Customer Reviews

Guide to Owning a Shih Tzu (Re Dog)

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Apart from the history which was interesting, the contents covered the other topics in a very cursory fashion. The book was long on emotion as to "how marvellous your wonderful new puppy is" but gave little practical information on what a new owner wants to know as far as puppy care is concerned(first night at home, house training etc) which were glossed over in a couple of sentences. Far more space (and lavish photos) taken on showing the dog and flossying it up - a lot of owners just want an everyday pet, not a prima donna.

This book is great if you're looking to figure out whether your shih tzu is showable and can participate in competitions. Other than that, there are far more helpful books out there in terms of puppy care, how to work with and train a shih tzu, etc. I didn't learn anything from this book since I don't intend to show my dog. There isn't anything else in this book that is unique or particularly well done. If you do want to show your furry friend... this might be for you

"The Guide to Owning a Shih Tzu" is a good book for initial information regarding the Shih Tzu. It gives brief information on the Shih Tzu's history, standard, grooming, feeding, training and health. The pictures are charming... as are most Shih Tzu. This is a good place to start if you are looking for a book to introduce you to this breed.

When we got our Shih Tzu we wanted more information on the breed so bought the book. Had some useful information but was not great. Most information did not apply to our Max. Maybe it was because he was 4 months old when we got him. House breaking tips were not helpful at all with him. Have had 6 dogs before so I went in with lots of information. Finally disregarded all I knew before hand and bribed him with treats.

I never received this one but, had to provide a rating because I couldn't leave this page otherwise.

At first glance this book seems reasonable -- an introduction to the Shih Tzu breed, including History, Standard, Care, Training and Showing. Unfortunately, this book delivers instead a lot of language that is confusing and unclear to the stated age group (4-8 years) ("Cheiloschisis (cleft lip and harelips) is possibly linked to nutritional deficiencies in the dam, or stresses or drug/chemical exposure." p. 50), and information that is downright shocking and not quite what you want to be explaining to a five-year-old at bedtime ("As late as 1937 there was a common belief that, although the Chinese were at least willing to sell their Shih Tzu, they did not want them to leave the country and would put powdered glass in their food before they left." p.5) If I had to recommend this book for an age group, I would suggest 9-12, but frankly the book is so poorly written that I suggest you look around for books with several good reviews and read or acquire them for your youngster instead of this one.