Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos

Purebred Shih Tzu Puppies

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The Ideal Age to Bring Your Shih Tzu Puppy Home

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An 8 week old male Shih Tzu Puppy wearing a blue hoodie with ears.
A Responsibly Raised Shih Tzu Puppy

You may be wondering what is the ideal age for a Shih Tzu puppy to leave mom and littermates. A Shih Tzu puppy should ideally stay with mom and littermates until at least 10 weeks of age. A Shih Tzu puppy learns important skills from mom and siblings during this critical period of development. Mom and littermates teach important skills such as bite inhibition. Shih Tzu puppies that stay with mom and siblings during the critical socialization period have an intellectual and behavioral advantage according to studies. 

I consider myself an ethical and responsible Shih Tzu breeder. I like to keep all of the Shih Tzu puppies in my breeding program until they’re at least 10 weeks old. Shih Tzus are a toy breed. A toy breed puppy develops at a slower rate than a large breed puppy. A Shih Tzu puppy needs more time to develop compared to a Golden Retriever for instance. It would be unfair to send a Shih Tzu puppy home at the 8-week mark when he or she isn’t developmentally ready.

Toy-breed puppies can be quite tiny at birth. Most of the Shih Tzu puppies in my responsible breeding program weigh at least 3 pounds by the 10-week mark. Shih Tzu puppies under 3 pounds often have trouble maintaining their blood sugar and may need to stay with the breeder a little bit longer.

As a Shih Tzu breeder, I know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to prevent it in the first place. Once Shih Tzu puppies reach the 3-pound mark they’re less likely to suffer from hypoglycemia if they’re being fed on a proper schedule. All my Shih Tzu puppy owners receive a puppy manual that includes a feeding chart.

Furthermore, a Shih Tzu puppy may go through a fear period at around 8 weeks of age. A fear period is a time in a puppy’s development when suddenly things in the environment cause fear. An educated Shih Tzu breeder knows to look for signs that a litter of puppies is entering a fear period. In my Shih Tzu breeding program, all curriculum and training is mellowed down until the fear period passes. If a Shih Tzu puppy is sent home during a fear period, anxiety may be present throughout life. Anxiety can be avoided if a Shih Tzu breeder knows how to care for a litter going through a fear period.

As a responsible Shih Tzu Breeder, I strive to create confidence in the Shih Tzu puppies that I raise. It would be easier to send puppies home at 8 weeks but it isn’t in the best interest of the puppies. I raise all of the Shih Tzu puppies in my responsible breeding program on a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Keeping the Shih Tzu Puppies until they’re at least 10 weeks old allows me to work the puppies through the curriculum according to their developmental benchmarks. The result is brave puppies that have all the tools they need to succeed in their new homes.

To sum things up, Shih Tzu puppies that are separated from mom and littermates early may display developmental and behavioral problems throughout life. Puppies sent home early may also lack basic confidence. Furthermore, puppies sent home too soon may miss out on important learning opportunities and may be more fearful as adults. Puppies should be sent home when developmentally ready to create well-rounded puppies. Puppies can learn a great deal during the additional time spent with their breeder.

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The Array of Shih Tzu Coat Colors & Patterns

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Liver-chocolate and gold-liver Shih Tzu puppies wearing Christmas harnesses.
Chocolate-liver & gold-Liver Shih Tzu Puppies

Shih Tzu Coat Color 101

Shih Tzu coat colors and patterns are often a hot topic. When it comes to a Shih Tzu puppy’s color and markings the outcomes are vast. Shih Tzu puppies can come in a variety of colors and patterns.

The American Kennel Club recognizes 19 different coat colors in Shih Tzus:

Coat colors that the AKC currently recognizes include:
  • Gold & White
  • Liver
  • Liver & White
  • Red
  • Red & White
  • Silver
  • Silver & White
  • Silver, Gold & White
  • White
  • Black, Gold & Silver
  • Black, Gold & White
Common Coat Colors & Patterns

Some Shih Tzu breeders breed for certain colors to produce a chocolate Shih Tzu puppy or even a pure black Shih Tzu puppy for example. When breeders refer to a puppy as chocolate they are describing the coat color. The pigmentation color of a chocolate Shih Tzu is liver. Other Shih Tzu breeders prefer to produce puppies in a variety of coat colors and patterns.

