Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale: Everything you need to Know About These Cute Balls of Fur

Are you thinking of adopting a Shih Tzu puppy recently but don’t know where to start? UK Dog Breeding Academy gives you a great opportunity to bring a furry little ball of cuteness into your home. You won’t regret adopting this adorable puppy as it’s sure to liven up your life. In this article, we’ll take an immersive look into the world of pup adoption with particular focus on the Shih Tzu breed. There’ll also be a comparison with other dog breeds like the beagle. We’ll guide you through the process of the Shih Tzu puppy for sale here. You’ll also get all the necessary guidance related to training and maintenance of the Shih Tzu breed overall.

The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed known for its long, flowing double coat and friendly temperament. They have a distinctive appearance with a short, flat face, a curled tail, and a round head. Shih Tzus are often kept as companion animals and are known for their affectionate and playful nature. They were originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty and are characterised by their sweet and outgoing personalities. Regardless of its origin, the Shih Tzu is an extremely popular dog everywhere including the UK. You’ll see immense interest among pet lovers all across the country whenever they see the sign for Shih Tzu puppies for sale.

● They are small in size (just 10 inches or 25 cm tall) and weigh about 5-7 kg.

● Shih Tzu breed is believed to be developed from Pekingese and Lhasa Apso

● They have a reputation for being a companion dog. They are also popular as toy dogs.

● They have long hair and short legs.

● They have a dense coat of fur with hair falling over its eyes.

The primary reason pet lovers lap up the chance to get this puppy whenever a Shih Tzu puppy for sale opportunity presents itself is its distinct temperament. They are plainly adorable all of the time but can be sassy also. If you want to own a Shih tzu puppy, here’s what you should know about its traits:

● Affectionate: Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate nature. They often form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy cuddling and being close to their human companions. 

● Playful: These dogs have a playful and lively disposition. They enjoy interactive play and toys, making them well-suited for families and individuals who can engage them in fun activities.

● Friendly: Shih Tzus are generally friendly dogs, both with their family members and with strangers. They tend to get along well with children and other pets, making them good additions to households with multiple animals.

● Alert: Despite their small size, Shih Tzus can be quite alert and are known to be good watchdogs. They may bark to alert their owners of approaching visitors or unusual sounds.

● Independent: Shih Tzus have a touch of independence in their personality. They can be content on their own for moderate periods but still thrive on human interaction.

● Gentle: Shih Tzus are gentle and usually not prone to aggressive behaviour. This gentle demeanour makes them suitable for families with children.

● Sensitive: They can be sensitive to their owner's moods and emotions, so a calm and loving environment is essential for their well-being.

● Stubbornness: Shih Tzus can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training. They might require patience and consistent, positive reinforcement-based training methods.

● Low Energy: Shih Tzus are not overly active dogs and are content with short walks and indoor play. They adapt well to apartment living and do not require extensive exercise.

Beagles and Shih Tzus are often compared for their companion values. The difference however, is quite a lot. They are actually two distinct breeds with quite a difference in temperament. The only similarity with Shih Tzu is perhaps their friendliness. The beagle is actually a highly energetic hound dog compared to the relatively lazy Shih Tzu! If you want a scent hound dog, you should instead look for beagle puppies for sale in UK.

Although a Shih Tzu is quite docile and easily trainable, it’s better to invest some time and effort in its training. Since it is quite furry, it does require proper maintenance otherwise heaps of fur would be found in each and every corner of the house. Every individual dog has a distinct personality of its own so it’s crucial to train and maintain them accordingly. They require attention to their specific needs and characteristics. 

● Socialisation: Early socialisation is crucial. Expose your Shih Tzu puppy to various people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted adults. 

● Obedience Training: Shih Tzus can be a bit stubborn, so patience is key. Use positive reinforcement techniques, like treats and praise, to motivate them during training. Consistency is essential. 

● House Training: Be consistent with house training from an early age. Crate training can be useful for this purpose. 

● Leash Training: Shih Tzus are small and delicate, so leash training is essential to ensure their safety during walks. 

● Barking Control: Shih Tzus can be vocal. Train them to respond to commands like "quiet." Avoid scolding, as it may lead to anxiety. 

● Grooming: Shih Tzus have long, double coats that require regular grooming. Brush their coat daily to prevent matting and tangles. Many owners opt for professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. 

● Bathing: Bathe your Shih Tzu every 3-4 weeks or as needed. Use a mild dog shampoo to avoid skin issues. 

● Eye Care: Shih Tzus are prone to eye discharge. Clean their eyes daily to prevent staining and potential eye infections. 

● Dental Care: Dental hygiene is crucial. Brush your Shih Tzu's teeth regularly and provide dental chews or toys to help maintain oral health. 

● Nail Trimming: Trim their nails regularly, typically every 2-4 weeks, to prevent overgrowth. 

● Ear Cleaning: Clean their ears as needed to prevent wax buildup and infections. 

● Exercise: Although they're not very active, Shih Tzus still need regular, short walks and indoor play to stay healthy and prevent obesity. 

● Nutrition: Feed them high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. 

● Healthcare: Regular vet check-ups are important for vaccinations, parasite control, and overall health monitoring. Shih Tzus can be prone to certain health issues, so early detection is key. 

Overall, Shih Tzus are delightful companions with a warm, friendly, and affectionate temperament, making them a popular choice for those seeking a small and loving canine companion. Its loving gaze and cute looks can melt you right away! However, they need good care, training, and maintenance for their cheerful existence.  Remember that the specific needs of your Shih Tzu may vary, so it's essential to adapt your training and maintenance routines to suit your dog's personality and individual requirements. At UK Dog Breeding Academy, we bring you the best Shih Tzu puppies for sale in the country. You can also get beagle puppies for sale in UK if that is what you seek.