Articles: Heartworm Prevention and Generic Heartguard Link, Hypoglycemia, What to feed Puppy, We begin the Potty Training, Deworming, Grooming techniques, Devotional for Puppy Owner and Breeder, links for Breeding information, Breeder Rights, AKC Standard Shih Tzu Description, and a word on "Imperial" vs. Standard size. Assisting Nature's Runt vs. keeping a defective puppy alive., AKC 5 Generation Research Pedegree Link. Pros and Cons: Breeding Practices..info LINK. Suggestion for indoor Kennel solution when I you need your home space back (for dogs having free reign of the house until you kennel them in an Akc outdoor Kennel INSIDE your home. It configures to the size and shape you want..their area can be as big as a bedroom!). Scroll to bottom to see our previous on before moving to Aledo (Its easy to clean and keep clean and maximizes your space.
See 2 Links on Hernia, an issue common to Shih Tzu and several other Breeds. My Vet said "It's not a Big Deal":Umbilical Hernias vs Delayed Closures, Umbilical Hernias in Shih Tzu
We highly recommend ALL New Breeders go often to www.breederinfocenter.com after saving this site to your favorites. Also, Read about suggestions to help with Storm phobia. Healthy Room Temperature for Puppies. Numerous sites below to help Breeders and pet owners.
ECONOMICAL HEALTH TIPS And BREEDER TIPS:Heartworm Prevention $25 2 yr. supply!
J R ENTERPRISES
Economical Heartworm Prevention for your Dog
Using generic ivermectin instead of Heartgard®
When your Vet recommends Heartgard, this link can save you a bunch! A two year supply treats my five dogs!! What a savings.we are just sharing their link as a courtesy/ .save our page on your favorites, then click this link:
Heartworm PreventionIf I catch my pup chewing something like a sock or shoe, I use a low voice and say "ehh ehh" and then hand her a safe replacement toy. We have known for a long time the dangers of rawhide for small dogs, it can obstruct the intestines. Furthermore, we have safely given our dogs calves hooves and always remove them when they get small or if a piece is broken. Some people give antlers for an even safer chew alternative. Do your research.
Please avoid wheat treats, and rawhide. Wheat can cause allergy eyes and rawhide is known to obstruct the intestines of small dogs as there are many Vet surgeries each year!
Hypoglycemia Prevention.Why we want you to know
The airlines require we give NutraCal or white corn syrup 24 hrs before a flight. We suggest Puppy Buyers buy NutraCal to give a few times daily for the first few days of new home and keep on hand in case ever symptoms appear. We have never had a puppy stress bad from low blood sugar, and only one case of mild stress successfully treated with corn syrup (Tyson)..but we have heard Horror stories from a customer that bought and returned a pup back to a previous Breeder... after huge hosptal expenses and returning of a pup to that Breeder due to Stress Syndrom. Dewanna bought from us afterward, armed with this knowledge her puppy from us never had any issues. She was so happy about the help we gave her, she chose a male instead of the female she had planned for when she saw we didn't get the 3rd female we hoped (we kept our word for those with deposits for 1st and 2nd pick female).Because of Dewanna's kindness we got to keep Cashew's girl..Zoey!! Thank you Dewanna..you are a blessing to us..we had been praying the Lord would allow us to have a female pup to keep for later breeding with Alamo..since we unexpectedly rehomed Cashew. We were truley happy for you, When I told you that you puppies were born and you got your desired female even though we didn't (in second position with only two females in that litter).Without me asking or thinking of you changing your preference... you offered us the female we desired and took a male instead! God used you to bless us!! Thank you!!
What Is Hypoglycemia?
The buyer is responsible for educating themselves on hypoglycemia. Buyer needs to be fully aware of signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia. Attached is an Information sheet to help the buyer fully understand Hypoglycemia. Remember Hypoglycemia...Can be..But Need Not Be..A life threatening, even fatal condition & often happens in the smaller toy breeds.
Hypoglycemia in Toy Breeds
What is Hypoglycemia? If you bought a Toy pup from us - please read!
One of the most serious side effects of too much insulin is hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose [low blood sugar]. Hypoglycemia can be - but need not be - a life-threatening, even fatal condition and often happens in the smaller toy breeds.
How does Hypoglycemia happen? Hypoglycemia is usually stress
related. Puppy Stress: Moving to a new home, being alone for long periods of time [vs. with litter mates], rough play with children and older pets; excessive exercise; food changes or not enough food to eat; etc. Hypoglycemia need not be life threatening, however when your pup does not receive enough TLC and monitoring from you, it well can!
Signs of Hypoglycemia: The occurrence of signs depends on how far the blood sugar level drops and how far into the episode the puppy has progressed.
lethargy (lack of energy) ~~~~~~ weakness ~~~~~ head tilting ~~~~~ unbalanced wobbling when walking ~~~~~ excessive hunger or refusal to eat ~~~~~ restlessness, whimpering and high pitched whining or moaning ~~~~~ shivering and uncontrollable trembling ~~~~~ disorientation ~~~~~ stupor ~~~~~ convulsions or seizures ~~~~~ coma ~~~~~ death
What can I do during an episode? During a hypoglycemic attack, your goal is to stay calm, bring the blood glucose back to a safe level, continue to observe your pet, and contact the vet. If your pet is acting strangely, displaying one or several of the above symptoms, you should assume it is due to
hypo-glycemia and treat it accordingly. This is a situation where it is better to be safe than sorry. If your pet is not hypoglycemic, your treatment may have raised the blood glucose for a few hours. If your pet was
hypo-glycemic, you may have just saved its life.
