Shih Tzu questions

[Kanga]

I know, I know, I am on a waiting list for a Maltese but I need to ask these questions.
----------------------------------
How different to a Maltese are they?

I am told they have a double coat what does that entail?

Do they shed?

Do they have doggy odor?

Do they come in the same size as a Maltese?
---------------------------------

A lot of questions I know but I know nothing lol Scrappy is my first dog.

Hubby saw one today at a home he made a service call too and asked me to consider one.

I know nothing about them as my focus has always been on Maltese.

[Kanga]

Oooops
Forgot the most important question :fainted: Important after doggy smell and shedding and that is their personality. How close to a Maltese is the personality?

[dogloverx4]

Bren , my entire family adores shih tzu's we own 5 , they have always been my first love . The shih tzu and Maltese personality compliments each other PERFECTLY , Henry is the favorite playmate of ALL my pups , Arabella follows him like a shadow . Shih tzu's do not shed nor do they have an odour - their coat is less work than the Maltese because their hair tangles less . Shih Tzus are happy , playful and have very low maintenance personalities . Henry is the exact size of a Maltese in fact he's quite a bit smaller than lots of them . They also come in a zillion BEAUTIFUL colors . I LOVE THE BREED . Sarah P.S Henry has a fan club of women in the neighborhood , who gush over his beauty .
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/DSCF0111.jpg

[Kanga]

Thanks Sarah, now I am in a quandary.

I also need to find a good breeder.

[I Found Nemo]

:smlove2: I think Shih-Tzu are beautiful!! I would get one myself also:)

Good Luck,
ANDREA~

[Kanga]

Really Andrea:confused:

I am in a quandary now. For ever I only wanted a Maltese and here I am looking at a Shih Tzu. I am going to have to think this through very carefully as it is going to be in my and Scrappy's life for many years.

Hubby saw a black and white one and fell in love with it. Which has started this.

[I Found Nemo]

Really Andrea:confused:

I am in a quandary now. For ever I only wanted a Maltese and here I am looking at a Shih Tzu. I am going to have to think this through very carefully as it is going to be in my and Scrappy's life for many years.

Hubby saw a black and white one and fell in love with it. Which has started this.
Yes that would be my choice, I love the Maltese and the Shih Tzu.
I like the tan color ones and the solid black.They are all beautiful and so many colors to choose from.. Just look at Sarahs beautiful babies:smlove2: she has the best of both worlds..
ANDREA~

[bek74]

Bren, I think the Shih Tzu's are BEAUTIFUL, I just adore them, you would be in heaven having Scrappy ( Malt) and a Shih Tzu. Yes do think about it, I for sure would get one down the track ( not now already have my hands full).

[Morkie4]

My first thought would be to get another maltese because of size......but Sarah said her Henry was the same size as a maltese. So in that case, I would go for the shih Tzu as they are beautiful dogs and have great personalities. You can't get a better recommendation than from someone that owns one.........Sarah loves the breed and has experience with them. Go for it! I thought I ONLY wanted maltese in my life but we took one look at Toby(yorkie) and he stole our heart!! And it is working out great! I just never realized that the shih Tzu was that small.......I've only seen 18-20 pounders. BIG decision but don't think you can go wrong by getting a Shih Tzu.

[Malteseluv]

Shih-Tzu's are adorable! I love those guys. We rescued a maltese/shih-tzu mix (who is my mom's dog), and he is the best little dog. I like the shih-tzu with tan and white best, and the tri-color, and heck I like all of them :) If you are undecided on whether to get a maltese or a shih-tzu, maybe meet a couple of breeders of each and see if one breeder or doggie really stands out to where you just know that's the one :) Good luck in your search for a breeder!

[maltesemum]

Bren, i think they are adorable:smlove2: I saw them at the last show i was at & they were stunning:smlove2:

The breed standard calls for a weight 10-18lbs although 10-16lbs preferred. If you are going with a reputable breeder then i would expect to get a dog within this weight range!

[Jadey]

I know, I know, I am on a waiting list for a Maltese but I need to ask these questions.
----------------------------------
How different to a Maltese are they?

