Tian Mi Shih Tzu

Why is a Christmas dog a mistake?

2011-12-04T06:14:00.000-08:00

First, because no animal should be a surprise. The arrival of a dog changes a household considerably—for years. Someone has to take responsibility for their daily needs—feeding, exercise, health care, grooming. The decision should be thought about, talked about, negotiated. A new dog, not necessarily a puppy, either, should be the result of a process, not an impulse.

Children are getting bikes and toys galore, where does a new puppy fit into the mix? Do you want your new puppy to get a sound happy start in their new home. Im not sure what your home is like at Christmas but mine is busting at the seems with guests and dinner, gifts and children running and LOTS of excitement. This can all be very scary for a new puppy. Please, make the unselfish choice. Wait until all the hustle and bustle is over and as a family talk it over. Make your children understand what a very serious commitment buying or adopting a puppy is. Children learn by example. If we treat dogs with respect and loving care, our children will grow up to be caring adults who are responsible pet owners.

Read more about the Shih tzu at www.shihtzukisses.com

BRODIE IN DELAND 9/24

2011-10-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

Brodie wins winners dog and best of winners in Dleand, FL for two more points!!!

You can see more of Brodie and all of Tian Mi SHih tzu at www.shihtzukisses.com/kids.htm

Visit us at Tian Mi Shih Tzu and learn more about this wonderful breed.

Jet is now a Champion

2011-09-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Nikita Louman's Jet Li is now a campion. I love this little black boy and I am so proud he is finished and now cut down and living in the house with the rest of the dogs. You can read more about Jet and his show carreer at www.shihtzukisses.com or Tian Mi Shih tzu

Something you need to know

2011-03-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

A little tidbit to remind some of you that have been owned by a Tzu for some time now.

As you all know Shih tzu are "Brachycephalic" The word comes from Greek roots "Brachy," meaning short and "cephalic," meaning head. Brachycephalic dogs have been bred so as to possess a normal lower jaw, that is, one in proportion to their body size, and a compressed upper jaw.
Because their faces are shorter they are more prone to developing dental problems. This is one of the trade offs we sacrifice when we chose a breed of dog that was created for cosmetic appearances. Make sure to have your Shih Tzu teeth checked on his or her next check up. Dont neglect their teeth, It can cause systemic illness and early organ dysfunction which can lead to early death.

You might wonder how disease in the mouth can cause systemic illness and early organ dysfunction which can lead to an untimely death of the pet.

loads of bacteria find their way into the circulation every day. These bacteria can form cute little cauliflower-like growths on the delicate valve leaflets in the heart. Rotten teeth and heart murmors seem to go hand and hand.

Second problem... If bacteria are constantly causing a threat to the body the animals immune system has to fight them off or die of overwhelming bacterial septicemia. While fighting off the bacterial invasion from the teeth, globulins are formed (a protein) by the animals' immune system. Excess quantities of globulins (or proteins) can plug the tiny filters in the kidneys and cause a condition called amyloidosis. Kidneys are an essential organ needed to maintain life. Once they are destroyed there is no regeneration! Without a kidney transplant the animal will die.

Please read more about tooth care at www.shihtzukisses.com/teeth.htm

Todays tidbit

2011-03-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW.....

"Brachycephalic" The word comes from Greek roots "Brachy," meaning short and "cephalic," meaning head.

If you own a Pug, Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Boxer, Bulldog, Shih tzu or any one of the other breeds with "pushed in" faces, you should become familiar with this word.

Brachycephalic dogs have been bred so as to possess a normal lower jaw, that is, one in proportion to their body size, and a compressed upper jaw

Now you know. You can read more about our Brachycephalic friend the Shih Tzu on my site www.shihtzukisses.com

A NEW FRONT PAGE

2011-02-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on a new front page for SHIH TZU KISSES.COM
The alternate page I am considering using is located at www.shihtzukisses.com/alternate.htm

I would love feedback on this new opening page. Take a look and email me from the site.