If you own a Toy pup, always have corn syrup or NutraCal available.
Corn syrup works well because it is a very pure sugar, and it is liquid. In the U.S. "Karo" is a brand name of Light corn syrup and you'll often see this word used. If Karo is not available, pancake syrup, or table sugar
disolved in some water will also work. Wherever your pet is, there should be an emergency supply of sugar.
Nutri-cal, a nutritional supplement as a daily treat is recommended until the pup is aprox. 10-12 weeks old, and then as needed during major changes or stressful situations [moving, vet visits, grooming, playing with the grand children...]. NutraCal once or twice a day, will go a long way in prevention!
What to do during and after a hypoglycemic episode: Mild hypoglycemia: If your pet's bg is only slightly low or if it is showing only mild signs of hypoglycemia, you can often treat it by immediately feeding the pet some of its regular food. The blood glucose raising effects of the food may be enough to counteract the hypoglycemia. If your pet refuses its regular food, try offering a food it really enjoys or some treats. Any food is probably ok in this situation. Your main concern is to get the blood glucose up and to eliminate the signs of hypoglycemia. You need to observe your pet for several hours to make sure the hypoglycemia does not happen again. Also give plenty of fluids to drink, hypoglycemic dogs are usually dehydrated. Let the pup rest. Most likely it will want to snuggle close to you! Moderate hypoglycemia : Nutri-Cal, Nutri-Stat Corn syrup should be given, either alone, or combined with food. Note: Honey is not recommended in tiny pups as it could seal the anus and cause additional problems. Syrup can be mixed in with wet food or drizzled over dry food. The syrup will help bring the bg up quickly, and the food will help keep the bg elevated for a longer time. Small dogs should be given about 1-2 tablespoons, or larger dogs should get 0.25-0.5 ml per pound of body weight. Give plenty of fluids to drink, hypoglycemic dogs are usually dehydrated. Again - the pup will require undisturbed rest! You need to observe your pet for several hours to make sure the hypoglycemia does not happen again. The blood glucose raising effects of the syrup will last only for a short time. If the insulin is long lasting or if the hypoglycemia is severe, the effects of the syrup will wear off and your pup may become hypoglycemic again. Continue observing your pet, and give syrup or syrup and food as needed. Severe hypoglycemia: If your pet is severely hypoglycemic, especially if it is having seizures or unconscious, you must give corn syrup immediately. Carefully rub small amounts of syrup on the cheeks and gums. Do not put alot of liquid in the pet's mouth, and be sure the pet does not choke. Do not stick your fingers inside the teeth of a seizuring pet - you may get bitten. Then, call the vet. If you cannot contact your vet, call any vet - and get additional instructions. Your pet will probably have to go to the vet immediately. Follow up: Whenever a pet has a moderate to severe hypoglycemic attack, you should contact your veterinarian. Especially after a severe attack the possibility of a repeat episode is strong! Repeated episodes can cause brain damage.
How do I prevent Hypoglycemia? You must monitor the food intake of your baby. Toy Breeds have high metabolisms & small stomaches they need to have food + water available "Free Choice" which means all the time! You can start feeding individual meals once your pup is past the 3lb or the 3 month level, whichever comes last. Reduce and monitor rowdy playtime with children and other pets. This includes excessive exercise that overtaxes your baby. Don't expect too much from your puppy - it is still a baby! Undisturbed sleeping time and sufficient rest, with short interactions of tlc from you are necessary. Within a few short weeks the attention span and waking periods of your little one are getting longer.
If in doubt about your pup having a hypoclycemic episode - call your Vet! Get some sugar going and keep a close eye on the little one. Hypoglycemia does not have to be lethal - if you are careful.
Enjoy your pup!
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What do you feed my Puppy when weaning to food?
What is the Best food for my Puppy?
We used to feed our Breeding females "Diamond Natures Chicken and Brown Rice" rated 4.5 out of 5 in best Puppy food. Then we wean the puppies from their Mama over a bout a 3 week period introducing them to soaked and blended Diamond Naturals Puppy Chicken and Rice". We soak the dry puppy food in purified water for about an hour, then blend. We start with a gruel, like a gravy consistency at first and offer it slowly to the pups who are still nursing but less and less over the weeks to come..starting at 3 1/2 weeks of age t pups that show readiness.
We transition Puppies at 1 yr to adult "Infinia" grain free by Exclusive. It is rated a 5 out of 5 for BEST dog foods.Dogfood advisor lists brands alphabetically and there are plenty of 4-5 star choices.
NOTE: If you are interested in a Puppy for pet or for Breeding please read the information below. I highly recommend Breederinfo.com for valuable information on how to care for your dogs and on Whelping Puppies. The site owner has been a Veterinary for many years and gives Insightful useful information for both Breeders and Pet owners..this is HER INFORMATION Below that we APPLY to our Breeding Program:
"Basic Feeding Guide:Puppies and Adult Dogs." The Health of Your Puppy depends on it!
"If you look at the ingredients of the vast majority of major brand dog foods sold in your local grocery store you will see most of them contain some type of corn such as cornmeal. Fact: dogs are meat eaters; even their teeth tell us this. They do not have grinding molars, they have ripping canines. Have you ever heard of a farmer having issues with dogs raiding their corn fields? No, what we might hear is a dog raiding the chicken coop for meat.
The first ingredient in your dog's food should be a specified meat. Not a meat by-product, but the real thing. Puppies and adult dogs were not meant to eat corn and wheat. If the first ingredient in your dog food is a corn, wheat, meat by-product, bone meal or anything but a real specified type of meat, steer clear. By-products are the leftovers, such as the eyes, hooves, skin, feathers and feet, that are not good for human consumption (unless the dog food specifically states otherwise.) Beware of ingredients that do not list exactly what it is, such as words like "animal" and "meat" as opposed to "chicken," "beef," "duck," etc.
