Shih Tzu Breed Profile

Our page of Shih Tzu Information

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The Breed at a Glance

Pretty good; may be stubborn, so requires patient, consistent training

Good with other pets

Tolerates moderate heat or cold well

Predominantly indoors, due to grooming

Average; loves to play

Daily brushing, clipping, occasional bathing, ear care

Shih Tzu Information

Health Information

Congenital and Genetic Conditions found with greater than average frequency in the Shih Tzu (point to name for description):

Aberrant cilia

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Cataract

Cleft lip

Cleft palate

Dermoid cyst

Detached Retina

Distichiasis

Dwarfism

Ectropion

Entropion

Linear IgA Dermatosis

Portosystemic Shunt

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Renal Agenesis

Renal Cortical Hypoplasia

Thrombocytopenia

Ulcerative Keratitis

von Willebrands Disease

Following are health screenings often performed on breeding Shih Tzu adults; choosing a puppy from a breeder who tests parents for health can help avoid future health problems in your puppy:

CERF Screening (Canine Eye Research Foundation)

Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP)

Renal Dysplasia (genetic test)

Thyroid Function Test (blood test)

vonWillebrand's Disease (vWD) (factor antigen test)

This is presented solely as a starting point for you to learn and ask questions about the breed. This information is NOT to be used to diagnose, evaluate, or treat any condition whatsoever. For specific information, consult your veterinarian. The above diseases and conditions are found with a higher-than-average frequency in the Shih Tzu. These conditions may or may not be severe, and may or may not be hereditary. Some conditions may actually be "normal" for the breed, such as alopecia in the hairless breeds; some may be intrinsic to the breed due to its physiology, such as skin fold dermatitis in the Pug, Bulldog, and Shar-Pei; some may be related to care and nutrition; and some may be strictly genetic. The best source of additional and more detailed information on these conditions is a veterinarian, breed club, or knowledgeable breeder.

Shih Tzu Links:

American Shih Tzu Club, Inc. - 64.37.122.206/index2.asp
National Breed Club

Available Books (click to order)

Copyright © 2005 Steve Price - All Rights Reserved
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