Also, a Shih Tzu puppy may be solid and all in one color. For example, a Shih Tzu puppy may be born all gold with no other color present. Or, a Shih Tzu puppy may have abstract coat coloring. For instance, a chocolate Shih Tzu with a white patch on the chest is known to have an abstract coat pattern.

We must not forget the beautiful Parti Shih Tzu. A Parti puppy’s fur color usually consists of two or three colors. Usually white is the base color of a Parti Shih Tzu. Some of the common color combination outcomes include a chocolate and white Shih Tzu puppy, a black and white Shih Tzu, or a gold, black and white puppy. 

Let’s start by discussing the gold Shih Tzu. A gold puppy is usually a dark gold color at birth. An all-gold Shih Tzu puppy may or may not have a black mask. It isn’t uncommon for black tipping to appear on a golden puppy’s coat. Often the tipping goes away gradually when the coat is cut.

Furthermore, a gold Shih Tzu can come in a solid, abstract, or Parti pattern as mentioned above. A gold Shih Tzu puppy’s coat color often lightens with maturity. I have had the honor to raise several abstract gold Shih Tzu puppies in my breeding program. All of their coats got considerably lighter with age. An adult gold Shih Tzu can range in color from dark gold to a light fawn color. The intensity gene is often responsible for determining the shade of gold. 

A red Shih Tzu puppy is typically born with a gorgeous dark orange color. A Shih Tzu puppy that is red is sometimes confused with a gold puppy. Red Shih Tzus tends to be a darker deep orange. Shih Tzus with a red coat is also prone to coat color changes with age. A Shih Tzu with red coloring may have a black mask or another color present throughout the coat. 

Solid black Shih Tzu puppies are rare. A Shih Tzu puppy may appear to be solid black at birth but often changes color over time. It isn’t uncommon for a Shih Tzu puppy to be all black at birth only to develop patches of another color as the coat matures. It is more likely to find a black Shih Tzu puppy with a white patch on the chest or a black and white Parti Shih Tzu puppy. That being said, solid black Shih Tzus do exist. They just aren’t as common as a black Shih Tzu with another color mixed into the coat.

I have been fortunate enough to raise several black Shih Tzu puppies in my Shih Tzu Breeding Program. Often a black Shih Tzu will have a silver or sable undercoat visible in puppyhood. Or a black Shih Tzu puppy may develop patches of white or silver on the coat over time. It is really difficult to predict a Shih Tzu puppy’s adult coat color. As the Shih Tzu puppy matures the adult coat slowly grows in and may go through many color changes.

Solid white Shih Tzu puppies are uncommon as well. An all-white Shih Tzu puppy’s coat will often have at least a splash of another color somewhere on the coat. A solid white Shih Tzu is often genetically cream or the result of the extreme piebald gene. The piebald gene causes the coat to be comprised of a white base color with patches of a secondary color seen throughout the coat. To complicate things further, a pure white Shih Tzu puppy may truly be a silver Shih Tzu. Often the silver sheen on a Shih Tzu puppy’s coat isn’t apparent until adulthood.

Silver Shih Tzus often looks white at birth. Sometimes a silver Shih Tzu puppy will have another color running through the coat such as black or white. A lot of individuals mistake the silver undercoat in a Shih Tzu for white. If you look closely in the sunlight you will see that a silver coat has more of a shimmer.

Brindle Shih Tzu puppies typically have a coat that is one color with another color flowing through the coat. The streaking can be subtle or very obvious. A brindle coat may not be noticeable in a Shih Tzu Tzu puppy until the adult coat grows all the way. The streaking of the other coat color may become more obvious when the puppy gets a haircut. Many of the Shih Tzu puppies in my breeding program that were nearly pure black at birth ended up being black brindle Shih Tzus. The silver undercoat in the puppies just took time to grow in. 