Corn in Dog Food. Really?
"If you look at the ingredients of the vast majority
of major brand dog foods sold in your local grocery store you will see most of them contain some type of corn such as cornmeal. Fact: dogs are meat eaters; even their teeth tell us this. They do not have grinding molars, they have ripping canines. Have you ever heard of a farmer having issues with dogs raiding their corn fields? No, what we might hear is a dog raiding the chicken coop for meat.
Corn has been linked to many dog ailments such as allergies, joint swelling, bloat and there have been some cases of aflatoxin contamination associated with corn in dog food. The corn that is used in dog food is sometimes contaminated with mycotoxins (toxins from mold or fungi). Corn metabolizes in dogs similar to the way sugar metabolizes in humans. It's like feeding a child foods high in corn syrup. The dog is not going to be as healthy and may experience energy rushes, crashes, hyperactivity and a hard time concentrating. Studies have also shown that high doses of corn can inhibit serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is an important chemical that reduces stress and anxiety... ref;http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/feeding.htm
Great link to rate your dogwood choice by Brnd name. We were pleased to find that Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Food has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. Check out your dog food's rating or the food you are considering by clicking on: DOGFOOD REVIEW A_Z..we
"Contrary to some beliefs, potty training a puppy should start with the breeder very early in life. It is very important at 3 to 3.5 weeks old, when the pups become mobile and start to potty on their own, to set their room up PROPERLY. It is not really a natural thing for a dog to pee or poop in his crate. Wolf mothers are meticulous about keeping the "nest" very clean. So, once a baby starts eating solid food, and the mother no longer cleans it up because it can walk at this point too (at this point the mama wolf and den mates would have trained the pups to eliminate outside the den), it is up to the BREEDER to keep the box/nest very clean. This causes an aversion to poop and pee. When this is done right, by the time the buyer purchases the pup, he will already be ready to not pee in his crate or bed, as they do not pee or poop where they eat or where they sleep. So believe it or not, what goes on from the time of birth to the time you buy the pup plays a big role on the young life and what a buyer will be faced with. With this in mind, a breeder named Bev Dorma from MistyTrails Havanese/Mastiffs has created a method called the "Misty Method." It is basically a way of raising the pups that gives them a concept of housetraining at an early age. This in return not only helps the breeder keep the whelping area clean, it makes the puppy easier to housebreak once they go to their new homes. A win-win for everyone.... Within these pages she explains step-by-step how the method works."
Save our site to your bookmarks or favorites and then CLICK HERE for more details..we use this in our Breeding program and it works..your puppy comes to you partially potty trained and ready to adapt to your home training..the potty patch simulates grass..so it's easier to transition to backyard or use potty patch if apt. dweller. If deciding on the potty patch, We recommend more than one, so while one is drying after hosing it..you have one to put out for pup. We can recommend low cost newsprint for Breeders or puppy owners..call your local paper and ask for distribution and arrange to pick up FREE end rolls. They are thin, but folded over they work great and can throw away or fold over after soiling happens..I go through lots of it when its too wet for me to clean the patches the way I like.
A Puppy from a recent litter of ours, doing his business (below) where we want him to..on a potty patch! We start with paper and then add a potty patch, then no longer leave paper, unless it is super wet outside and we can't dry the patches in the sun (then we continue with paper). Either way we use "Misty's potty training system described below:
Our Puppies are Dewormed and consistently have negative Fecal test performed by our Vet by 7 weeks of age!
All our Puppies are wormed at 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks. They g get a fecal exam when they have their Vet exam between 6-7 weeks..to determine they are free of worms. All puppies get worms from the mom during delivery where the worms are lying dormant (in the mom) and are awakened when pup comes through the birth canal. That is why it is important to treat a new puppy for worms. I use Nemex 2- Pyrantel..and my fecal exams have always been negative for worms. It is recommended on the bottle that the pups be treated again at 10 weeks (by you or your Vet after they have gone home..since they go home at 8 weeks). Buyers please ask your Vet if a final worm treatment is necessary. Fecal Results are noted on your Medical records and Vet also notes the results in her Letter of Health for each puppy. Should we ever have a positive fecal, we will send you home with the next pre-measured treatment which puppies eat willingly out of an oral syringe.AKC Liver
MISTY'S POTTY TRAINING SYSTEM
Dog Comfort: Dog Beds
My Shih Tzus love to snuggle in a bed their size, but they also love to lay on the couch. My couch or their own! We just purchased a KH Mgf Orthodontix Bolster Sleeper Dog bed in the XL size on purpose. I've read that older dogs love it and now you can add to your list that pregnant dogs love it too! See our pregnant Ginger and our retired "Ami" resting on their new couch. By the way our youngest were lounging on it earlier today!
We just recently purchased 3 EZWhelp Whelping Boxes (right below) and we love m! They are easy to put together and will go in a box when finished with these puppies!! They wipe clean and are strong and adaptable to growing Puppies with an extention wall I will add soon..looking forward to seeing it work to contain pups while they are more active and letting Mama come in and out when we do our gradual weaning over the next few weeks. The green Whelping box is one made of wood by my husband..Ginger chewed on it and Im thinking she actually ingested wood!! The EZWhelp Box from EZwhelp.com is corrugated plastic and holds up better to my dogs teeth, than the wood!
