Arizona Sunrise Shih Tzus & Poos

Purebred Shih Tzu Puppies

dog health

How To Properly Clean Your Shih Tzu’s eyes

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Available female Shih Tzu puppy from my breeding program sitting outdoors.
Eye Cleaning is Important in the Shih Tzu Breed

Shih Tzus is no exception when it comes to eye care. You must take proper care of your Shih Tzu’s eyes. Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed. They have a relatively flat face and protruding eyes. This puts them at a higher risk for eye problems. As a result, Shih Tzu owners must take excellent care of their eyes through appropriate cleaning protocols.

I recommend cleaning your Shih Tzus eyes daily if possible. It shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes to complete the procedure. You can schedule to clean your Shih Tzu’s eyes when you do your daily brushing if that is easier. Your groomer may clean your pet’s eyes during appointments as well.

Shih Tzu Eye Cleaning Basics:

I like to use an antimicrobial eyewash like Vetericyn. I saturate a cotton ball in the cleaning solution and clean the eye area. I start in the corner and gently massage to loosen up any gunk that may have become lodged in the area.

Next, I take a tick comb and gently work from the corner away from the eye to remove the gunk. I repeat until the eye hair is free of visible debris. Finally, I pat the area dry with a clean cotton swab or a dry washcloth.

Be sure to contact your veterinarian and make an appointment if you ever notice symptoms of an eye infection. Symptoms include red irritated eyes often accompanied by a discharge. Hopefully, daily eye cleaning will help prevent infections. But, if an infection does occur your veterinarian will most likely need to provide prescription eye drops. It is important to not postpone appropriate treatment.

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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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What Fruits and Veggies Are Safe for Your Dog

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We have all been told that we need to eat our fruits and vegetables to stay healthy at some point in our lives. Well, I am here to tell you that fruits and vegetables are wonderful snacks for dogs on occasion as well! Fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. I know, dogs are omnivores, but a slice of carrot from time to time is a great snack.

Furthermore, most dogs enjoy fruits and veggies on occasion. The Shih Tzu puppies I raise in my responsible breeding program love nothing more than a slice of red bell pepper. Just be sure to remove the skin, seeds, and pits from fruits and veggies before feeding. Also, cut the fruit or veggie into bite-size portions that aren’t likely to cause a choking hazard. Remember to limit portions as well. A large portion may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Always check and make sure that the fruits and vegetables that you offer your pet are safe. Many of the fruits and vegetables that we eat daily are toxic to dogs. For example, a couple of grapes are enough to possibly kill a toy breed dog! Below is a list of some safe and not-so-safe fruit and vegetable options. If you want a more in-depth list, I highly recommend installing an app like PupTox on your phone. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog’s health and well-being.

I hope you enjoy browsing the fruit & vegetable lists below. Furthermore, I hope you Shih Tzu enjoy the tasty yet healthy treat. Don’t forget to supervise your pet to avoid a choking incident.

Healthy Fruits and Veggies list

  • Banana
  • Blueberry
  • Strawberry 
  • Watermelon 
  • Cantaloupe 
  • Mango
  • Sweet bell peppers 
  • Carrots
  • Zucchini 
  • Sweet potato 
  • Spinach

Fruits and veggies to avoid

  • Grapes
  • Raisins
  • Currants
  • Tomato
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Avocado
  • Raw/green potato

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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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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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Dog Parks and Puppy Socialization

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Shih Tzus are a toy breed. They should avoid dog parks.
A Toy Breed Shih Tzu Puppy

Should I bring my Shih Tzu to the dog park?

It would be awesome if a dog park were a safe place for your Shih Tzu puppy to socialize with other dogs. Unfortunately, there are a lot of risks when it comes to taking your Shih Tzu to a dog park. First of all, puppies should never go to a dog park until their vaccine series is complete. It’s simply not worth the risk. Puppies have a weak immune system and are at a high risk of illness if they spend time with a sick animal on their outing. Also, make sure you talk to your vet about how often to deworm your pet. Parasites are usually more frequent in places where there are a lot of dogs.


The next concern I have is the possibility of your Shih Tzu being bitten by another dog or possibly worse. There are stories on the internet from time to time of these horrible encounters. Furthermore, If your Shih Tzu were to survive a dog attack he or she would probably have long-lasting fear because of the negative experience. All Shih Tzu puppies in my responsible breeding program are taught to be resilient but I cannot control negative experiences that take place after the puppies leave my home.


On a more positive note, there is another option besides a dog park for your Shih Tzu puppy! Invite a friend or family member over who owns a dog that is completely done with puppy shots. Also, make sure that the dog has an even and friendly temperament. Most Shih Tzus are social creatures and will appreciate the company!

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