A liver Shih Tzu is a bit more tricky to explain. The American Kennel Club considers any Shih Tzu puppy with a liver nose to be liver regardless of the coat color. Liver Shih Tzu puppies may come in just about any color other than black. All black becomes brown in a liver Shih Tzu. For example, a chocolate Shih Tzu and a gold Shih Tzu are both liver if the nose, paw pads, and eye rims are liver in color. If you want to learn more about the different pigmentation that Shih Tzu puppies may be born with click here.

Blue Shih Tzu pups are born with blue pigmentation. Blue refers to the pigment once again and not the official coat color. Shih Tzu puppies that are blue often have a charcoal pigment color. A blue Shih Tzu may be solid, abstract, or a combination of two or three colors as well. If a liver Shih Tzu has the dilute gene responsible for blue pigmentation the pigment will take on an almost lavender color. This lavender color is often known as Isabella.

As you can see after reading today’s blog post, Shih Tzu coat colors and patterns are vast. Whether you’re looking for a chocolate-liver Shih Tzu puppy or a pure black Shih Tzu it is important to always remember to choose a breeder that puts health and proper socialization first! Shih Tzus can come in an assortment of beautiful colors. A Shih Tzu puppy’s coat color may change over time but your Shih Tzu’s unconditional love for you will always remain the same! 

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What Puppy Vaccines Does Your Shih Tzu Need?

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A Shih Tzu puppy that is up to date on vaccines posing in a yellow dress with a pink bow.
A Shih Tzu Puppy that receives appropriate vaccinations

The Importance of Puppy Vaccines

Shih Tzu puppies need a series of vaccinations in the first year of life to protect them from harmful canine viruses. Shih Tzu puppies typically receive vaccines every 3 to 4 weeks until they’re approximately 16 to 18 weeks old. A year later booster shots are given.

After the first year, dogs typically receive a booster either yearly or every three years depending on what vaccine was given. Booster vaccines are given every 3 to 4 weeks because nobody knows for certain when viral immunity takes place. Often antibodies from nursing prevent immunity. This is why shots are given in a series spaced apart.

Most veterinarians recommend that Shih Tzu puppy vaccinations begin somewhere between 6 to 8 weeks. As a Shih Tzu Breeder, I typically take my puppies in for their first set of shots somewhere between weeks 8 and 9. I like to wait until they’re a bit older for two reasons.

First, by waiting the puppies have time to put on some weight. Shih Tzu puppies don’t weigh very much. I like a little weight on them to hopefully help lessen vaccine reactions. Second, the longer I wait to administer the vaccine, the more likely that Mom’s antibodies from nursing have left and immunity will take place.

The first vaccine that puppies receive is usually the DHPP vaccine. The DHPP vaccine protects puppies from Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. This is a core vaccine that is critical in preventing illness in puppies. If you’ve read through my website you know my thoughts on Parvovirus.

Unfortunately, Parvovirus outbreaks are common in Arizona and may cause fatalities in young puppies. Parvovirus is a very hearty virus that survives for a long time in the environment. Distemper outbreaks happen from time to time as well. There was recently a distemper outbreak at a shelter in Arizona. All of these viruses are heartbreaking but are avoidable if pet owners keep their dogs on a vaccination schedule.

The Rabies vaccine is also given to puppies around 16 to 18 weeks of age. All dogs in Arizona must receive the Rabies vaccine to meet law requirements. A dog typically contracts Rabies by being bitten by another animal that has the virus. Animals that contract Rabies often suffer from mental confusion, aggression, and foaming at the mouth in later stages of the illness. Most of the time Rabies is fatal. There is currently no cure for Rabies in dogs. Vaccination is key to preventing this terrible illness.

Bordatella is an optional vaccine that is essential in preventing Kennel Cough. Kennel Cough is often seen in outbreaks in places where there are a lot of dogs. Most boarding facilities require that dogs receive a vaccine to prevent Kennel Cough before staying at their facility to avoid outbreaks. The Bordatella vaccine can be given through the nose, mouth, or injection. One dose is typically given per year. Most dogs recover from Kennel Cough but it can be lethal in rare cases.