I am told they have a double coat what does that entail?

Do they shed?

Do they have doggy odor?

Do they come in the same size as a Maltese?
---------------------------------

A lot of questions I know but I know nothing lol Scrappy is my first dog.

Hubby saw one today at a home he made a service call too and asked me to consider one.

I know nothing about them as my focus has always been on Maltese.


BREN!
I WANT A SHIHTZU
a GOLD and White one :(
I KNOW I KNOW, I been thinking about it too I might have to trade one of my furkids :(
I know you all are gonna bash me but I been really debating on a shihtzu and I cant have 5 my dad said he will kick me out and keep all the dogs :(
BREN u cant go wrong with a shihtzu they are adorable and so relax
not hyper
i never met a hyper shihtzu
they are like cats i think LOL
they dont shed or odor as long as you keep em clean like scrappy!
OOO also they do have some eye nose problem i heard but if you get em from a great breeder im sure you will be fine!

[maltesemum]

BREN!
I WANT A SHIHTZU
a GOLD and White one :(
I KNOW I KNOW, I been thinking about it too I might have to trade one of my furkids :(
I know you all are gonna bash me but I been really debating on a shihtzu and I cant have 5 my dad said he will kick me out and keep all the dogs :(
BREN u cant go wrong with a shihtzu they are adorable and so relax
not hyper
i never met a hyper shihtzu
they are like cats i think LOL
they dont shed or odor as long as you keep em clean like scrappy!
OOO also they do have some eye nose problem i heard but if you get em from a great breeder im sure you will be fine!

:tongue6: you wont be trading nothing girl, i'm sure one of us can find a home for one :rolleyes: :hands:

[Morkie4]

BREN!
I WANT A SHIHTZU
a GOLD and White one :(
I KNOW I KNOW, I been thinking about it too I might have to trade one of my furkids :(
I know you all are gonna bash me but I been really debating on a shihtzu and I cant have 5 my dad said he will kick me out and keep all the dogs :(
BREN u cant go wrong with a shihtzu they are adorable and so relax
not hyper
i never met a hyper shihtzu
they are like cats i think LOL
they dont shed or odor as long as you keep em clean like scrappy!
OOO also they do have some eye nose problem i heard but if you get em from a great breeder im sure you will be fine!


Jadey, You have left me speechless! I can't believe it is true that you would even think to "trade" one of your lovely children.
:eek:-- :mad:-- :fainted:-- :eek:--:mad:-- :fainted:--:cry2:

[Jadey]

Jadey, You have left me speechless! I can't believe it is true that you would even think to "trade" one of your lovely children.
:eek:-- :mad:-- :fainted:-- :eek:--:mad:-- :fainted:--:cry2:
i know :(
im sorry!
its just sometimes i want a shihtzu so badly :D
hehehe i will stop :)

[Morkie4]

i know :(
im sorry!
its just sometimes i want a shihtzu so badly :D
hehehe i will stop :)

Aaaaaah, I feel better already!

:) :) :yay_jump: :yay_jump: :yay_jump: :clapsm: :clapsm:

[Kanga]

Oh Jadey you are so funny.;)

Yes the eye thing worries me.

Sarah found a breeder in my town for me. lol

I just need to read up a bit more on this. I would hate to make a mistake and regret not getting another Scrappy.... and the size is bigger, much bigger than I want :confused: 8lb is ok but not 16lb I am only 5.2.

[Jadey]

Aaaaaah, I feel better already!

:) :) :yay_jump: :yay_jump: :yay_jump: :clapsm: :clapsm:
u sureeeeee???

[dogloverx4]

We don't have eye problems in Australia our face shape is different in our breed standard . The show shih tzu's look bigger than they are , because their hair is massive . Henry and the other 4 of my families dogs are very small and compact ,Henry is smaller than Scrappy . The small ones don't do well in the ring but make ideal pets . Sarah

[maltesemum]

Bren, thought you might like to look over the standard!

http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Haven/9556/standard.html

The aussie standard is pretty much the same as the UK!

[Kanga]

Thanks Elaine.

Sarah how much does Henry weigh?

