Living with a Shih Tzu (Hardcover)

by Josephine Johnson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Owners who enjoy the company of this lively, alert little animal must also be willing to spend many hours combing and grooming the Shih Tzu's long, thick coat. Titles in this growing series are written especially for owners who have just acquired a pedigreed pup, as well as for prospective owners trying to decide on which breed to choose. Each book gives an in-depth presentation of the special needs and traits of a specific dog breed. Which are best with kids? Which make good working farm dogs? Which are good hunters? Is the breed ideal for an owner who merely wants a companionable house pet? Living with a Pet books give readers a detailed understanding of the title breed's daily needs, special abilities, physical and personality traits, susceptibility to health problems, and the steps owners should take to ensure a happy relationship with dogs of all breeds. These hardcover and dust-jacketed volumes are filled with unusually attractive full-color photos and interesting sidebar features.

From the Back Cover
Mischievous, quick-witted, and beautiful, the Shih Tzu has it all! Living With A Shih Tzu is designed to tell you everything you should know about this glamorous breed.

You’ll find advice on a wide range of topics tailored specifically to the Shih Tzu, starting with puppy care and training, moving on to adolescent problems, and then looking at the best lifestyle for the adult Shih Tzu.

For those who want to keep their Shih Tzu in full coat, there is an illustrated step-by-step guide from experts, plus a special section dealing with dogs who dislike being groomed. Nutrition and the dangers of obesity are examined, for the Shih Tzu is no lap dog—he is an intelligent, lively animal who needs plenty to do. His active nature is demonstrated in a chapter called “Broadening Horizons,” which tells stories of Shih Tzus who have competed at the highest level in Obedience and Agility. The loving nature of this little dog from Tibet is brought out in heart-warming interviews with those who have trained Shih Tzus as therapy dogs, giving comfort to many people. The lives of still other men and women have been transformed by Shih Tzus trained as assistance dogs.

Finally, well-known veterinarian Trevor Turner writes on the health of the breed. He describes a comprehensive program of health care that will ensure your Shih Tzu of a long, happy, and healthy life.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 1 edition (May 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764154273
• ISBN-13: 978-0764154270
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #402,975 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This item is part of The Living with a Pet Series Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

111 of 111 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A really impressive general survey, February 8, 2004

By	Elizabeth Marks "Liz" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

I have read about a million books and magazines and articles on the shih tzu as a breed recently (as I just adopted a rescue puppy) and this one was by far the best-the only one worth even mentioning among those I read. It doesn't just cover the general (nebulus) history of the breed or how to show a dog, but really everything about the different stages of the dog's life and how different aspects of training apply to the breed (not just how to crate train, but how to crate train a shih tzu!) I learned some great puppy tips and some new things about shih tzus in particular. Tons of cute photos as well.

As I mentioned, I found in my reading that most books/ magazines emphasize how to figure out if your shih tzu is show-able and if then, to start getting it into shows and competitions. This book didn't emphasize that at all, but rather focused on responsible dog care, really knowing what you're getting into by getting a shih tzu puppy, and everything that could possibly come up as a question in the life of the dog. I learned a bunch of techniques and tips as well. The writing style was clear and friendly, the values were apparent, and the tips really work.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for Shih Tzu owners, November 20, 2006

By	L. Manlief "bellaluna" (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a trainer and breeder of Shih Tzu for over ten years I highly reccomend this book. It has great practical advise and is full of great pictures and stories. I give this to all my Shih Tzu puppy buyers. Enjoy your bundle of joy!!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Living with a Shih Tzu, your dog will love it, January 12, 2007

By	E. A. Vega Lopez (Puerto Rico) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book is a great manual for Shih Tzu owners. From day one it was helpful for us to understand how to handle our puppy. She is now 8 weeks old and is healthy, active, curious, mischievous and sometimes seems to have read the book before we did. The author perfectly describes the usual behavior of this breed and, best of all, she provides useful hints and instructions on how to deal with specific situations and problems such as feeding, discipline and playtime. We recommend the book with enthusiasm.