Leptospirosis is another non-core vaccination. Leptospirosis can lead to serious diseases such as kidney and liver failure. Your dog’s lifestyle is a key factor when deciding whether or not to get the Leptospirosis vaccine. If your dog will be hiking, swimming, chasing rodents, or spending time near a pond or farm then the vaccine may be a good idea.

On a side note, the vaccine doesn’t come without risks. There are sometimes moderate to severe vaccine reactions when dogs receive the Leptospirosis vaccine. Furthermore, the vaccine doesn’t protect against every strain of Leptospirosis. As a result, the vaccine doesn’t always prevent infection. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about whether or not the Leptospirosis vaccine is right for your Shih Tzu puppy.

Lyme Disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Humans and dogs are both susceptible to Lyme Disease. Dogs often come in contact with the bacteria through tick bites. The vaccine is optional. If your dog will be spending a great deal of time in an area where deer are common this vaccine may be appropriate. Lyme disease can lead to serious health implications for your dog. The vaccine isn’t 100 percent effective but will hopefully lessen symptoms. 

As a responsible Shih Tzu Breeder, I suggest that your Shih Tzu puppy receives all core vaccinations promptly. Core vaccinations are truly lifesaving for your Shih Tzu puppy. Viral outbreaks are common among dogs in Arizona. Your Shih Tzu puppy must receive adequate protection.

Noncore vaccinations are also something to consider. I suggest educating yourself on the pros and cons of non-core vaccines. Your dog’s lifestyle should play a part in decision-making. Your veterinarian is a great resource for discussing which noncore vaccinations may be right for your Shih Tzu puppy.

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Kong Stuffer Ideas for your Shih Tzu Puppy

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A chocolate Shih Tzu puppy keeping busy with a snuffle mat and an interactive ramen noodle toy.
Shih Tzu Puppy Playtime

Are you looking for ways to keep your puppy busy?

Stuffing a Kong is a great interactive activity for your Shih Tzu puppy. I love stuffing Kongs for the Shih Tzu puppies that I raise in my responsible breeding program. A Kong is awesome at keeping your Shih Tzu puppy busy and forcing your puppy to eat slowly. Although a Kong is a great form of mental stimulation it is important to make sure that the ingredients you’re stuffing into the Kong are safe for dogs. Fruit should be washed, peeled, and chopped into pieces.

Furthermore, all ingredients used for Kong stuffing should be free of harmful seasonings, artificial flavors, or sweeteners. Plain is best when it comes to choosing what to put into the Kong. Also, Avoid fatty items. Watch out for overindulgence as well. Too much of a good thing may backfire. 

I hope your Shih Tzu puppy benefits from the Kong stuffer suggestions below:

  • Shredded boiled chicken without skin, bones, or seasonings
  • Low-fat plain yogurt with chopped-up peeled apple chunks
  • Scrambled egg without seasonings
  • Banana and peanut butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Canned plain pumpkin
  • Plain mashed potato
  • Rice
  • Oatmeal
  • Cottage cheese
  • Kong stuffers
  • Canned wet dog food
  • Frozen applesauce
  • Berries
  • String cheese
  • Canned tuna or sardines
  • Dehydrated dog food
  • Frozen chicken or beef broth for dogs
  • Baby food that isn’t toxic for dogs
  • Sweet potato
  • Squash
  • Cantelope
  • Seedless watermelon

For more Kong Stuffer ideas check out the link below:

https://www.kongcompany.com/cuisine/

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Xylitol Poisoning in Your Pet

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A male sable Shih Tzu puppy playing with colorful balls in a wobble disc.
Shih Tzu Puppy from my Breeding Program

Have you ever heard of Xylitol?

Furthermore, did you know that Xylitol is toxic to dogs? Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can cause serious health issues in your dog including possible death. Xylitol is a common ingredient found in gum and baked goods. Xylitol may be tricky to locate on package ingredient labels because it often goes by different names. Xylitol is often labeled as sugar alcohol, birch sugar, or wood sugar.

