Donlee Shih Tzu (New York)

Shih Tzu   /ˈʃi ˈdzu/ [shee dzoo] Singular & plural form are the same.

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively alert dog with a long flowing double coat. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctive arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. Although there has always been considerable size variation, the Shih Tzu must be compact, solid, carrying good weight and substance. All colors and markings are accepted.

As the sole purpose of the Shih Tzu is that of a companion and house pet, it is essential that it's temperament be outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trustworthy toward all.

Please read:
Am I the Breed For You?

Breed FAQ SHEET

A must read for all shih tzu owners! Your Shih Tzu And Your Veterinarian

Shih Tzu Standard

Canine Inherited Disorders Database

Ocular Disorders Proven Or Suspected To Be Hereditary In The Shih Tzu
By Denise M. Lindley, DVM
http://www.shihtzu.org/Articles/article.asp?ART_ID_NUM=3&menu=Articles

Dry Eye
By Cynthia Smith, DVM
http://www.shihtzu.org/Articles/article.asp?ART_ID_NUM=4&menu=Articles

Distichiasis In Shih Tzu
By Tracey King, DVM
http://www.shihtzu.org/Articles/article.asp?ART_ID_NUM=5&menu=Articles

Early Treatment for Corneal Ulcers Helps to Save Vision
http://www.shihtzu.org/Articles/article.asp?ART_ID_NUM=39&menu=Articles

The American Shih Tzu Club's website has a bounty of information for anyone who would like to learn more about this wonderful breed.

http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/Small-Size-Shih-Tzu-Imperial-or-Teacup.id-5138.html
 
http://www.shihtzu-rescue.com/imperial.html
 
http://ph.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071224100942AAOL6Ko

  Purchasing a Shih Tzu from a reputable and conscientious breeder is the recommended way to obtain a quality, well-   socialized, healthy pet.

Responsible Shih Tzu breeders are those who are committed to the breed, to their dogs and to those who purchase their dogs.   They study the breed, communicate with other breeders -- sharing knowledge and experience, and continually seeking to educate themselves.   They are able to discuss their bloodlines, pedigrees, breeding program and philosophy.   They sincerely seek to preserve and develop the shih tzu breed -- its distinctive standards of structure and appearance, and its unique characteristics of personality and temperament.   These breeders uphold the AKC (American Kennel Club) Breed Standard.   They are most likely active members of their breed clubs or all breed club. The ASTC (The American Shih Tzu Club) is the official guardian of the Shih Tzu breed standard, which describes the ideal specimen of the breed and is used by both dog show judges and breeders to determine the quality of an individual Shih Tzu. Any changes in this standard must be approved by the general membership of the ASTC. The ASTC believes that any Shih Tzu which is not a good representative of the breed according to the standard should not be bred and that the sole goal of breeding should be to improve breed quality. The current breed standard was approved May 9, 1989.

   Price
Don’t allow price to be the primary factor in your decision making process.   A low price is not always a bargain.   Be aware that it is no small amount that a quality breeder invests into their dogs, especially when you consider expenses such as top-notch vets, high-quality care, research, on-going education, handling and showing, the day to day cost of feeding more than one dog, and the overall time invested.   Quality breeders are not motivated by pure profit, but that doesn’t mean their dogs will come cheap.   The health and well being of their dogs comes above personal considerations.   They must plan well and be willing to invest appropriately to raise first-rate animals.   That comes at a price.

  A Final Note
Please note, breeders with high standards do not sell their shih tzu puppies to pet stores.   Never, ever.

The care to which good breeders go about their practice produces quality dogs -- for families as companions, and exceptional dogs for show exhibitors.   They would not risk releasing their dog into an unknown situation such as one faced by an animal in a pet store environment.   They would not risk losing future contact with their dog and new owner.   Plus, when you purchase this way you lose vital contact with your BEST resource, the breeder.   You also risk supporting puppy mills.   You may believe that the cute puppy needs to be 'rescued,' but please realize that by doing so you are forcing its parents to keep producing in anything but a full and happy life.  

If you have questions about this, inquire with the ASTC or breeder, but simply put, a pet store is just not a good source for getting your new family pet.

Do you really know where your internet dog came from? (video)