Shih Tzu

Jo Ann White acquired her first Shih Tzu in 1967, before the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. Thus began her ongoing love affair with this delightful breed. Her first champion, who did not want to stop going to dog shows when she retired from the conformation ring, became the first Shih Tzu bitch in the United States to earn both a show championship and an obedience title. Jo Ann has bred and/or owned about twenty champions and several obedience titlists under her Heavenly Dynasty kennel name. She is the former president of the American Shih Tzu Club, which awarded her a lifetime membership for extraordinary service to the breed in 2004, and is vice president of the Shih Tzu Fanciers of Central Florida. Jo Ann is the author of several other books, including The Official Book of the Shih Tzu, and numerous magazine articles about dogs. She has been the Shih Tzu breed columnist for the AKC Gazette since 1988. A freelance reference book writer and editor with particular interest in the Third World, she now lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida with two retired and very spoiled Shih Tzu. Many of the photographs in this book were taken by her late husband, Richard Lawall.

• Part I: The World of the Shih Tzu.Chapter 1: What Is a Shih Tzu?The Shih Tzu Head.A Small but Solid Dog.The Shih Tzu's Coat.A Rainbow of Colors.What the Standard Means for You.Chapter 2: The Shih Tzu's Ancestors.Little Lion Dogs.Out of the Far East.The Shih Tzu in America.Top Dogs.Shih Tzu in Other Countries.Chapter 3: What Do You Get With a Shih Tzu?Hairy Fellows.Temperament Differences.Self-Sufficient and Playful.Set Limits.Training Tactics.That Shih Tzu Charm.Chapter 4: Choosing Your Shih Tzu.Beginning Your Search.Finding a Responsible Breeder.The Adult Dog.What Your Veterinarian Should Know About Your Shih Tzu.Part II: Caring for Your Shih Tzu.Chapter 5: Bringing Your Shih Tzu Home.Preparing for Your Puppy.Food and Water Bowls.Leash and Collar.Puppy-Proofing Your Home.Puppy Essentials.Your Puppy's Crate and Bed.Limit Your Pup's Freedom.Keeping to a Schedule.Socializing Your New Shih Tzu.Chapter 6: Feeding Your Shih Tzu.Understanding Dog Food Ingredients.Reading Dog Food Labels.When and How Much to Feed.Obesity.Supplements and Table Scraps.Special Diets.All-Important Water.Chapter 7: Grooming Your Shih Tzu.Basic Grooming Supplies.Basic Grooming Manners.Brushing Techniques.Topknots.Grooming and Health Care.Bathing Your Dog.Drying and Combing Out Your Dog.Cutting Your Dog Down.Choosing a Groomer.Fleas and Ticks.Making Your Environment Flea Free.Other Itchies.Chapter 8: Keeping Your Shih Tzu Healthy.Finding the Right Veterinarian.Routine Health Care.Common Health Problems.When to Call the Veterinarian.Internal Parasites.Inherited Disorders.Poisoning.How to Make a Canine First-Aid Kit.Emergency First Aid.Why It's Best Not to Breed Your Dog.Caring for Your Older Shih Tzu.Part III: Enjoying Your Shih Tzu.Chapter 9: Training Your Shih Tzu.Understanding Builds the Bond.Practical Commands for Family Pets.Training for Attention.Teaching Cooperation.Chapter 10: Housetraining Your Shih Tzu.Your Housetraining Shopping List.The First Day.Confine Your Pup.Watch Your Pup.Accidents Happen.Scheduling Basics.Appendix: Learning More About Your Shih Tzu.Index.