Some of the most common food items that may contain xylitol include:

  • Sugar-free candy
  • Sugar-free gum
  • Sugar-free foods
  • Keto or low-carb foods
  • Vegetarian foods 
  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Peanut butter
  • Syrup
  • Nasal sprays
  • Chewable vitamins

It doesn’t take much xylitol to cause ill effects in a dog. Small breed dogs like Shih Tzus are at an even greater risk because of their relatively small stature. Doses over 0.5 grams may cause liver toxicity and possibly lead to death. Xylitol gum typically has up to 1 gram of xylitol per piece. That is enough to kill a small dog like a Shih Tzu! 

When my children were young we got our first dog. We tried to educate ourselves as much as possible before our puppy arrived. I even went as far as to avoid gum chewing in the home because my children were notorious for dropping things.

One day, I went to take our puppy into the puppy-proofed dog yard to play. I turned my back for a minute and turned around to see her chewing on a stick of gum. By the time I got to her, she had already chewed up part of it. I called my veterinarian and she told me to try to induce vomiting with peroxide. I wasn’t certain if the gum contained xylitol but wasn’t willing to take any chances.

Our puppy wasn’t vomiting after the peroxide. It was after hours but my veterinarian agreed to meet me at her office. Our vet ended up pumping our puppy’s stomach which fortunately removed the gum. Our puppy ended up being fine. But, if I hadn’t noticed our puppy eating the gum the outcome could have been tragic!

We never found out how the gum ended up in the yard. I suspect one of the kids or their friends accidentally dropped it from their pocket. I learned my lesson! I always from that day forward did a quick sweep of the yard before letting my dogs outside. Doing a quick daily check of the home inside and out is much less stressful than losing a family pet.

Some of the symptoms that you can look out for if you expect poisoning include:

  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea 
  • Weakness
  • Lack of coordination
  • Seizures
  • Collapsing 

As a responsible Shih Tzu breeder, I always educate my puppy parents on how important it is to keep puppies away from toxic substances. I highly recommend not having xylitol-containing products in your home unless it is safely stored away and properly handled.

If your dog ever does ingest xylitol or any other poison contact your veterinarian for advice immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to xylitol ingestion in your pet. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Your dog’s life may be on the line!

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The 7 Major Dog Groups

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Did you know that there are 7 major dog groups?

Most dogs fall into one of the 7 major dog group categories. Dogs evolved to carry out certain responsibilities. Dogs were bred specifically to carry out these tasks. It is important to know what category a dog falls into if you’re looking to purchase a puppy shortly. Each dog group possesses specific traits that add to their unique temperament.

The 7 dog groups include the following:

The Working Group includes dogs such as the Great Dane, Boxer, and Akita. The dogs in this group are typically large in stature. The working group dogs are typically hard-working, loyal, loving, and protective of their owners. They are intelligent animals.

The Sporting Group includes the Irish Setter, English Springer Spaniel, and the Golden Retriever. Most of the dogs in this group are medium to large. Sporting dogs are excellent at pointing and retrieving. They typically have great noses and are good hunting dogs.

The Terrier Group includes the Rat Terrier, Bull Terrier, and Scottish Terrier. The dogs in the Terrier group are usually small to medium in stature. Terriers are typically fearless! They were bred to scare off rodents. They typically have a confident yet stubborn temperament. 

The Herding Group includes dogs such as the  Corgie, Collie, and German Shepard. Most of the dogs in this group are medium to large. A herding dog’s main goal is to watch over livestock. The typical herding dog is intelligent and full of energy. This helps them excel at their job.

The Toy Group includes the Maltese, Shih Tzu, and Pug. The dogs in this category are usually small in stature. They have a loyal and affectionate personality and usually make great lap dogs. Toy dogs were bred to be companion animals. They typically have a higher life expectancy compared to the other groups.

The Non-Sporting Group includes the Poodle, French Bull Dog, and Dalmatian. These dogs typically don’t fit into any of the other major groups. These dogs are companion pets. They’re typically loyal and affectionate. The dogs in this group vary greatly when it comes to size.

The Hound Group includes dogs like the Beagle, Whippet, and Greyhound. Hound dogs instinctually love to hunt. They usually have an incredible sense of smell and are great at tracking. They have a high prey drive and are very fast. All of these traits make them incredible hunters.

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