Life With The Shih Tzu Part III

In part II of this series of articles we started discussion about the Shih Tzu topknot. Follow the steps below to create a Shih Tzu topknot:

1. Take the hair for the topknot from above the nose and eye. Be careful to not draw up any beyond the outer corner of each eye or back of the ears. If the Shih Tzus head is small, take up less and make a narrow topknot. When you place a band be careful to not place it too tight. The skin can become sore and the Shih Tzu will most likely attempt to scratch it all out.

2. If the Shih Tzu is very heavily coated you may need to use more than one band to hold up the topknot.

After grooming your Shih Tzu sit back and enjoy the sight. The Shih Tzu is stunningly beautiful and gorgeous and wonderful right after a groom. Take your pictures quickly.

If you are careful about how you introduce grooming as well as how pleasant you make subsequent grooms your Shih Tzu will come to enjoy the attention.

And what about stain..well I do believe I have a method here that will help you tremendously in removing the yellowish stains from your Shih Tzus face. Follow the steps below and see if they work for you and your particular Shih Tzu:

1. Mix two cups corn starch with one cup boric acid.

2. Store the mixture in a container.

3. Use this mixture on the facial hair twice a day after washing and drying it.

4. Tie the facial hair into ponytail like sections with groomer bands.

5. Use a small cosmetic brush to brush on the mixture.

6. Bath your Shih Tzu every three days. Fifteen minutes before bathing, wet the face and put two tablespoons of #1 All Systems White Lightening on the facial hair. Work it in thoroughly. Do not get it into the eyes.

7. Allow the #1 All Systems White Lightening to remain on the facial hair for 15 minutes. Rinse very thoroughly.

8. Start bathing the Shih Tzu. Before shampooing the Shih Tzus body, shampoo the face with Biogroom or Ring 5 Whitening Shampoo. These two brands are tearless. The better choice is the #1 All Systems Professional Whitening Shampoo, but this shampoo is not tearless. If you think you might get the shampoo into your Shih Tzus eyes, use the tearless brands.

9. After one month or more the face should become very white.

Enjoy, enjoy, and enjoy, that wonderful white face on your Shih Tzu!

Bathing

Show dog Shih Tzu are bathed more frequently than one might think. Not only are most of them bathed weekly, whether they need it or not, show dogs are bathed before every show. So much washing surely takes out most of the natural oils from a Shih Tzus coat. They require much more use of conditioning products as well. The pet Shih Tzu needs to bath weekly if this is tolerable for his particular coat texture, but more preferably, bi-weekly would be a better schedule. Too much bathing will definitely dry out the skin. And of course you will want to bath your Shih Tzu in times of emergency like getting out in the rain and mud or snow, etc.

And so this concludes the series of Life with the Shih Tzu, which does require faithful brushing and grooming. Of course, life with the Shih Tzu has many more advantages and positive experiences. I just wanted to emphasize in this series of articles that grooming is of utmost importance in Life with the Shih Tzu.

Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies in a variety of colors, but especially solid black, reds, and blues. We have the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups. Visit us online at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our newsletters.

A Little Bit About The Pug

The Pug is known as the Carlin in France, Mopshond in the Netherlands, Mops in Germany and Chinese Pug or sometimes the Dutch Pug in Great Britain. So how did he come about with a name of the Pug? The name Pug may have come about from the shape of the dogs head or the name refers to the dogs resemblance to a marmoset or monkey.

The Pug was developed as a pet and entertainer. His clownish face and happy demeanor wins friends just about everywhere he goes. The little Pug is an ancient Oriental breed and was probably first developed in Tibetan monasteries prior to the first century A.D. He resembles the Pekingese and other Oriental breeds. The Pug was seen in Japan in early years as well. Some claim the Pug originated from Mastiff stock. This is not a proven fact and is doubted by many because several other toy breeds with large heads and curled tails came from the Orient. It is more probable that the Pug was carried from China by Hollands trading ships and on into the Netherlands where he became the Clown Prince of many European courts in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

The Pug is said to be a wonderful companion. He fits in nicely with young families if the small kids are well informed about handling small dogs. The Pug makes a good companion to the elderly and is sufficiently active enough for young adult as well.

Pugs love to run and play. A backyard is usually enough space for their exercise. They enjoy leashed walks and make good hiking partners in cool weather or shady environments.

The Pug is affectionate, ready to please and sensitive. The Pug can provide hours of entertainment for its owner with many comical antics. He is sensitive to the moods of its owner. They are trustworthy, loyal and socialize easily with other pets. The Pug can exhibit a jealous streak if not given enough attention and may even pout. He is extremely trainable.

The Pugs coat is short, lies flat, and requires regular brushing and combing to control shedding, which can be a lot. A rubber slicker brush is effective in removing loose hair and a grooming glove is often used.

The Pugs coat is fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy. It is neither harsh nor woolly. The colors are usually fawn or black. They have a black mask, ears and facial wrinkles. The nails should be black.

The Pug is easy to maintain. It only needs regular brushing. The overnose wrinkle and ears should be checked daily and kept clean. If a sore develops, a vet should be consulted. Special attention should be given to the Pugs eyes. The eyes should be kept clear and a vet consulted if not clear. The older Pugs eyes are particularly vulnerable and occasionally require eye drops.

You will need a brush or a grooming glove, a selection of combs is useful. Brush the coat daily. Bathe in a suitable natural-ingredient shampoo and rinse well.

Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy breed dogs. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog toys and supplies and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures, a 12 picture video, and advertising in our newsletters for one year at the rate of $25 per year.