I cannot believe I am contemplating a Shih Tzu as I only thought a Maltese was the breed for me.

[dogloverx4]

Henry weighs under 4 kg , he's REALLY small . There are quite a few small shih tzu's , but they like bigger in the show ring . Bren that breeder near you has a red and white TO DIE FOR ( not for sale ) . If you saw a shih tzu puppy you'd never be able to resist .Sarah

[Kanga]

Sarah is red and white the same as gold and white?

I have so much to learn here lol

I am so nervous I am almost hysterical I never thought I would have another breed other than a Maltese. And it took me 20 yrs to get that.

[dogloverx4]

No red and white is RARE , I LONG for one . Here's a red and white from your local breeder - I LOVE HIM
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/Kodi13.jpg
here's her equally stunning gold and white
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/Dylan.jpg
both of these dogs have the less tip tilted noses that I prefer .Sarah

[Kanga]

No red and white is RARE , I LONG for one . Here's a red and white from your local breeder - I LOVE HIM
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/Kodi13.jpg
here's her equally stunning gold and white
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/Dylan.jpg
both of these dogs have the less tip tilted noses that I prefer .Sarah

Thanks for that breeder's name she comes highly recommended by someone else I know on the Aussie forum.

LoL The colors mean nothing to me at the moment........ I am still trying to come to grips with the concept of being owned by a non white dog.

Hey, do you have to do anything special to the undercoat? like strip it or anything? I also noticed that some Shih Tzu's dont have the black eyes of the Maltese but more a brown is that right?

[dogloverx4]

Coat color decides eye color - Henry's eyes are black , lighter coats tend to mean lighter eyes . With a shih tzu you brush their hair in layers , it's a snap . Sarah

[bek74]

Sarah, those pics are beautiful, I luv the red and white, Oh My Gosh just stunning.
I have to for sure get a shih Tzu down the track, beautiful

[dogloverx4]

This is for Bren - a solid white shih tzu - very unusual but pretty . Sarah P.S Although the Sydney rescue where I got Teddy has a white Tzu now ,
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/more%20photos/ab520bf2-0e713.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/more%20photos/ab520bf2-0e714-1.jpg
Bek , I have 4 GO GET IT !!!!

[I Found Nemo]

This is for Bren - a solid white shih tzu - very unusual but pretty . Sarah P.S Although the Sydney rescue where I got Teddy has a white Tzu now ,
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/more%20photos/ab520bf2-0e713.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/more%20photos/ab520bf2-0e714-1.jpg
Bek , I have 4 GO GET IT !!!!
:smlove2: How adorable!! It looks all maltese though..Who would put that gorgeous face in rescue:confused: what happened to its owners..ANDREA~

[dogloverx4]

Nah - gorgeous is on a shih tzu web site . The little boy in rescue is this one . Jack is 5 . Sarah
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/more%20photos/0jack.jpg

[I Found Nemo]

Nah - gorgeous is on a shih tzu web site . The little boy in rescue is this one . Jack is 5 . Sarah
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/more%20photos/0jack.jpg
:( He is so cute, I hope he finds a home soon. I feel terrible for all these babies...
ANDREA~

[Kanga]

This is for Bren - a solid white shih tzu - very unusual but pretty . Sarah P.S Although the Sydney rescue where I got Teddy has a white Tzu now ,
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/more%20photos/ab520bf2-0e713.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/more%20photos/ab520bf2-0e714-1.jpg
Bek , I have 4 GO GET IT !!!!

What a cutie.

I am in such a quandry I wish hubby hadn't asked me to consider a Shih Tzu.

I am working on a pros and cons list.

If anyone has anything to add to my list please feel free to let me know.

[Kanga]

Eeeek I have done it:tongue6:

I have my name down with a Shih Tzu breeder. She just now replied to my email and said she has put me on her waiting list. ;)

I still have my name down for a Maltese too.... they are both due to have litters around the same time :fainted:

Oh, Lord please someone tell me I am mad and to stick with Maltese.......

The Shih Tzu breeder breeds black Shih Tzu so it will either be all black or black and white.

Now I just have to pray these people wanting to buy our property get their bridging loan and then all will be right with my world.

