How Much Does a Shih Tzu Cost and How to Tell if It's Purebred?

The price of a Shih Tzu generally ranges from about $180 to $1200 USD. However, the price isn't entirely fixed and can fluctuate based on several factors. These include the dog's appearance and pedigree, as well as the purchasing channel and geographical location.

Currently, the market mainly categorizes Shih Tzus into three grades: pet quality, breeding quality, and show quality. Pet quality Shih Tzus are the typical companions kept as pets, and their price usually ranges from about $180 to $450 USD. Breeding quality dogs are generally selected by kennels for breeding purposes; these dogs have a pure lineage but might have minor flaws that prevent them from being show-quality. These dogs typically cost between $450 and $750 USD. Finally, show-quality Shih Tzus are those that can win awards in competitions, and their prices generally range from $750 to $1200 USD.

How to Determine if a Shih Tzu is Purebred

Distinguishing a purebred Shih Tzu involves several key observations:

1. Height and Weight

Shih Tzus are a small dog breed, and purebred specimens adhere to strict height and weight standards. An adult Shih Tzu typically stands around 10.6 inches (27 cm) tall and weighs no more than 15.4 pounds (7 kg). Deviations from these standards, such as being too tall or short, overweight, or underweight, are considered non-standard. Furthermore, a purebred Shih Tzu should possess a well-proportioned and balanced body.

2. Overall Appearance

A purebred Shih Tzu's most distinguishing characteristic is its balanced physique. Typically, the neck flows smoothly into the shoulders, and the neck is relatively short. The body is sturdy and tends to be rectangular, with the body length slightly longer than the height at the shoulders.

Additional Factors for Identifying Purebred Shih Tzus:

Beyond height, weight and overall build, there are a few additional characteristics to consider:

  • Head: A purebred Shih Tzu's head should be broad and round, with a good width between the eyes. The muzzle should be square and short, with a well-defined stop (the indentation between the forehead and the muzzle).
  • Eyes: The eyes should be large, round, and dark, typically brown or black. They should not be protruding or set too close together.
  • Ears: The ears should be large, with heavy feathering (long hair), and set relatively low on the head.
  • Tail: The tail should be high-set and carried over the back, with plenty of feathering.
  • Coat: A Shih Tzu's coat should be long, dense, and flowing. It can be any color or combination of colors. The hair on the face usually falls over the eyes and is often tied up to help the dog see.
  • Temperament: Purebred Shih Tzus are typically friendly, affectionate, and outgoing. They should not be overly shy or aggressive.

Keep in mind that a dog’s traits are not the only factor in confirming purebred status; checking the lineage of the dog (such as with papers from a reputable kennel or a professional breed association) is an important part of ensuring that a dog is purebred.Exclusive offer:Pet Breeds

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Can Corgis Eat Fruit? A Guide to Safe and Healthy Options

Image
Corgis can indeed eat fruit, but it's crucial to understand that not all fruits are suitable for them. Therefore, when feeding your Corgi fruit, you must choose wisely. Offering your Corgi moderate amounts of fruit can provide beneficial nutrients such as Vitamin C. Furthermore, fruit can be a great addition if your Corgi is experiencing constipation or a poor appetite. The fiber and water content in fruit promotes healthy digestion, while the refreshing and sweet taste enhances palatability for your Corgi. It's important to remember that moderation is key when feeding fruit to your Corgi. What Fruits Can Corgis Safely Eat? 1. Bananas Bananas are a great source of quick energy for dogs, just like humans. They are packed with dietary fiber and contain oligosaccharides, which help increase beneficial bacteria in the gut, aiding in digestion. Bananas are especially recommended for Corgis prone to constipation or sensitive stomachs. Feeding bananas in moderation to a Corgi can be a...
Read more

Shiba Inu's Forbidden Food List: What Not to Feed Your Shiba

Image
It's crucial to know what foods are harmful to your Shiba Inu to ensure their health and well-being. This article details a list of foods that should be strictly avoided. Chocolate Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and in severe cases, death. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for your Shiba Inu. Onions and Garlic Onions, shallots, leeks, and garlic contain thiosulphate, which can damage a dog's red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Even a small amount can cause severe hematuria (blood in the urine). Avoid feeding your Shiba Inu any foods containing onion or garlic, such as burgers, curries, or soups. Bones While it might seem natural to give a dog a bone, it's not recommended. Large bones can splinter and cause injury to the esophagus and stomach, potentially leading to gastrointestinal bleeding. Some bones, after being thoroughly cooked in...
Read more

How to Tell if a Shiba Inu is Purebred and When They Start Bonding

Image
Determining if a Shiba Inu is purebred involves observing specific characteristics of their head, tail, color, and eyes. Head Characteristics A purebred Shiba Inu has a well-rounded forehead, broad and flat. Their ears are triangular, small, and thick. Tail Characteristics A purebred Shiba Inu's tail is thick and sturdy, curving towards the neck to form a beautiful arch, aligning almost parallel with the neck and back. The tail is also set high on their body. Color Characteristics The standard colors for a purebred Shiba Inu are red, black, and sesame. If your Shiba Inu is not one of these colors, it may not be purebred. White tail tips, parti-coloring, long hair, and white Shibas are disqualifying characteristics. Eye Characteristics Purebred Shiba Inu eyes are almond-shaped, with a slightly triangular, flat appearance. They often have a deep, mischievous look. When do Shiba Inus Start Bonding with Their Owners? Shiba Inus typically start bonding with their owners around three mon...
Read more