7/2013 UPDATE..We've been using the EZ Whelp boxes now for several litters and they are GREATWe highly recommend them, I love that I can put them out for Breeding and sometime after..and when I'm done I take them apart and place them in a flat box until my next litter! In addition..the extention wall I bought for one of them..I needed it to be a larger spece for the puppies, so I place my baby rails (which configure or connect in panels to any size) going around the puppy area..and the extention rails hook into the whelping door opening with a screw and a nut, but I connect it on one side and then my son drilled a hole in the flat part of the baby rail and I could connect the extention wall across to give puppies more room for potty training patch, eating area, and play area..then mama has her side to jump into when she needs a puppy break!
Ez Whelp box shown to right
"In my Whelping Box after a long night of Nursing, Dreaming of Valentines Day!"
Note: Puppies go home Feb. 14"...zzzzzz"
We Worm our Mama and her Puppies at 2 weeks of age, then Puppies are wormed at 3, 4 6, 8 weeks (or slightly sooner if shipping). We use Nemex 2..it works so well that we have never had a fecal exam turn positive for worms. We have our Vet do a complete exam, including a fecal exam to check for worms to make sure the meds have worked. The Vet meds are much more powerful but unnnecessary as Nemex 2 works just right and our puppies love it! The bottle recommends treatment again at 10 weeks (after Puppy goes home). If you are a Breeder and plan to be Breeding for several years, we recommend buying the largest size bottle, which doesn't expire for 5 years when stored properly.
All Puppies get worms as they pass through the birth canal, dormant worms "wake up" so to speak!
Ginger and her Valentines Puppies
Water bottle Instead of doggie bowl
The water bottle is safest for the Breeder..cause puppies have a tendency to track through a plate of water and we don't want puppies drinking in the bacteria after walking on their poo. If a water Bowl is used, fresh water dailyly should be added and a saucer type is best for snubb nose (flatter face) Puppies..so water does not go in the nose.
GROOMING TECHNIQUES For Shih Tzu Puppies
1-17-13
PAW PADS: Puppies had their paw pads trimmed (so they can feel the floor when they walk), I used a good clipper for both adult dogs and puppies, just glide the blade across the fur on pawpads against and pads show.
Playing with Puppy paws often makes for growing into adulthood not problematic when you clip nails or take your dog to the Groomer. The puppy becomes used to it and also becomes docile with much holding.
FACIAL HAIRCUT NEAR EYES: They had their facial hair trimmed (helps avoid eye infection in Shih Tzus), I angle my round end scissors (Walmart sell these online for about $5 :Osters) or you can buy the pricey ones at Petedge. Angle toward the center of the forehead on each side and clip the hair away. Also cut across bridge above nose and it's a puppy cut trim and protects puppy from the irritation their fur can cause if it stays in the eyes. I met a lady that showed Shih Tzus years ago, she recommends vaseline to hold the fur away from the eyes, and that works too.
NAIL CLIPPING WEEKLY: I Clipped their toe nails with baby nail clippers (we do this weekly so those sharp needle like toenails don't hurt mama dog while they nurse.
WORMING CALENDAR: Dewormed Gingers pups a few days ago and Zoey's litter this morning *we just plug this info into our calendar at ceciliadiane.webs.com if you want to see the worming schedule (shipping puppies can't have dewormer within three days of shipping..so we alter the bottles instructions slightly when we get close to the 8 weeks. Puppies should be dewormed at 10 weeks or ask your Vet. We have a fecal done to prove Negative for worms, before Pup goes home, but bottle recommends 10 weeks also.
COMBING AND DEMATTING LATER (for long fur): We combed each puppy (good for their circulation) and just enjoyed holding them. Grooming time is a great time to bond with your puppy..they learn to love it and so will you!! Daily brushing helps the Puppies health and as they grow older they won't resist you or the Groomer if you do it while they are young, if you plan to keep their fur long..you can purchase a great dematting tool in Feed stores.
We bathed our Mama's this week..and blew them dry. Blowing dry prevents drafts and prevents bacteria in undercoat.
Chevelle..after his grooming/Chevelle is available..All Puppies come with AKC Papers, first shots, Vet Exam, Letter of Health signed by Vet. Wormed, fecal exam, 1 yr. Genetic guarantee, and socialized for Lots of Puppy Love!
