Our puppies are sold as companion or pet quality
Our puppies are sold with full breeding rights with AKC, but we do not state they are show quality although they have a Champion pedigree bloodlines.
Breeding for Rare Colors
AKC recognizes two pigment colors that come from recessive genes: Blue and Liver. If a Shih Tzu exhibit both Blue and Liver the pigment is a slight puprple color which is often referred to as Lavender. AKC does not yet offer this as a color for a Shih Tzu and is often registered as Liver. Breeders often refer to Liver as Chocolate. Tan markings (similar to a Doberman) are also a recessive gene and is referred to as "Dobie" markings. BOTH PARENTS MUST CARRY THE RECESSIVE COLOR GENE for a puppy to exhibit that color or marking. It is NOT the color of the hair that determines the color of the puppy but rather the color of the eyes, paw pads, nose and lips. IF these points are Liver and not Black then the puppy is a Liver color; If these points are Blue and not Black then the puppy is a Blue color. IF these points are Black, then it does NOT matter what color the hair is the puppy would be considered Black in color.
It is important to note that puppies CAN CHANGE color as they mature. We can give our best guess as to the color they will be as an adult.
Life Span
A Shih Tzu can live from 10 - 18 years of age. Ideal weight is 9-15 lbs. We use an estimate chart as a puppy as to what their adult weight will be. A LOT of factors go into the final adult weight of a Shih Tzu.
Barking Level / Personality / Energy Level
Barks when necessary. Outgoing, affectionate, playful and charming. Their energy level is somewhat active, daily walks will satisfy them. They are good with children and other dogs and gets along with weekly grooming. The respond well to training.
Open Fontanels, Umbilical Hernias and Delayed Closures
A Shih Tzu puppy may have an Open Fontanel (soft spot at the top of the skull). A small Open Fontanel almost always closes before the puppy is 6 months old.
A Shih Tzu puppy may have a Delayed Closures of the umbilical opening. This is a very common condition for the breed, and is not genetic in nature. The condition nearly always corrects itself by the time the puppy is 6 months old.
A Shih Tzu puppy may have an Umbilical Hernia. This genetic condition is fairly rare except for puppies that come from breeding lines known to have the condition.
Most veterinarians do not distinguish between the non-genetic Delayed Closure
and the genetic Umbilical Hernia.
The sniffing and snorting...
It is common for a Shih Tzu to snort, sniffle and/or snore. Tight nostrils are common and normally open and corret as your puppy matures. A clear discharge especially during teething will often occur. CONSULT with your vet if you are concerned.
Just found this article that explains it really well:
Stenotic Nares: Shih Tzu puppies often suffer from pinched nostrils when they are teething. This can take place from about 6 weeks until around 6 months. It is a term used when the nostrils are pinched. This term is used VERY frequently by vets and clients are encouraged by vets to do surgery immediately to open the nasal passage. A sure sign of an inexperienced vet with the bred who examines a brachiocephic breed and observes pinched nostrils during the teething stage and states the puppy needs surgery. Sends a person into a panic. SHIH TZU's are bred to have FLAT faces and therefore the flatter the face the more likely your new puppy will suffer from pinched nostrils when he or she is teething. Just like human babies swelling takes places as the puppy teethes. Swelling of the bronchial tubes, gums, ear canals and nostrils as well as a low grade fever are all common. Snorting and stuffy sounds accompanied by tearful eyes and a clear runny nose with the occasional bubble are COMMON PLACE when a Shih Tzu puppy is teething. Give them time! Their nostrils should open back up by the time their adult teeth come in.