[Morkie4]

Eeeek I have done it:tongue6:

I have my name down with a Shih Tzu breeder. She just now replied to my email and said she has put me on her waiting list. ;)

I still have my name down for a Maltese too.... they are both due to have litters around the same time :fainted:

Oh, Lord please someone tell me I am mad and to stick with Maltese.......

The Shih Tzu breeder breeds black Shih Tzu so it will either be all black or black and white.

Now I just have to pray these people wanting to buy our property get their bridging loan and then all will be right with my world.
Okay, how big will the shih Tzu get???? You see pics of the parents??? It would be neat to have an all white and all black set! Salt and Pepper! LOL I was only going to stick to maltese only but now that I have my Yorkie it is a nice combination and the Yorkie is less work..........think the Shih Tzu will be less work or more work???? Hummmm, boy or girl??? Now think about this, if you want a girl the Shih Tzu may only have boys and maybe the maltese breeder will only have boys........so you may not have to decide if you fix in your mind that you want a small girl, whether it be maltese or Shih Tzu! Which ever breeder comes up with a girl, bingo! There ya go! JMO

[Kanga]

Good thinking Carole.

It has to be a girl. I have all these things for a girl.

I am checking the size with the breeder now and waiting on some pictures. The mother is all black and the father is black and white.

Shih Tzu have an under coat. It sounds like more work particularly when they blow their coat. There appears to be a nasty matting period there.

Fortunately, I love grooming Scrappy and I find sitting still and brushing him soothing for me too. So I am sure I will cope with the grooming. A bonus with a black dog is that I will never see the tear stains lol Though knowing me I will if they are there.

[I Found Nemo]

:smlove2: I really think you should go for the Shih Tzu, they are adorable..
ANDREA~

[I Found Nemo]

Does anyone know of any reputable Shih Tzu breeders in America? I would really love to look at their sites!!
Just looking:D

[Jadey]

bren
do what you want :D
honestly?
if you live close to the breeder, go for a visit!
i get the cuter and of course sweeter one... :D
that is just me!
i want the cutest cuddlable thing :D
my parents want a smooth coat chiwawa
then told me i have to take care of it i said no :(
only because i am seriously have a nervous breakdown in my life atm :D
okay bren!
get the cuter sweeter one when it gets born
i perfer something under 5 pounds now :)
only because its easily to take care of imo.
how much does scrappy weigh?

[dogloverx4]

Bren unlike Maltese , Shih Tzus have bigger litters with more girls , so you'll have more choice . For all of those wondering about size here is Henry sitting next to tiny Charlotte , see he's a midget . I hope that breeder doesn't have any solid black boys or I'd be seriously tempted . I've even got a name picked out - Golly . Sarah

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/8eaabba9.jpg

[Kanga]

Awww Sarah cute, cute, cute.

Thank you for that breeder she seems very nice and is just over 2 hours away from me.

She tells me she only breeds black Shih Tzu.

Though there are two in my town but they rarely have a black one mainly the gold/white one's which are lovely too.

So hopefully the Shih Tzu will be the same size as Scrappy and if not well, she will just be his big little sister :D

[maltesemum]

:tongue6: Bren, what have you done:tongue6: I thought you were a maltese only woman:fainted:


JK!!!! they are beautiful dogs & i hope your dreams do come true:D

[Kanga]

:tongue6: Bren, what have you done:tongue6: I thought you were a maltese only woman:fainted:


JK!!!! they are beautiful dogs & i hope your dreams do come true:D

I know, I know, I feel really weird about this, I really do.

I cuddle Scrappy and when brushing him I tell myself I am nuts wanting a different breed.

But, this new puppy is supposed to be hubby's. yeah, right lol But he did ask me to look at a Shih Tzu and I did and I cannot fault them they are darling.

[bek74]

Bren I say go for it, The Shih Tzu are just beautiful, you will not regret it. I am so jealous, I so want one. I just couldn't afford one at this stage, maybe a few years down the track.