Cuda/Sold
Chevelle/Sold
Snow: SOLD Female Akc Liver and White Shih Tzu born Dec. 17, 2012
Tinker/Sold Female
CLICK HERE to see more Puppy Photos. then scroll to bottom of Avail/sold Puppies page
I find Spurgeon's Devotional helpful to my spiritual health..when my perspective is the same as God's, through focusing on the Lord, my attitude is healthy...Cecilia Holland
Note: Spurgeon's Devotions below change morning and evening and daily, come back often:
Please SAVE our site to your Bookmarks or Favorites
..then visit the links below for additional Breeder info and includes how to help with Puppies birth (Whelping):
http://www.breederinfocenter.com/
For Whelping Calendar week by week:
http://www.debbiejensen.com/date.html
http://malteseluv.homestead.com /WhelpingInfo.html#anchor_157
Good Grooming Tools to use for your Shih Tzu's Health
Round Tip Oster's scizzors for Facial Hair Bought Walmart Online $6
Fine tooth comb (sometimes called a flea comb) for facial fur and near eyes (comes with or without handles..doublesided shown) Petsmart $2-$15
Four Paws Dematting Tools for longer Fur
When you miss days..combs right through mats! Russel Feed stores $15
Larger comb for all fur
Baby clippers for Puppies
Larger nail clippers for adult dogs
BREEDER RIGHTS
As Breeders, we reserve the right to hold a puppy out of any of our litters to continue our Breeding Program. The Heart of our Breeding program are our AKC female puppies that can be raised and bred to an unrelated (or grandfather for line breeding) male. I like to have a male with Champion lines to keep my Puppies closer to AKC Standards. Having a Female with Champion lines also helps this. Our AKC Stud, Alamo has Champion bloodline and our AKC Female, Zoey has Champion lines on her Sires side. If we decide to "hold" a male or female puppy for future breeding, that puppy will be pictured, but marked "hold, might stay" until we decide if we are keeping that puppy for our Breeding program. If possibly will be offered for sale later.Or if marked "hold, staying" you will know that puppy is not part of the "Available Puppies" in the Litter. If we did not reserve this right, our breeding program would suffer as it is difficult as you know to find quality AKC Liver Puppies. It takes alot of looking and research of pedigrees to develop a quality breeding program. Above all, we breed Shih Tzus that have excellent temperaments, and are healthy. We are very satisfied with what we produce, though we don't guarantee "Show quality" you may decide to "Show" your AKC Shih Tzu from us. Though we don't guarantee "Breedabilty" of any Puppy, you may decide to pursue Breeding with your Shih Tzu from us. Our Health Guarantee is Void if you breed a Puppy from us before a Year of age. We recommend you wait until your female is 18mos -2yrs (on her third heat) before breeding and your male is 2 years, as male's sperm quality is best between 2-5 years. We reserve the right to refuse service to any person or breeder that does not have a similar outlook on Breeding Healthy Shih Tzus! We do not sell to puppy mills or pet shops!
SHIH TZU AKC STANDARD
AKC Standard taken from the AKC website
General Appearance
The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with 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 distinctively 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. Even though a toy dog, the Shih Tzu must be subject to the same requirements of soundness and structure prescribed for all breeds, and any deviation from the ideal described in the standard should be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Shih Tzu as in any other breed, regardless of whether or not such faults are specifically mentioned in the standard.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size-Ideally, height at withers is 9 to 10 1/2 inches; but, not less than 8 inches nor more than 11 inches. Ideally, weight of mature dogs, 9 to 16 pounds. Proportion-Length between withers and root of tail is slightly longer than height at withers. The Shih Tzu must never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty. Substance-Regardless of size, the Shih Tzu is always compact, solid and carries good weight and substance.
Head
Head-Round, broad, wide between eyes, its size in balance with the overall size of dog being neither too large nor too small. Fault: Narrow head, close-set eyes. Expression-Warm, sweet, wide-eyed, friendly and trusting. An overall well-balanced and pleasant expression supersedes the importance of individual parts. Care should be taken to look and examine well beyond the hair to determine if what is seen is the actual head and expression rather than an image created by grooming technique. Eyes-Large, round, not prominent, placed well apart, looking straight ahead. Very dark. Lighter on liver pigmented dogs and blue pigmented dogs. Fault: Small, close-set or light eyes; excessive eye white. Ears-Large, set slightly below crown of skull; heavily coated. Skull-Domed. Stop-There is a definite stop. Muzzle-Square, short, unwrinkled, with good cushioning, set no lower than bottom eye rim; never downturned. Ideally, no longer than 1 inch from tip of nose to stop, although length may vary slightly in relation to overall size of dog. Front of muzzle should be flat; lower lip and chin not protruding and definitely never receding.
Fault:
Snipiness, lack of definite stop. Nose-Nostrils are broad, wide, and open. Pigmentation-Nose, lips, eye rims are black on all colors, except liver on liver pigmented dogs and blue on blue pigmented dogs. Fault: Pink on nose, lips, or eye rims. Bite-Undershot. Jaw is broad and wide. A missing tooth or slightly misaligned teeth should not be too severely penalized. Teeth and tongue should not show when mouth is closed. Fault: Overshot bite.
See Photos to your right of Zoey's Sire and our newest Stud: Red
Why is a Reasearch Pedegree Important?
In searching for the right stud or female for Breeding we provide our 5 Generation Pedegrees on this site. See our females Sire and Dam in cases where we don't have their pedegree (would be the same ). For Example: All Alamo's Puppies have 23 Champions in a 6 Generation Pedegree as you see his 5 Generation Pedegree shows 23 Champions. This is quite alot for one dog as there are 65 dogs in a 5 generation AKC Pedegree..tht's over 1/3 of his Ancestor's are AKC Champions as shown in Red with CH in front of the name. Reasearch Pedegrees are available from AKC.org and after you pay AKC $17 (as of 3/2013 when we ordered one for Red) The orderedd Pedegree posts to your AKC account and is downloadable and Printable. We found no Champions in Red's pedegrees, which is not uncommon..but we were impressed with his lines and looks and his rareness of being an AKC Solid Red Liver Male Proven Stud. We will be holding back 1-2 females from Alamo's litters to breed..which carry on Alamos Champion line in Red's offspring with them! A prime reason for Breeders to purchase or view Pedegrees is to determine if there are any Closely related relatives that are the same in dogs already owned. We do NOT practice or recommend INbreeding. Line Breeding is practiced regularly by reprutable Breeders to bring into their line the strengths in their dogs..for example Inbreeding would be breeding a brother to a sister and would be TOO CLOSE and causing the weakness of the breeds to be prevalent. Whereas a breeding between Grandfather to granddaughter is highly acceptable in dogs with no known issues who have desirable traits in common to Maximize strengths in their offspring. Our Zoey and Red share the same great grandparents from good reputable lines..therefore we are looking forward to the results of that breeding in 2014.