SHIH TZU KISSES.com page spotlight

2011-01-25T17:30:00.000-08:00

Today I have chose the fun page to spotlight. The fun page is a place to display what goes on in the lives of my precious Shih Tzu day in a day out. What fun it is being owned by a Shih Tzu... being owned by twelve is so much more fun. Be sure to check out the Tian Mi Shih tzu fun page to see a photo account of what goes on at Tian Mi Shih tzu.

SHIH TZU KISSES.com page spotlight

2011-01-22T14:29:00.001-08:00

I would like to call attention tot he page on Shih Tzu kisses website, HOUSE TRAINING.

Many of you out there are unsure about how to train your Shih tzu to potty outside. Shih Tzu kisses.comhas a page that spotlights how to train yoru new puppy or older dog to use the bathroom outside. I have house trained many Shih tzu young and old to go POTTY outside. If you use the instructions on my house training page and be consistant you will have yoru baby trained in no time.

Be sure to visit the other pages at www.shihtzukisses.com/home.htm

CHECK OUT OUR AKC PAPERS PAGE

2011-01-16T09:26:00.000-08:00

AKC papers can be a confusing thing. The presence of AKC papers does not prove a dog is a good representative of the breed but the absence of them proves the breeder is doing something wrong.

Understanding the lingo of breeders and the terms they trow out is an important part of making an informed decision to buy or not to buy. Check out Tian Mi Shih Tzu at www.shihtzukisses.com and educate yourself about AKC papers before your purchase... when its to late.

EYE CARE

2011-01-13T15:09:00.001-08:00

Shih Tzu Kisses.com has a lot of valueable information on SHih Tzu eye care. Shih Tzu eyes are supposed to be large and round. They also have shallow sockets and this is an invitation for disaster. Go to www.shihtzukisses.com/eyecare.htm to read more about how to care for your Shih Tzu eyes.

NEW PAGE - Over the counter meds

2011-01-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

I decided to add the page Over The Counter Meds to the Tian Mi site to help you know which medications are safe for dogs and which ones are not. If a simple problem can be treated at home without the costly trip to the vet then I am all for it.

Keep in mind that thein formation on this page is not a substitute for the care of a vet. If your dog has serious symptoms, dont try treating them at home. If you are ever unsure, take the animal to the vet.

You can see the new Over the Counter Medication page at www.shihtzukisses.com/otc.htm

NEW PAGE ON SITE - Questions and answers

2011-01-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

after recieving many emails I decided to add a page to the site called Questions and answers. Anyone can email me a question and I answer it and post it on the site. I decided the questions you all ask might benifit others. Youc an see th enew page at www.shihtzukisses.com/qna.htm

NEW SITE

2011-01-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

For those of you who follow the blog I would liek to announce the release of the brand new Tian Mi Shih Tzu site. Youc an see the new site at www.shihtzukisses.com

New pages have been added to the site. I will spot light a new page each day on this blog.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-01T17:30:00.001-08:00

Its a new year at Tian mi Shih Tzu and we are hoping for great things for 2011

We have a new puppy boy and a new puppy girl that will be hitting the ring in 2011 as well as finishing our boy Jet. (3 more singles)

You can see more about Tian Mi Shih Tzu and keep up with the latest news at www.shihtzukisses.com or oue NEWS page

ONE BOY, ONE GIRL

2010-12-17T15:43:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to let everyone know I have one boy and one girl left out of Maggie's litter. You can see the babies at www.shihtzukisses.com/maggie.htm

You can learn more about my Shih Tzu at www.shihtzukisses.com/crew.htm

A PUPPY FOR CHRISTMAS

2010-12-09T11:45:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a puppy for Christmas?

