Shih Tzu Puppy. via Wikipedia

The Shih Tzu is a small and lively dog that makes and excellent watch dog. They are beautiful little dogs that generally get along well with other dogs and other pets. They love older children but should be socialized with them. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Shih Tzu is 8 to 11 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 8 to 15 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Shih Tzu is no exception. Be on the look out for genetic kidney disease, slipped stifles and teeth problems. Their large eyes can also be injured or irritated. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Shih Tzu has a double coat. The inner coat is soft and wooly. The outer coat is long and flowing with some having a slight wave. She should be brushed daily. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Shih Tzu can live between 10 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Shih Tzu come from Tibet where they were used as a family pet. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1969.

Some Registries:
*American Shih Tzu Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 2 to 4 Shih Tzu puppies

Category: Toy

Terms To Describe: Loyal, alert, lively, sturdy, arrogant, friendly, outgoing, happy, affectionate

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Makes a good watch dog.
Good dog for allergy sufferer.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
They can snore.
Can gain weight fast.
Can be stubborn.
Makes a poor guard dog.
May be difficult to housebreak.

*Other Names Known By: Lion Dog, Chrysanthemum Dog,

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Mitch Endick

Technorati Tags: American Kennel Club, Australian National Kennel Council, Kennel club, New Zealand Kennel Club, Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu Puppy, United Kennel Club

Norfolk Terrier Puppy via Wikipedia

The Norfolk Terrier is a loving, hardy and active little dog that makes a great pet. They can easily be kept in an apartment as long as she is afforded frequent long walks. A properly fenced in back yard with provisions for a digging dog would be the ideal exercise situation. She was bred to be a hunter and ratter so she should be socialized with small pets very early on. She is generally very good with older, considerate children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog. She makes a great watch dog but can tend to be a barker if left outdoors with nothing to do for long periods of time.,

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Norfolk Terrier is 10 to 10.25 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 11 to 12 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Norfolk Terrier is no exception. Although considered a very hardy breed, be on the look out for dry skin if kept indoors, genetic eye disorders, back problems and heart murmurs. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

Norfolk Terrier, Image via Wikipedia

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Norfolk Terrier has a silky, feathered medium length coat that sheds lightly. She should be bathed once a month or so. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Norfolk Terrier can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Norfolk Terrier come from Great Britain where they hunted vermin. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1936.

Some Registries:
*Norwich & Norfolk Terrier Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: Around 3 Norfolk Terrier puppies

Category: Terrier

Terms To Describe: Friendly, fearless, loyal, active, affectionate, intelligent

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
A very personable dog with personality.
They like horses.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
She is a digger.
She will leave on an adventure.
She can be a barker.
Should be under control when walked.

*Other Names Known By: Cantab Terrier, Jones Terrier, Trumpington Terrier

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Mitch Endick

Technorati Tags: American Kennel Club, dog, Kennel club, New Zealand Kennel Club, Norfolk Terrier, Norfolk Terrier Puppy, Norwich Terrier, Terrier Group

The modern canine diet is improving along with the available supplements needed to fill in the nutrient gaps where needed.

As the humanization of the family dog progresses, the progression of the canine diet including nutritional supplements has vastly improved. Dog health is the biggest beneficiary from these progressions; increased quality of dog food, health care, and lifestyle are increasing a dog’s lifespan.

The senior stage of a dog’s life has become more complicated, no longer is there a rapid decrease in activity followed by death, many veterinarians and dog owners now face decisions on quality of life and life extending medical treatments.

The modern veterinarian hospital is capable of many of the same types of life saving operations available to humans. The obligations of veterinarians and doctors are drastically different. The humanization of pets may affect the dog’s health care experience on the surface, however veterinarians are not compelled legally or ethically to treat your beloved dog other than an animal. For this reason owners need to become strong advocates for their dog’s health care. Being an effective advocate involves much more than having the sentiment that your hound is one of the family. You need to become versed in the areas of dog health that usually face all owners and their veterinarians at some point.

When medical care decisions are being discussed with your veterinarian issues of costs, amount of care for recovery or cases of being disabled and a veterinarian’s own bias towards the value of a dog’s life can overwhelm your desired care.

Becoming a strong advocate for your dog will ensure the level of medical treatment you always intended for them will be crystal clear when the time comes. The tools you utilize to establish yourself as your dog’s health care decision maker will also provide you with important information resources on chronic disease preventative. In general the health and well being of your beloved hound will be what you always intended it to be.

Use the following steps to prioritize your efforts in establishing the skills needed to be a strong advocate for your dog’s health and well being:

1. Record notes on your dog’s demeanor and general physical appearance every 6 months (remember that’s a long time in a dog’s life expectancy). Keep copies of all medical records.

2. Record their diet

3. Use a simple ear thermometer to record their temperature when their feeling especially good and when their feeling especially poor.

4. Utilize the web and bookmark forums devoted to information on dog health. Use these forums to educate yourself on the most common areas of canine biology, disease, nutrition, etc.

5. As you develop knowledge in certain areas of dog health incorporate you diagnoses of your dog’s current state of health into your notes in step 1.

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