Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos

Purebred Shih Tzu Puppies

Education

Puppy Milestones

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Did you know that eye-opening is one of the first milestones a puppy meets? Puppies’ eyes are very sensitive when they first open. As a responsible Shih Tzu breeder, I make sure to avoid bright lights until puppies adjust to their new sense of sight.

Eyes usually open at around two weeks of age. Ears open up around this time as well. It is important to keep bright lights and loud noises low-key until the puppies adjust to their new senses of sight and hearing.

Puppies’ eyes may open at approximately the same time or one eye may open up later. Once eyes and ears open puppies start to become interested in exploring their new world. In no time at all the puppies will be using their new sense of sight and hearing to discover this great big world.

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Rub a dub, dub, Shih Tzus in the Tub

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Puppy Milestones

Did you know that a Shih Tzu puppy isn’t able to go to the bathroom on his or her own when born? The puppies rely on Mom and need stimulation to urinate and defecate for the first two to three weeks of life.

Once the puppies start eliminating on their own and mom no longer cleans up after them the breeder must step in and complete the task. In no time at all the puppies will figure out where to go potty. Until puppies figure out where to go things can get a bit messy. Cleaning up potty accidents is part of the breeder job description! This also means a lot of baths and a lot of laundry! 🛁🐶💕 At Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus we do a great deal of laundry and puppy baths. After all, a clean Shih Tzu puppy is a happy Shih Tzu puppy. 🐶 💕

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Shih Tzu Safety Tip

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Did you know that the chemicals that we use to melt ice during the winter can be toxic to your Shih Tzu? Make sure to purchase pet-friendly ice-removing products. Also, remember to rinse off your Shih Tzus paws after walking outdoors in the winter. Check out my blog often for more educational tips for your Shih Tzu.

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Did You Know?

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Did you know that a female dog can experience a false pregnancy?

A female dog creates the same hormones whether she becomes pregnant or not. That’s why many reproductive vets suggest that a female dog either uses it or loses it. The same hormones can lead to an inflammatory effect over the years and even cause a dangerous uterine infection called Pyometra.

Pyometria increases with age as well. The above risks are why many responsible breeders choose to breed their females on back-to-back cycles and spay/retire their females early as long as they are recovering nicely between litters.

As you know, Ruby is due to have puppies any day now. We’re so excited! Izzy on the other hand, didn’t conceive for the second time around. She is experiencing a false pregnancy. She’s even carrying her favorite stuffed animal around like a baby. As a result, Izzy will most likely be spayed before her next heat cycle. She will spend the rest of her life in our home with lots of love. Maggie and Daisy will most likely join the program when they have had a chance to mature.

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Toy Breeds and Growth

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Did you know that small breed dogs like Shih Tzus are almost completely done growing by the time they reach 8 to 9 months?

A toy breed Shih Tzu puppy wearing a yellow dress.
A Toy Breed Shih Tzu Puppy

Giant breeds take a while longer. They aren’t fully grown until closer to the 12-18 month mark according to the AKC. Some large breeds may take up to 24 months to reach full growth maturity. In general the larger the breed the longer it takes to be fully grown.

It is important to make sure you’re feeding your Shih Tzu the right amount of food to avoid an overweight or underweight dog. Your Shih Tzu puppy should be eating puppy food or food for all life stages until full maturity is reached. Talk with your veterinarian about the best time to switch to adult dog food. Most Shih Tzus weigh between 9 to 16 pounds. Click here to learn more about how to tell if your Shih Tzu puppy is the correct weight.

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Pet Drinking Fountain

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All of my adult dogs drink from a pet drinking fountain.

All of the Shih Tzu puppies in my responsible breeding program will be trained to use both the water fountain and a water bowl. This method helps to make it easier for new puppy owners when puppies go home. But, I do find the water fountain to be more hygienic, less messy, and better at preventing facial staining.

A water fountain keeps water cleaner because your Shih Tzu’s face never enters the bowl. Harmful bacteria that may be lurking on the beard and face never come in contact with water in a fountain. A bonus is that water doesn’t end up everywhere which is common when using a standard water bowl. Shih Tzu puppies are especially notorious for playing in the water bowl.

In my experience as a Shih Tzu breeder, the water fountain also does an excellent job of preventing facial staining. If your Shih Tzu’s face is constantly in direct contact with water the minerals in the water may cause tear stains to develop. Another option is to use water that has been filtered if you suspect the water in your area has high levels of minerals. We have a reverse osmosis system in our home which helps a great deal.

Furthermore, I haven’t had a Shih Tzu puppy yet in my breeding program that hasn’t preferred the drinking fountain over the water bowl. You can find one on Amazon, Chewy.com, or your local pet store. I have posted the water fountain I used with the Shih Tzu puppies in my breeding program under my Instagram highlight “Favorite Things.” Simply click on the Instagram Icon located on the header and footer of my website.

Whether you decide to use the water fountain or the water bowl with your new Shih Tzu puppy is a personal choice. My goal as a responsible Shih Tzu breeder is to set my puppy families up for success by providing as much puppy-rearing information as possible.

Regardless of what method you decide to use, please remember to wash out the water fountain with soap and a baby bottle brush every couple of days. The fountain may collect bacteria over time if not cleaned properly. I also recommend cleaning water bowls and food bowls often as well.

Head over to my Amazon wishlist if you would like to see the drinking fountain I use with my Shih Tzu puppies and adult dogs: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31T4PG3CU0ND3/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_4.

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