Are they good dogs for a first time owner?
heres the story im think of getting my son a shih tzu for his birthday we have dogs now but he doesnt have to take care of them cuz no of them are his.this is going to be his OWN dog.
so do u think its a good starter dog?
if not plz tell me why and what other dogs are good that are around the price of a shih tzu(300-500)?
oh yea and i live near a breeder that sells them for that much.
so dont tell me there not that price.
ill take care of grooming
hes 13!!!!!!!!!
I GOT A DOG FROM THIS BREEDER AND ALL MY FRIENDS DO TO AND THEY ARE REALLY HEALTHY!
Tha isn't a good idea BECAUSE
A. NEVER get a dog as a gift.
B. NEVER get a dog JUST for a child. Get it as a family dog.
Make him take care of the other dogs. How do you know he is responsible? You don't.
Kids get tired of dogs, FAST. It's rare that kids will devot 100% of their time to a dog.
You need to have him show you he is responsible for a year or two.
Kids only want dogs when it's conveniet for them. They don't want to clean up accidents. They don't want to take the dog for walks when they're tired. They don't want the responsibility of a dog. They just want it to say "Hey guys! I've got a dog!!"
If you don't, I can gurantee he'll grow tired of the dog very quickly.
I hope you reconsider.
Oh, to answer your question.
No. I don't think a shih tzu is a good dog for a kid, or a first time owner. They are high mantience little doggies. My neighbor has one thats hair grows at a RAPID rate. She has to get it groomed more than other dogs. Hers has to have eyedrops and she brushes it twice a day.
So no.
I'd get him a Lab or something. They are more of a "boy" dog. They can take on alot more rough housing that boys like to do better than a small dog.
Also, GOOD bred shih tzus are not that price. They usually run over 1,000$
I love my little shih tzu to pieces, but I'm really not sure about if this is good for a kid with his first dog. Strickly because they tend to be a bit high maintenance, they should be groomed about every 6 to 8 weeks and brushed out daily to prevent mats, which can be very painful for them if they get them. Also, they can be a little stubborn with house training, and it takes a lot of patience and consistency to get them to get the hang of it.
I would never say never though, it totally depends on your son, but I wanted to make sure you knew this going in.
EDIT: Why is everyone so down on giving them as a gift? I don't get that part, because my lab passed away and I really missed having a dog and wanted another, so my husband got him for me as a Christmas gift. I felt like my little man was the best gift I've ever gotten. I don't knock anyone for their own opinions though, just curious.
References :
Tha isn't a good idea BECAUSE
A. NEVER get a dog as a gift.
B. NEVER get a dog JUST for a child. Get it as a family dog.
Make him take care of the other dogs. How do you know he is responsible? You don't.
Kids get tired of dogs, FAST. It's rare that kids will devot 100% of their time to a dog.
You need to have him show you he is responsible for a year or two.
Kids only want dogs when it's conveniet for them. They don't want to clean up accidents. They don't want to take the dog for walks when they're tired. They don't want the responsibility of a dog. They just want it to say "Hey guys! I've got a dog!!"
If you don't, I can gurantee he'll grow tired of the dog very quickly.
I hope you reconsider.
Oh, to answer your question.
No. I don't think a shih tzu is a good dog for a kid, or a first time owner. They are high mantience little doggies. My neighbor has one thats hair grows at a RAPID rate. She has to get it groomed more than other dogs. Hers has to have eyedrops and she brushes it twice a day.
So no.
I'd get him a Lab or something. They are more of a "boy" dog. They can take on alot more rough housing that boys like to do better than a small dog.
Also, GOOD bred shih tzus are not that price. They usually run over 1,000$
References :
I have two Shih Tzu's, and they are so cute! ^.^
I got one of them about 6 or 7 years ago and she was my first dog. She was really cute. I think that Shih Tzu's are good as a first time dog! My family and I sure had no problem getting along with them. They're very lovable and sweet! =]
References :
This breeder is likely a bad breeder. A good breeder is going to charge closer to $1000 for a pet quality Shih Tzu. Why? Because they:
- Do genetic testing on the parents to ensure the health of your dog
- They will take the dog back for its LIFETIME if you can't keep it
- They ensure that ALL puppies are healthy, UTD on shots, socialized properly, and are ready to go
Your $300 can easily turn into $10000 when a badly bred dog gets sick and the breeder won't do a darn thing about it.
If you are only looking to spend $300, use a 501c3 rescue group. http://www.petfinder.com lists many dogs, and there are breed rescue groups as well. Visit http://www.akc.org for a list.
Dogs should never be bought as gifts. Especially not for children. YOU have to want this dog and be able to care for it extensively for the next 15 years.
And Shih Tzu puppies are VERY breakable. I wouldn't allow one to go to a home with a small child, or a child that has never had a dog.
http://64.37.122.206/Info/questionstoaskabreeder.asp?menu=Info
Questions to ask a Breeder
(and related information to consider)
How long has the breeder been breeding Shih Tzu?
1. Is the breeder knowledgeable about the breed? Does he/she demonstrate a knowledge of the Standard of the Breed?
- Responsible breeders try to breed dogs as close as possible to the breed standard, which does not recognize "toy" or "imperial" Shih Tzu. Shih Tzu far below the normal weight range for the breed may have health problems. If you want a truly tiny dog, select another breed.
2. Does he or she represent his dogs as honestly as possible and try to assist the serious novice in his understanding of the breed?
