There are few things in life more exciting than adding a puppy to your family. A Shih Tzu can be a good choice of pet for many reasons, but it is important to know what you are getting into before you bring your Shih Tzu puppy home from the breeder. There are many Shih Tzu health problems that are unique to this breed, and by educating yourself to what those problems are you can find a breeder who offers a line of dogs without a family history of them. It also helps you to know what to look for in your Shih Tzu, so that you can address any potential health problems early on.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes and celebrates purebred dogs. Pure breeds are defined as "of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed heritage over many generations." Though pure-bred dogs are extremely popular and are the only dogs allowed to compete in AKC competition, a new type of dog is gaining recognition and breeder interest. Crossbreeds, or hybrids are on the rise. These are mixtures of two or more pure breeds, resulting in such combinations as the Shi-Poo (Shih Tzu/Poodle), Cock-A-Chon (Bichon Frise/ Cocker Spaniel) and Beabull (Beagle/Bull Dog).

The Bichon Shih Tzu mix is one of the most popular mixed breeds available today. Its small size makes it ideal for city dwellers, and its tendency not to shed means it is the perfect pet for allergy and asthma sufferers.  Your Bichon Shih Tzu mix wants to go everywhere with you. His small size makes him easy to carry in a messenger bag or handbag, and his coat does not shed, so you will save a lot of wear and tear on your furniture and upholstery from not having to constantly remove dog hair. And allergy sufferers in your family will thank you for getting a mixed breed instead of a purebred Shih Tzu.

There is great significance in Shih Tzu in Chinese and Tibetan legends. Anthropology researchers suggest several theories while investigating the exact root of Shih Tzu. The Manchu dynasty is believed to be the root of the Shih Tzu breed of modern types as suggested by one theory, while the other employs its emphasis on the Imperial Court of China via the silk trade route.

The origin of Shih Tzu emerges to be interwoven in the mystery of the prodigies of China and Tibet. There are several theories propounded by different anthropologists. One theory suggests that the Manchu dynasty was the origination of the modern Shih Tzu. As hypothesized by different scholars, Tibetan sleeve dogs are the ancestors of Imperial Shih Tzu. American Kennel Club (AKC) propounds the standard breed of Shih Tzu, while most common breeders use the terms 'Imperial size' or 'Teacup size'.

So you and your family have decided that you are ready to bring a Shih Tzu into your home and lives. You have a nice home and plenty of love to give and that is all you need to know when picking a dog, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case, as many different types of dogs have different types of personality. If you select the wrong dog, you may have a situation you did not expect to happen. It is best to know what to expect before selecting a puppy.