A Word on size..."Imperial" Vs. Standard
How small should we go? Do you think that question enters the mind of a Breeder? Some are so unethical that breeding down Shih Tzu's for profit has reached far beyond healthy. Veterinarians state that smaller Bred dogs are highly likely to suffer health complications as their organs are much smaller and functions are indeed compromised. Just the thought of breeding runt to runt frequently, generation after generation should make you wonder about the motive of the Breeder. Why should they try to go smaller and smaller...is it the cuteness factor? The question is a question of Health and life of the beast. God tells us that ..."a righteous man regardeth the life of his beast" in His book of Proverbs.
Recently I spoke to a Breeder displaying a cute undersized puppy weighing about 1 1/2 lbs. and considering it's going home, she showed it on her site. The Breeder herself wondered "who" should I sell this Puppy to? After all it is so tiny and fragile, that it couldn't go into a family with children and would have to go to someone that enjoyed carrying the puppy everywhere at most all times. Certainly the Puppy would be at risk of being kicked or stepped on under the feet of humans and could even die early..it was so small. This "cute" little puppy probably wouldn't be so cute as an adult dog, and according to Ethical Veterinary medicine the Health conditions it could develop are quite extensive. This little "pocket shih tzu" or so called "imperial" Shih Tzu was named so by Breeders who chose to violate the laws of nature itself by reducing it's standard size to teeny sizes for their own profit, not for the quality of life the animal would have in a loving home. AKC certainly doesn't include these bitty babies in show competition, nor did they introduce the name "Imperial" to represent this tiny size. I don't think there is anything wrong with a naturally born runt in a litter as long as it proves healthy like the rest of a healthy litter...and if the smallest puppy is still healthy in every aspect, it should go to a home that prefers a small Shih Tzu..But to purposely abuse ones power as a Breeder of these precious creatures and achieve teeny toys in their offspring to please the palette of customer with deep pockets is not the same as nature producing a healthy runt within a normal litter of puppies. I think God knew what he was doing, he gave us Shih Tzus at a healthy weight, small loving little friends that are so very loyal. Isn't that enough? Smaller is not better..the Vet's don't think so..they see the health problems in them most often. I'm told that the 4 lb and under pups have skills too small for their teeth and most have dental problems including retained baby teeth.
I personally like the 9-10 lb size, but I have smaller (8 lbs) and larger (12lbs) in my line..just the way they are supposed to be and how they grew naturally. I don't fault Buyers for their love for their smaller Shih Tzus, but ask that you not support the Breeders on their quest to go smaller and smaller against the nature. It has been proven in other areas that there is always a consequence to going against what nature intends, why would it be any different in Breeding animals for pleasure. I too think they are cute to look at...but then I get a sick feeling when I consider the life of the tiny shih tzu as overall Health of the teeny Shih Tzu comes to mind, when I see one so ridiculously small you can place it in a pocket. My opinion, is that the Breeder that produced such a cute abnomality is not ethical, for they would have put the health of the animal first, if they were.
There are two kinds of Runts. One is Delivered by Nature rather than a defective Pup (by Nature's cruelty)!
Breeder's call the smaller Shih Tzus they breed "Imperial". it's not a name given or even recognized by AKC, the best registry available.
www.AKCliverBrownShihTzu.com
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Robbin's Nutty Professor: aka Cashew:
Zoey's Sire: Akc Liver (Cream furl)
Sire: Moses XXIX: aka."Red" Akc Liver (red Fur)
~ A Breeders Life ~
A Breeder (with a capital B) is one who thirsts for knowledge and never really knows it all,
one who wrestles with decisions of conscience, convenience, and commitment.
One that shares this knowledge and guides those interested.
A Breeder is one who sacrifices personal interests, finances, time, friendships, fancy furniture
and time with family on holidays, because of a dog in labor.
The Breeder goes without sleep in hours spent planning a breeding or watching anxiously
over the birth process and afterwards, over every little wiggle or cry.
The Breeder skips dinner parties because the litter is due or the babies have to be fed at 8.
The Breeder disregards birth fluids and puts mouth to mouth to save a gasping newborn
literally blowing life into a tiny helpless creature that may be someone's dream.
A Breeder's lap is a marvelous place where dogs often sit and her face to receive endless kisses.
A Breeder's hands are strong and firm and often soiled, but ever so gentle and kind.
A Breeder's back and knees are usually arthritic from bending over and sitting in the whelping box,
but are strong enough to guide that newborn little pup to maturity.
A Breeder's shoulders are often heaped with responsibility,
but they're wide enough to support the weight of a thousand defeats and frustrations.
A Breeder's arms are always able to wield a mop, support an armful of puppies,
or lend a helping hand to a new comer.
A Breeder's ears are wondrous things, sometimes red (from being talked about),
or strangely shaped from being pressed against a phone receiver, often deaf to criticism,
yet always fine tuned to the whimper of an anxious puppy.
A Breeder's brain is foggy on faces, but can recall pedigrees faster than the fastest computer.
A Breeder's heart is often broken, but it beats strongly with hope everlasting...and it's always in the right place.
Oh, yes, there are breeders, and then, there are BREEDERS!!!
~ Author Unknown ~
To SEE AVAILABLE POSITIONS for Puppy in One of Our Planned Litters CLICK HERE and scroll down our Planned Breedings. We accept early deposits to "Reserve"your Puppy!