Please think twice about this. I am very against selling or buying puppies for Christmas. At Christmas time things are all a bustle with gifts and family and new toys for children. These stressful times are not good circumstances to bring home a new member of the family. Puppies need lots of attention and are VERY demanding when they first come home to a new family. Time needs to be set aside in a calm atmosphere so puppy can adjust to its surroundings.

I know buyin a puppy is an act sone for the gain a human will experience but to give a puppy the best fair start in a new home humans have to set their feelings aside and consider what is best for the puppy.

To read more on my thoughts of breeding and buying dogs you are welcome to visit my site at www.shihtzukisses.com

AVODERM - Dog FOOD

2010-12-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

I have been using a new food for us called Avoderm. I have now used two 30# bags and I have to say I am loving it. My dogs who did not want to eat before are now finishing their meal with no coaxing. I feel like it is very kind to their skin and coat.

Whay switch from Wellness to Avoderm? From time to time I like to switch my dogs food because I notice a lack of interest after feeding the same food for about a year. If I switch it up they seem to get interested in meal time again. Not all of my dogs are picky but, I do have a couple that want meal time to be interesting.

To read more about my opinion on dog food you can visit my web page dedicated to this very subject. DOG FOOD or www.shihtzukisses.com/food.htm

SHIH TZU LOVE THE COLD

2010-12-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

In sunny Florida it is a high of 55. Today the dogs are loving going outside. They seem to linger just a little longer outside potting. They smell the grass and just lay to spend some time enjoying the weather God has been so gracious to bless us with. In the mean time I pear out the glss door in the warmth of the house. YES... Im a Native Floridian. Im a wimp.
Learn more about the Shih Tzu and Tian Mi SHih Tzu at SHIHTZUKISSES.COM

BAILLEY'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

2010-12-02T13:27:00.001-08:00

My precious Bailley's Birthday was 11/29 so we decided to throw her a party. All of my dogs were there as well as Tis, Fernando, Tanner, as well as Chase, and Molly.

Bailley had Pup Cakes with peanutbutter and cream cheese icing. All of the dogs wore party hats and enjoyed eating their pupcakes. bailley got an unstuffables pink flamingo and she loves it.

This is Tis she loved the pupcake.....
Molly asks Chase.. "Are you going to eat that?"Phoebe likes pucakes to....
To see more of the dogs and learn about them go to Tian Mi Shih Tzu or go to www.shihtzukisses.com/crew.htm

MAKING PUPCAKES

2010-11-28T10:32:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is a special and sad day for me. My precious litte Bailley will turn 10. We are celebrating by having a small party with other Shih Tzu. I am making Apple Pupcakes. I halfed this recipe becasue I am not having a hundred Shih Tzu just about 12.
Apple pupcakes
2 3/4 cups water
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 medium egg
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup apple, dried
1 tablespoon baking powder
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, mix together water, applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla. In a large bowl, combine flour, apple chips, and baking powder. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until very well blended. Pour into greased muffin pans, Bake 1 1/4 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry. Store in a sealed container. Makes 12 to 14 pupcakes

Recipe Five - Peanut Butter Icing (a doggie favorite!)
8 ounces of low-fat cream cheese
4 ounces of all natural peanut butter (creamy works best)
2 tablespoons of canola oil

You can learn mor about Bailley on the CREW page. I love all of my dogs but Bailley is a very special part of my life.

OUR CHRISTMAS PAGE

2010-11-26T09:06:00.000-08:00

Tian Mi Shih Tzu has the Christmas page up. Check it out at www.shihtzukisses.com

JET WINS IN OCALA

2010-11-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

MY beautiful black boy Jet won in Ocala Fl for two more points. 3 more singles to go!!! Learn more about Jet at www.shihtzukisses.com

APPLES TO APPLES

2010-11-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

I sent out an email to my subsribers asking them to spot two common issues in a photo of a Shih Tzu puppy someone sent me that they bought. The response was great! Most of my subscibers were spot on with the nose. After everyone emailed their opinion it was my turn to give mine. I have copied and pasted my opinion below. I hope this helps anyone who is searching for that perfect new Shih Tzu baby.

