Grooming is not just for appearance

Oline Cogdill writes

Shih tzu owners know how wonderful these little dogs are. Great companions, affectionate, good disposition (OK, most of the time) and much heartier than they appear.

They also don’t shed as their “fur” is more like people’s hair.
Supposedly, and I have a feeling this is true, a shih tzu’s gait is supposed to be as smooth and as flowing as koi swimming. I know that’s true of one of my shih tzus; the other moves like a samurai soldier.

And don’t be worried that shih tzus need a lot of grooming. I have always kept ours trimmed short and a good trimming can last for 4 to 6 weeks.

The shih tzus you see in dog shows are kept that long because they are show dogs. As companions, the shorter the hair the better. They’re happier and you will be too. Besides, do you really want to spending more time on their hair than yours?

We’ve had four shih tzus so far - all rescues - and I am sold on this breed.
But shih tzu owners do have conscious about their eyes. These little bug eyes are so cute, but also need tending.
This is one of the breeds proon to keratoconjuctivitis sicca, also known as KCS or "dry eye." That’s when the eye does not produce a sufficient amount of the amount of aqueous (watery) portion of the tears to keep the eye properly lubricated. Dogs with bug eyes - and other people - often develop this.

When you play with your little guy or gal, check our their eyes to make sure that hair is not growing into their eyes - that’s where good groomer comes in and I have the best - and that no little bumps or tags are growing near their eyes. Regular check ups at the vet are invaluable and always be sure to point out their eyes to your vet.

The American Shih Tzu Club has a lot of info about the breed and health concerns. www.shihtzu.org
And here is a rescue group in South Florida devoted to shih tzus and small breeds. www.shihtzurescue.org

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