During the day, I usually leave our Kennel door open for the girls to roam the back part (most active ) part of our home. I open the doors for the males after placing a Belly Band with a pad inside, so to protect our furnishings..as studs tend to "mark their territory". A new male puppy will not mark if you get him nuetered before he lifts a leg. The Kennel the right is also a soltution to accidental breedings as the males and females may be alternately kenneled to keep them apart when the females are in heat. Also, this is a comfy place for my 7 dogs to go at night..they have their own doggie doors (male and female) so they can releive themselves when needed. The kennels came with covers, but I din't use them in the house and I don't expect to use them in this house. Should I ever have a home without a fence (we may move to the Glf Coast in 8 years) we will set these up outside for when the dogs go out their doggie doors..I would NEVER kennel Shihtzus outside, they are indoor pets 9whether thay breed or not)!
KENNEL SOLUTION
American Kennel Club (AKC) had the perfect Solution to my indoor kennel needs...this is a large and a small kennel that comes in pannels that I easily put together myself and can be configured however you want it! Purchased at Home Depot near the dog crates.
Sorry..sideways..tip your computer to view!Previous Home INSIDE Kennel
Each Kennel (boy and girl) goes out into a divided backyard through Doggie doors for when they need to potty or paly outside..Texas weather is usually hot, so we bring them out most of the day into our huge den to run and play with toys. Kenneling boys is a necessity unless using belly bands which we use and we let them romp in the den several times during the day. The separate doors to the kennels allows us to keep our girls from breeding on the heats we want to skip. Our animals actually enjoy lounging in their kennels and they come out to be with us humans most of the day in our den..but this is where they spend nights..access to our doggie doors into fenced yards helps prevent bladder infections (they don't have to hold it so long).
OUR DOG WEIGHTS as of 7/3/13
Cocoa (retiring and after last litter): 12.4 lbs
Ami (Cocoa and Ginger's Dam): Retired and Spayed a few years ago: 12.4 lbs.
Zoey (Cocoa's Daughter): 8.6lbs (Her Sire, Cashew was 9.6lbs.)
Ginger (Ami's daughter, Cocoa's sister, Zoey's Aunt): 11.4 lbs.
Alamo (Sire to our recent and current and Fall 2013 litter planned): 10.0 lbs
Rosey: (planned breeding Fall 2013): 10.6 lbs
Red (Our newest male..planned breedings Fall 2014); 8.6lbs.
Save this page to your bookmarks first then Click HEREfor EZ Whelp Box LINK
Akc Kennels are easily configured as they come in panels that go together for your space. Nighttime Kennel and when we skip a heat or separate our dogs for short periods
A way to keep Red from breeding this heat. When females are kenneled he comes out to play in our home, with a belly band on
Click Hereto See our Customer (mentored) by us while Supervising a tie between Red (Sire) and Ziva Dam bought from us and raised to Breeding age.
Shih Tzu Health Information Tips
for small Breeder and pet owner
Cocoa (left) in her "ThunderShirt"..ready for her trip to Panama!
Read about helping your pet overcomeStorm Phobia
DETERMINING PUPPY DELIVERY TIME
We use a Whelping Calendar (click for calendar)
and a temperature Chart..see link below
Ginger is due between Nov. 28, 2013-Dec. 5, 2013...typically we give the aprox. due date based on a whelping calendar 63rd day from the first tie between male and female. We do take the temperature of our female starting on day 57 to determine the time of delivery. We sit with our female and are ready to assist with delivery. We immediately get the film off the puppy face and suction for immediate oxygen (makes sense for smarter puppies that train easier). To eliminate risks of the female causing umbilical hernia by biting and pulling too hard on the umbilical cord, we cut the cord with our fingernail which closely resembles the more jagged cut of the females teeth, but without the pulling (less risk of hernia)....
NOTE..a word about umbilical hernias. They are common and not dangerous...but anytime we can reduce the risks we do it. Shih tzus are also known for delayed closures" in which case the fatty tissue drops through the small opening that is closing, but slowly. It feels round and you can push it gently up the hole. If the closure closes with the fatty tissue up, there is no need for the elected cosmetic surgery later. If there is pain when pushing the small bump..then it is not fatty tissue and is more rare to be intestine, which requires surgery.
Below is a whelping calendar to help Breeders to determine close time of delivery (withn 24hours). In 20 years, Debbie Jenson has seen it work 99%. Since we have been using the temperature plan it has worked for us.Click for WHELPING TEMPERATURE CHARTThe only time it didn't work for us, is when Zoey had her Day 56 "miracle" pups, that came early due to the first, a stillborn, needing to come out (sparing the other pups or Mama;s system being poisoned!) There are exceptions to the typical situations.
We just added a New male: Romeo (7 1/2m DOB 8-29-13) to our Breeding Program. Alamo will be rehomed at age 6 after his breeding to AngelKiss... If interested in him for your small Breeding program and or pet home, please notify us. We can accept a small deposit to hold him for you upon approval. Note, our previous stud, Cashew went to a Home for one breeding and retired in OK city after age 7. We want Alamo in a loving home..he is so submissive and sweet!!
When deciding on a Puppy or adult for our Breeding Program...We always like to look at the parents in person or by photo. If we like the way they look it helps our decision when we fall in love with a puppy for our breeding program! We won't buy a dog that has parents that don't look to be representative of Shih Tzu standard (for example, there should be 1 inch or less between eyes and nose...too much space does not come close to AKC standard) and looks like something else( LOL).
For Breeding purposes, Viewing their Pedigrees further helps, so we can see that we don't have too close of relationships between our Males and females. Line breeding for good traits is done commonly to "set" good traits in the bloodline. For Example, Line breeding is when you see a grandfather bred to granddaughter...the bloodline is repeated. It is ok to see this on pedigrees as long as the dogs chosen have strengths desired in common and no known weaknesses in common.
We and our Vet believe inbreeding is not acceptable, In the opinion of our Vets and many others, it is asking for problems by the introducing higher probability of weaknesses to be expressed in the Breed.