3. Is he or she involved in competition with their dogs (conformation, obedience, agility)?
- This indicates valuable experience with the breed.
4. Does she/he trace health problems in the dogs he sells?
If new to the breed, has breeder carefully researched the genetic problems that may lurk in the background of his lines?
- The breeder should be knowledgeable about and working to control and/or eradicate conditions, including those that are particular to the breed, such as renal dysplasia, portal systemic shunt, hip and eye problems, allergies, Von Willebrands disease, thyroid disorders, and inguinal hernias? ASTC pamphlets can tell you more about breeding healthy dogs and renal dysplasia.
5. Have the puppies been raised in the home?
- Puppies used to home activity will more easily adapt to new families and homes. Puppies require proper socialization by gentle handling, human contact, and a wide variety of noises and experiences, and should not be removed from their dam or littermates before 8 weeks of age. (The ASTC Code of Ethics suggests puppies not be sold before 12 weeks.)
6. Have the puppies' temperaments been evaluated and can the breeder guide you to the puppy that will best suit your lifestyle?
- A very shy puppy will not do well in a noisy household with small children, just as a very dominant puppy won't flourish in a sedate, senior citizen household. A caring breeder will know the puppies and be able to help you make a good match.
8. How often is the dam bred?
- Breeding every heat cycle is too often and may indicate that profit is the primary motive for the breeding.
9. On what basis was the sire chosen?
- If the answer is "because he lives right down the street" or "because he is really sweet," it may be that sufficient thought was not put into the breeding.
10. Are the puppy's sire and dam available for you to meet?
- If the sire is unavailable can you call his owners or people who have his puppies to ask about temperament or health problems? You should also be shown pictures or videos.
11. Where did you find out about this breeder?
- Responsible breeders usually breed only when they have a waiting list of buyers and don't need to advertise in newspapers or put a sign in the yard.
12. Will the puppy be sold with a mandatory spay/neuter contract and/or limited registration (which means that if the dog is bred, the puppies cannot be AKC registered)?
- A breeder who cares enough about the breed to insist on these for a pet puppy is usually a responsible breeder.
13. Do the puppies seem healthy, with no discharge from eyes or nose, no loose stools, no foul smelling ears? Are their coats soft, full, and clean? Do they have plenty of energy when awake yet calm down easily when gently stroked?
- If the puppy is in good weight, a slight, clear nasal discharge may be due to pinched nostrils, quite common during the teething phase. They generally open as the puppy matures. Small umbilical hernias almost always close with age.
14. Does the breeder advise you to have the puppy checked by a veterinarian within 2 days (48 hours) of sale, with additional time allowed if the puppy is sold on a Saturday or Sunday, and provide a written agreement to refund the purchase price or take the puppy back and replace it if it is found to be unfit by a veterinarian? Has the puppy received the necessary immunizations and been checked for parasites and treated if necessary?
15. Does the breeder provide a 3-5 generation pedigree, a complete health record, and material to help you with feeding, grooming, training, and housebreaking?
- An AKC Registration form should also be provided and clearly explained.
16. Are there a majority of titled dogs (the initials CH, CD, etc. before or after the names) in the first two generations?
- The term "champion lines" means nothing if those titles are back three or more generations or if there are only one or two in the whole pedigree. Also, remember that not all champions are created equal and that a champion may or may not produce quality puppies.
17. Does the breeder have only 1 or at most 2 breeds of dogs and only 1 litter at a time?
- If there are several breeds of dogs, the breeder may not devote the time it takes to become really knowledgeable about our breed. If there are several litters at a time, it is very difficult to give the puppies the attention they need and may indicate that the primary purpose for breeding is profit, rather than a sincere desire to sustain and improve the breed.
18. Will the breeder be available for the life of the dog to answer any questions you might have? Is this someone you would feel comfortable asking any type of question?
- If you feel intimidated or pressured, keep looking!
19. Will the breeder take the dog back at any time, for any reason, if you cannot keep it?
- This is the hallmark of responsible breeding (and the quickest, best way to make rescue obsolete).
20. Does the breeder belong to the American Shih Tzu Club and/or a local Shih Tzu club and abide by the ASTC Code of Ethics?
- Responsible breeders also do not sell puppies to pet shops or commercial pet mill establishments, donate puppies for raffles or auctions, crossbreed or sell crossbred puppies, or give stud service to unregistered bitches.
***Edit: He's 13? So, what's going to happen in 5 years when he's out of school? Does the dog go to the pound because you'll be too busy and it's "his dog"? And if he starts baseball, chess club, soccer, etc?
References :
I've had my shihtzu for nearly 3 years now and she was my first dog.
I think they are a good sized dog but u need to be prepared to keep up with the grooming. I didn't know that much about the breed when i got her but i thought they looked cute and i really wanted a dog!
Shih tzu have loads of character although they can be stubborn at times…..u just need to be firm with them and train them well.
I would recommend u get a short haired dog rather than a shih tzu which would be much easier to maintain and less costly too!
References :
Shih tzus are high maintainance dogs. They need to be brushed everyday, they ears need to be plucked frequently and their eyes need to be kept cleared. They dont like heat and can be fickle over food/ people etc.
I would personally not get this type of dog for someone whose young. My sons have got a staffordshire terrier and these would be the type of dogs that I would recommend. A dog that is low maintaince on grooming etc so that your son will be able to teach it the basic commands etc. How about getting a dog from your local rescue centre?
References :
Owner of shih tzus for 10 years
Dog owner for 30 years