Go for it, go for it:D

[bek74]

:( He is so cute, I hope he finds a home soon. I feel terrible for all these babies...
ANDREA~


Andrea, I just luv that Pic of Nemo in your avatar, just beautiful:smlove2:

[Kanga]

Bren I say go for it, The Shih Tzu are just beautiful, you will not regret it. I am so jealous, I so want one. I just couldn't afford one at this stage, maybe a few years down the track.

Go for it, go for it:D

and here I was hoping someone would come on and say I was nuts and give me reasons why not to get a Shih Tzu lol Looks like instead you are all enablers.

I have a reason not to get one.... like I have been waiting forever and ever for my preferred Maltese breeder to have a girl for me. But, it looks like maybe I was meant to get a Shih Tzu instead.

Well fingers crossed she has a little girl for me in this litter due end of March.

[bek74]

Bren picture your beautiful white Boy Scrappy and an all black ( nearly all black) Shih Tzu, how beatuiful would that look :smlove2: . An all black Shih Tzu girl with hot pink bows in her hair, I am getting even more jealous now.

You are so lucky.

[I Found Nemo]

:D yes go for it!! And I want pictures!!
ANDREA~

[maltesemum]

I'm sure she will be delightful:smlove2:

[Kanga]

Hubby and I have thought long and hard and discussed it at length and after he said it was my decision what breed puppy to get we came to the same conclusion that we both love Scrappy so much and want another Scrappy so that sealed the deal and so we will be getting another Maltese.:D

I spent 20 years waiting to be owned by a Maltese and the past 18 months wanting another Maltese as a sister for Scrappy. So, my husband (who planted the seed of an idea for a Shih Tzu) told me to go with my heart and my heart lies with Maltese.:)

Thanks Sarah for all your help in finding a Shih Tzu breeder but I know in my heart of hearts I would still be wanting my little Maltese girl and my husband agrees with me that my heart is with the Maltese breed.

The Shih Tzu are gorgeous and I am hoping my MIL gets one :D

[bek74]

I think since your Breeder doesn't have a litter due at this stage, there would be no harm in going for a drive to see the Shih Tzu pups and parents anyway.
Whatever you decide, good luck, it would be a tuff call.
Hugs

[Kanga]

Oh no, no, no! I know me and hubby and we are soft touches. One look and we would be coming home with one :fainted:

Gosh I cannot even go inside a Petshop that sells pets for the same fear..... that if there was a Maltese there I would think I was "rescuing" it :fainted:

[bek74]

Oh best you do go for that drive then:p :D , ROFLOL.
I really hope you get your Malt girl real soon ( I still picture a little black shih tzu with hot pink bows, awwwwwwwww).

Honestly, I agree follow your heart and your gut :smlove2:

[Kanga]

Oh best you do go for that drive then:p :D , ROFLOL.
I really hope you get your Malt girl real soon ( I still picture a little black shih tzu with hot pink bows, awwwwwwwww).

Honestly, I agree follow your heart and your gut :smlove2:

Weeeeell, :D I could always return the favor and check it out for you and ship it to you :D

I am working on my MIL at the moment as I am sure she would love a Shih Tzu though not sure if she is ready yet for another it may still be too soon.

[dogloverx4]

You can all admire MY black shih tzu , because I'm still getting one:D . I have 2 little girly white fluffs so I do understand . What's wrong with a 3rd dog though ? , I have the best of both worlds with my little family . Sarah

[bek74]

You can all admire MY black shih tzu , because I'm still getting one:D . I have 2 little girly white fluffs so I do understand . What's wrong with a 3rd dog though ? , I have the best of both worlds with my little family . Sarah


Ok rub it in:p :D lol. You do have a beautiful fur family and your new house will accomodate them all so well.
"Denzel" is a good name for a male black Shih Tzu, what do you think???. and yes if or should I say when you get your black boy we will want HEAPS of pics.

[Kanga]

You can all admire MY black shih tzu , because I'm still getting one:D . I have 2 little girly white fluffs so I do understand . What's wrong with a 3rd dog though ? , I have the best of both worlds with my little family . Sarah

I would get both if I had the room.

We are staying in the townhouse, we just sold the renovation :(

If I had a larger property I would have not hesitated and would have 3.