Breeding Shih Tzus
The Shih Tzu is a hardy breed hailing from the high mountains of Tibet. Originally bred as holy dogs to the Tibetan monks, the Shih Tzu is most known as a family companion. Shih Tzus are small dogs, ranging in size from 8 to 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 10 to 15 lbs. The Shih Tzu is a calm, happy breed with an independent streak that can cause training issues if not properly handled. Breeding Shih Tzus helps to guarantee that this gentle breed will continue to be a popular family companion.
Instructions
1. Take your female Shih Tzu to the vet before breeding. Shih Tzus are prone to liver shunts, renal dysplasia and respiratory issues, so you want to make sure your girl is free of any genetic conditions before breeding her.
2. Choose an appropriate male to pair your female with. You want a male who is in the same size range as your female to avoid problems with large puppies. Check the male out to make sure he is healthy and free of any genetic diseases.
3. Determine how long your Shih Tzu is in heat. Shih Tzus are normally in season for approximately twenty-one days, and are most receptive around day twelve. Some dogs will breed out of this time frame, but you will have best results during her fertile time.
4. Allow your male and female to stay together during her fertile period. They will take time to sniff and lick each other, and if she is ready she will allow him to mount her. Watch them to make sure they do not injure each other while breeding.
5. Schedule your Shih Tzu for a vet check after she has been bred. The vet will perform an ultrasound to determine how many puppies she is having and will set her up on a special diet to give her the most balanced nutrition possible. Always make sure your female travels securely in her kennel to avoid injury.
6. Monitor your girl closely during pregnancy. Shih Tzus gestate for approximately 63 days, so keep a close eye on her as the due date approaches.
7. Prepare your whelping area a week before your Shih Tzu is due. Set aside a quiet, private area for your girl to give birth in. Place a number of old towels or blankets in your whelping box, along with a heating pad. Shih Tzus are a small breed and the puppies will get chilled easily.
8. Take your female’s temperature on a daily basis during the last week of gestation. Write down her temperature, noting any changes. Her temperature will drop within twenty-four hours of giving birth.
9. Let your female give birth without interruption. You can peek in on her to make sure everything is OK, but don’t try and move her or handle the puppies too soon.
10. Call your vet if there is a delay of more than one hour between puppies. Shih Tzus are small and are prone to trouble during delivery. Your vet may need to perform a Cesarean section if the puppies do not progress in a timely fashion.
11. Watch your female and her puppies after birth. Be sure that the pups are kept warm and nursing well and that the female is eating and drinking normally. Keep the whelping room warm and give your Shih Tzu plenty of time to recover and get to know her new puppies.
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