The diminutive Shih Tzu, a blend of the Chinese Lhasa Apso and Pekinese dog breeds, has a history rich with royalty, tragedy, and loyalty. Varied forms of the breed have existed for centuries, but the Shih Tzu dog we know today owes its existence to Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi of Tibet.

You and your family have talked it over and it is time to add a new member to your family. Everyone wants a Shih Tzu and now it is up to you to find the right way to get a good dog for you and your family.

If you're like most Shih Tzu owners, your dog is more of a family member than a pet, and you want to do everything you can to prolong your dog's life. Shih Tzu's live fifteen years or longer, and your Shih Tzu's care can add years to its life. Shih Tzu care means finding the best Shih Tzu diet.

All dogs, no matter the breed have instincts that come from their ancestors who ran wild. Dogs, by nature, are pack animals and within every single pack is a pack leader. It is important that your dog knows you as the pack leader or successful obedience training will never occur. Within the pack, those who are not the leader are submissive and follow the direction of the leader.

Housebreaking a Shih Tzu can be one of the most difficult things you will ever try to do and many people find it the most frustrating thing about owning a Shih Tzu. Shih Tzu dogs are very independent thinkers and prefer to do things their own way.

Making sure that you jump into action at the first sign of your dog displaying Shih Tzu problem behaviors is essential in maintaining your position of leader in the eyes of your dog. Allowing the behavior to continue can only cause more problems to arise and make for a hard time in retraining your Shih Tzu. Not only is it important to take action fast for reasons of retraining, but there are also safety issues at hand.