There are so many positive and negative information on Imperial Shih Tzus on the web, which confuses me. It is my first time purchasing a dog, and I don't know much. Do Imperial Shih Tzus have bad health and die easily?
THANK YOU
My Wife has one of these dogs, so far it has a liver defect, kidney defect fussy as anything (eats steak and rice at present… better food than me) and they get ear infections alot. She is 8, may be OK to go to 9 or 10. All my past dogs have been fit working dogs and have reached about 16 (mostly mutts). So the vets have given us all the info on the bread. But they are friendly as any other dog and then some, what extra they cost in grooming and care they make up for in eating and crapping less, it takes more time to make them look pretty, but they hardly need walking (they like a few rumbles a day- and do enjoy exercise) and the winning thing – they don't shed like other dogs, so they are great for indoors and sleeping on beds, so knock a few years off their life expectancy, but most pure breads are like that…just send a message if you want more info on them
i am not sure about imperial Shih tzu. My son who is 11 has one a Shih Tzu that is. They are great dogs. They are good with kids and other animals well ours is. There health always depends on you taking care of them. They can die at anytime. Just like us.
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I would suggest contacting Shih Tzu breeders through the American Shih Tzu Club at http://www.shihtzu.org/index2.asp. They have a list of people that can answer your questions and put you in touch with a reputable breeder in your area.
They have a very interesting article that states that "Imperial" Shih Tzu's are really just smaller dogs that have been bred by unethical breeders to get more money for their dogs. Read more at:
http://www.shihtzu.org/Info/imperial.asp?menu=Info
Good luck and investigate wisely – you want a lifelong friend!
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8 year owner of Great Danes and involved in showing and rescue.
"Imperial" Shih-Tzu
(Ones they claim to be under standard)
American Shih-tzu Club comments on "Imperial Shih-Tzu" at
http://64.37.122.206/Info/imperial.asp?menu=Info
Once upon a Time
there was a greedy person looking to make a lot of money
in the dog business. They had really poor quality shih-tzu,
so they had to think of a way to make money with them.
That is when the
"Imperial Shih-tzu" idea was born!
They knew people loved itty-bitty dogs, so they "invented"
a "special Imperial gene" and advertised it.
IN 2005, in a desperate effort to con the public,
breeders of questionable integrity (according to some opinions),
started their own "Chinese Imperial" breed standard.
They have a beautiful website to help convince you.
AKC does not recognize this as a variation of shih-tzu.
American Shih-Tzu Club is not happy with this effort to
ruin the shih-tzu breed standard.
Severe inbreeding downsizes any dog. But with it comes
double the bad genes for genetic defects.
"Midgets" are defective.
Midgets to midgets guarantee one thing…
a double defect with a short life span.
STILL want a "tiny" dog//
get a YORKIE or MALTESE
References :
http://www.gloryridge.com/imperials.htm
My Wife has one of these dogs, so far it has a liver defect, kidney defect fussy as anything (eats steak and rice at present… better food than me) and they get ear infections alot. She is 8, may be OK to go to 9 or 10. All my past dogs have been fit working dogs and have reached about 16 (mostly mutts). So the vets have given us all the info on the bread. But they are friendly as any other dog and then some, what extra they cost in grooming and care they make up for in eating and crapping less, it takes more time to make them look pretty, but they hardly need walking (they like a few rumbles a day- and do enjoy exercise) and the winning thing – they don't shed like other dogs, so they are great for indoors and sleeping on beds, so knock a few years off their life expectancy, but most pure breads are like that…just send a message if you want more info on them
References :
Go to a local show in your area. Find a reputable breeder and ask all your questions. But consider this….. how much time do you want to spend grooming your dog? Shih tzu are beautiful dogs will long hair. They only stay beautiful with lots and lots of brushing and care. There are other breeds that are small with less hair if you don't think you will have the time to invest daily on grooming.
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You bet you should! They are lovable dogs and are smart like to be alfa (in control that is)a lot though. I have one now. They are so adorable when shampoo and brush out. The babies are just to adorable to resist. Postcard subject and picture perfect photos of Shih Tzu. A love one will live as long as you keep up health problems and check up and shots and a hell of a lot of lovin and if time for them to go then they had reservation in Doggy Heaven.
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My life experience which I believe what I say and if you love something who cares what other say. Read a few books on Shih Tzu at Pet Stores Have fun with the new puppy. It will love you forever… If I never have a man in my life I will have a dog for sure. unconditional love
Shih Tzus are great dogs, very human orientated, faithful and never let you out of their sight 24 hours a day.
Great with children, other dogs and catrs too, just needing your continious TLC and attention.
Very prone to heart murmur annd kidney infection. Brush their teeth often to remove the plague and tartar (main cause fo kidney infection in Shih Tzus).
They are long haired dogs, so if maintaining their hair is a problem, try cutting them short, they look equally nice and cute too.
Good luck.
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shih-tzu's are great dogs I have 4 they are so loverble .They are healthy .As long as you take care of them the right way as with any animal get their shot's make sure you put a tag on them incase they get out of your yard or run out the door.You can dress them up in doggie clothes.They listen & traine very well.They are also couch potatoe's .When I say I am going to watch T.V. they are in the chair before me LOL.They don't shed . I hope you get a shih-tzu you will love every moment with them.
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they are sweet dogs. i have one.
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***NO***,you should NOT!!
If you haven't RESEARCHED enough to have discovered that THERE'S ***NO SUCH THING***,then you should stay away from spending a NICKEL on ANY dog!!
That's a "marketing PLOY-***LIE*** to SCAM the GULLIBLE!!!
Go READ THE BREED STANDARD!!! At the AKC site!!
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