be fully effective. The older the puppy becomes, the more likely that the vaccine will be effective.

This phenomenon is known as Maternal Interference. Mom’s antibodies prevent the vaccine from stimulating an immune response. As a result, puppies receive a series of shots to make sure that one of the vaccines gets the job done. So to sum things up, it’s better to be safe than sorry! Especially when you’re dealing with viruses that can be lethal. Please remember to stay up to date on core vaccinations. Your puppy’s health hangs in the balance.

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