Is the Shih Tzu the Right Dog For You? Seven Factors to Consider!

This is a question you need to ask yourself before you buy a Shih Tzu, as you will be spending a lot of time in each other's company. Making the wrong choice can lead to years of unhappiness so make sure you get this right.

A few things to consider include the following.

1. Companionship

Shih Tzu were bred for no other reason than companionship. Most have very social personalities and there are few things a Tzu would enjoy more than to sit on your lap while you watch the television.

However, if you and your family work and must leave the Dog at home the whole day, a Shih Tzu may not be the Dog for you. They require more attention than most other Dogs and your presence is an important part of their well being.

2. Grooming

This breed has a double coat and long hair. The hair requires frequent brushing to avoid matting. The nails also require frequent clipping as a Shih Tzu does not spend a lot of time outside.  This result in nails that are not filed away naturally by gravel and similar surfaces. 

3. Other animals

Most Shih Tzu get along well with other animals. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said off some other Dog breeds. If you own an aggressive dog like a Pit-bull, it is best to think twice before you bring a Tzu home, especially if the other dog is an alpha male. Big dogs like Great Danes may also unknowingly hurt a small dog while playing. 

Most dogs don't like cats and you must be particularly careful with a Shih Tzu, as the cat's long nails can easily do some serious damage to their protruding eyes.

4. Exercise

If you are looking for a buddy to join you on your five mile run in the morning, please do not consider this breed as an option. Shih Tzu have flat, short noses with the result that they have difficulty breathing properly. A short walk around the block is all they require - nothing more.

5. Space and Indoor living

If you stay in an apartment with limited space this breed is a good option. A Shih Tzu is your typical indoor dog and nothing will make him happier than to hear your voice the whole day and to spend some time with you on the couch.

They do not tolerate heat very well and that is another reason why they should stay inside. This is especially true if you stay in a warm area.

6. Children

Shih Tzu are very popular with children. Their adorable expressions make them one of the most popular family pets. They are small and fragile so think about getting one if you have very young children who may not differentiate between a living animal and a stuffed toy!

7. Snuffle and snoreThe up turned nose and small mouth, close together on a short face, cause some Shih Tzu to have problems drinking and they should only be given water in shallow small bowls or through a drinking bottle similar to those used by hamsters and guinea pigs. Their squashed nasal passages make them more likely to snuffle and snore. 

If you decide that the Shih Tzu is the dog for you, the next step is to make sure you know how to buy Shih Tzu puppies of quality. You can discover how and get a lot of other information free of charge by visiting http://www.shihtzuparadise.com

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Husky Dog

A husky Dog is the natural choice for families looking for a huge Dog which is mild in terms of temper, but yet, lively and sociable. Various breeds of husky Dogs would include the popular Siberian and Alaskan husky. When choosing your husky dog, it is important to consider a couple of factors pertaining to your dog such as its general health at the time of adoption. We provide you with some knowledge on the things you need to consider when choosing your husky dog.

Most people would obtain their first husky dog from a breeder. Poor standards enforced by breeders can often lead to poor general health and even deformities in the husky dog. As such, when choosing your husky dog, it is important for you to choose from a list of qualified breeders. Your local vet would in this case be your best bet as he would be able to recommend to you an entire list of qualified, reputable breeders located within your vicinity of residence. Check with your vet the practices and standards of the breeder with your local vet before making your adoption.

Thereafter, it is important for you to examine the general health and physical well-being of your husky when choosing one. As working dogs, huskies are generally active dogs who welcome people with great enthusiasm. If the husky dog you are looking at is lifeless and bored, then something must be wrong. It could possibly be suffering from one of the many dog-related illnesses. Also, examine the huskies coat thoroughly. This should be healthy with no spots or allergies. The husky's coat should also be thick and thoroughly covered with fur. Color varies from breed to breed, with some breeds taking on a completely black appearance while others taking on a completely white appearance. In any case, a healthy coat of fur is necessary when choosing your husky dog.

Temperament testing is also another important point to look into when choosing your husky dog. Most reputable breeders place ratings on their husky dog's temperament. If this is absent, request your breeder to perform such a rating before purchasing your husky dog. While most husky dogs are largely friendly, mild tempered and sociable in nature, exceptions do exist, as in the case of all dogs. This is important especially if you have small children or other dogs at home. A bad tempered husky dog will result in much mess and misery around your home.

The above are some of the important things to look out for when choosing your husky dog. In all cases, it is definitely of utmost importance to assess your own ability to commit time to raising your Siberian husky before making that decision to purchase one. Raising a husky dog requires much commitment and individuals unsure of their commitment levels should never purchase a husky dog at the spur of the moment. Otherwise, if you are able to commit time and energy to raising your husky dog, observing the above mentioned guidelines will leave you with years of satisfaction with your husky dog.

Clarence Clark is an avid Husky dog lover providing valuable advice for fellow Husky enthusiasts. He shares Husky info and training tips with Husky lovers worldwide. Click Here to gain FREE access to this Husky networking website.

5 Things to Consider on How to Choose a Dog

There are roughly 28 different breeds of Dogs around. This make it difficult to choose what type of Dog is right for you because some breeds can be entirely unsuitable for you. Anyway, here are 5 basic guidelines you need to consider before deciding on whether to get a Dog or not.

1) Your Commitment - You have to think long term before deciding to get a Dog. This is important since dogs can live 10 to 20 years. Ask yourself, are you willing to devote your life in taking care of your dog for that amount of time?

2) Your Lifestyle - You have to consider whether your lifestyle can be change to accommodate your dog. Don't try to do it the other way round, like trying to change the dog's temperament to fit you. Instead, it is you that have to change to accommodate your dog.

3) Your Personality Trait - Consider this seriously when choosing your dog, whether you want a hyper type of a dog, a couch potato,a social one or a personal friend. Whatever it is,the most important is to choose a dog that matches your personality. This will bring out the best in both of you and can transform your dog to "man's best friend" and having a great life together,

4) Sizes - A great dane or a cute little pekinese, you have to consider this properly because it will determine whether there will be enough space for the dog to move around in your house.

5) Education - There is much more to learn on whether your dog needs house training, grooming, collar, etc. This can be done by visiting the veterinary clinics and reading some books on the subject.

I hope the basic guidelines provided can assist you in choosing your dog.

To learn more on how to choose the right dog for you, please visit http://styb2002howto.blogspot.com/.