For example, Inbreeding is when a brother and sister are allowed to breed. It's important to keep those relationships from happening by successfully keeping those "too close" relatives from breeding. Results of those accidental breedings could mean weaknesses are pronounced instead of strengths (for example, a strength could be thick coats and a weakness could be pinched nostrils).
A Breeder may have several related females in common, but keeping males and females in common can be a problem. A good Breeder controls the breeding process with clear boundaries and supervised Breedings. Breeders that let their dogs mate randomly and unsupervised are referred to as "Backyard Breeders". If you see this kind of behavior..don't walk..run in the opposite direction! We don't sell to or buy from Backyard breeders or Puppymills!
Click HEREto learn more about Romeo
Everything Changed after we moved to a smaller home...1/3 the size of our previous home (was 4,000 sq ft and our dogs all inside on our tiled floor and now 1479 sq ft and they are in our 300 sq ft enclosed insulated patio attached to our home with 2 access doors.
10/2014 We are gradually downsizing over the next few years and eventually won't be breeding anymore, but in the meantime we invested over $10,000 to make our dogs comfortable in our enclosed cedar patio that has access through our bedroom and living room. Sometimes you have to invest great sums of money and time to make things right for your dogs! See photos of the room almost completed on this Facebook album. I spend much time in that room with my dogs and they come in and out a few at a time into our bedroom. Since we will be whelping puppies there and going through Summer and Winter seasonal changes I hired a few Contractors to help with my ability to "heat" or "cool" the room. I added a 14,000 BTU portable Heater/AC/Fan (3 modes) and dehumidifier. It works great, now that I had Sliding glass windows to replace the 4' screens that are on three sides of the room. The windows by Quality Affordable Windows are wonderful. When it is 120 degrees on the glass OUTSIDE, the windows are 70 degrees INSIDE! The glass is tempered. In addition, Michael Henderson, our Contractor, added (packed) insulation, more cedar over the cedar and framed the doors and added new patio doors without gaps underneath. Finally he is sealing the wood on the outside. His wife was a Breeder and he thoroughly understands my need for a safe and healthy room for my adult Shih Tzus and their pups. I might add, this is all an answer to prayer about what to do to create this kind of environment for our Breeding pets in our new home! Thank you, Lord. Below you will find a guide to warming your new puppies. We have decided in addition to the windows, insulation, new doors and sealant, that we are using both dog heating pads and heat lamps which we will monitor closely to get the right temperature for growing pups. Please read the article below if you are faced with a similar decision on How to arrive at the right temperature for your pups.
Puppy’s Age Room TemperatureNB to 7 days: 85º to 90ºFDay 8 to 14: 80º to 85ºFDay 15 to 21: 75º to 80ºFDay 22 to 28: 70º to 75ºF
For more info click below:
Safe & Warm- Let's Get Warm- Tips for Puppy Homes and Habitats
Ginger's Puppies due Oct. 11, 2014..see her 2014 Nursery, where photos will be added as they grow!
"Taking your dogs temperatureand recording it will tell you, within 24 hours, when labor will beginDid you also know that 12-24 hours before it drops it will rise higher then its been in weeks.This gives you more time to prepare for the birth of her puppies."
7/16/15 We are special buds today..Zoey goes every where I go in the home. Just took her temp (98.1) and based on it we are within about 24 hrs from delivery. We will see if the temp taking works this time. Hope so! I used the temperature taking about a week before due date: It has worked for me many times in the past: ClickHERE to see how it works to make your life easier and determine more closely when puppies will arrive!8/3/15 Rosie's Puppies are 3 1/2 weeks. I set up the extension walls and made a way for Mama to jump in and out. The Pups start the weaning process as they are licking soaked and blended puppy food off my finger..so I know they are ready for puppyhood several times a day. I found a way to add a Puppy water bottle to the exertion walls..a slat block holder from the Feed store works perfectly for the small dog water bottle! This is a sanitary way to offer daily water to your pups..they can't track bacteria from puppy pad to water bowl this way!
Sire: Our Romeo Dam: Honey, an AKC Liver (with fading gene) We bred him to our customer's Liver female..here are the adorable puppies that gives you an idea of what Romeo produces(though with our dark chocolate, Rocher,we expected darker chocolate!! See Romeo/Rocher Breeding planned in our Available pups page to reserve a puppy with early deposit
Speaking of Puppies! What is the correct room temperature for whelping Puppies? See below:
Photos Courtesy of Molly
SIRE: Richmond's ROMEO of Holland Shih Tzu
Dam; Molly's Honey
Males Females
Get the kind tof holder hat comes with the screws (about $4), add the small water bottle which easily slips in and out of the holder. I've reinforced with a long zip tie.
Nov/. 15: paste address into your address bar or click HERE to see the
Method we use to determine that Mocha is within 12-24 hrs of delivery of Pups, even though her due date is Nov. 19.:
https://www.debbiejensen.com/temp_chart.html
See Mocha's and Yogi's 2015 Nursery: Puppies were born Nov. 16, 2015
We diffuse Young Living OREGANO oil in our dog room daily all year long as a preventative for Kennel Cough. Oregano Oil rids fungus and micro-organisms in the air! One time we brought a pup home from another breeder and that pup had Kennel cough. Kennel cough is highly contagious..After some research, from then on we diffused with 5 drops in our young living diffuser..we have not seen Kennel cough since! Here is a link to information on it. We do not give NON core Vaccinations. Bordetella vaccine is non core. Your Vet may want to give with puppy next vaccination, that's up to you and him Click on KENNEL COUGH INFORMATION to learn more!