This has been a really fun test!!! You guys have a great eye! I was surprised at how many of you participated in this little game. It just so happens that I have nine week old puppies right at this very moment. Actually to be fair nine weeks and one day. I am doing this to give an example of why you should buy from a breeder who knows what they are doing. This is very random. I get photos like this all the time. To many to count.

This woman emailed me several days ago looking for a Shih tzu puppy. She wanted a girl and she wanted gold and white. As always I did not get back to her right away due to my schedule. After arriving home from my dog show Saturday I decided I had a minute and gave her a call. She was in her car with her husband and they were going to look at a puppy as we spoke. She asked my price and I told her... She asked me if I was firm... I said yes. She then said she was looking more in the 600.00 range. I took the opportunity to tell her what to look for and to make sure to ask the breeder certain questions about health. I was hoping at the very least she would be educated. She gets home and calls me excited to announce she had bought a puppy. She wanted a gold and white girl but bought a black and white boy. Hmmmm... Sounds like another breeder made a sale based on impulse. Anyway, she sends me a photo of her little guy and my heart dropped into my stomach. I am certain she got what she paid for and maybe a little less depending on the health of this precious little soul. I am hoping she keeps him forever and loves him. I am certain when he grows he will not look much like the Shih Tzu I know. I also pray she does not end up dumping alot of money into vet bills for him due to poor breeding. I am a firm believer you pay up front or you pay in the rear.I can only assume once the money was paid and the puppy left the breeder was jumping for joy. Ok... Off my soap box now.

I took a photo of one of my boy this morning. To be fair I tried to resemble the position of the original and didn't do anything fancy to make my boy look cuter. The results are below. All I can say is WOW!!!! Many of you spotted the nose right out of the gate. I suspect this puppy has some lhasa in him somewhere. The second thing that immediately caught my eye is coat. There is not much to speak of. This puppy has no fore skull, eyes are to close and not set right above the stop, his bones are small and have no substance, he has no cushion in the muzzle, his head is small in proportion to his body, and I'm sure if I put my hands on him he would have no body. The photos speak for themselves. These two puppies do not even look like the same breed.

It makes me mad that breeders continue breeding when they cannot even try to get it right. They make no effort to get better dogs. Puppies like this are bought every day and when they grow the owners are disappointed in what they got and the vet bills mount because no one bothers to test the parents .... And Bam... Puppies like this end up in local shelters because they dont look like a Shih tzu and no one wants the vet bills it will take to care for them. "All puppies are cute.... But what are they going to look like when they grow." Puppies are only puppies for a year. Then what are you left with. A nice dog that looks like the breed you originally wanted?

Every puppy brought into this world is a precious living soul and deserves the BEST life has to offer. Its not their fault their breeder is ignorant and doesn't chose to have a moral obligation to the breed.

To see and learn more about the Shih Tzu go to www.shihtzukisses.com

Bomber sweeps Lake City

2010-11-03T17:19:00.001-07:00

Tian Mi's Bomaninacious goes winners dog and best of winners Sunday and Saturday to single him out. All Bomber needs now is one major to finish. Way to go Bomb!!! Congratulations to Barb and Jim Pottieger on these wins. You can read more about bomber at www.shihtzukisses.com go to the news page.

IZZY GETS HER MAJOR

2010-09-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

All Izzy needed to finishe her AKC championship was a major. After chasing it for two months we finally landed it in Orlando, Fl

Izzy is officially my first home bred Champion!!!
See her video here

See more about Izzy at TIAN MI SHIH TZU or shihtzukisses.com

CONTEST

2010-08-02T06:42:00.001-07:00

I have decided to run a contest for a product I believe every Shih Tzu lover should have. The point of the contest is a. to have fun b. to bring awareness to this wonderful product c. to get new and nice photos for a new Shih Tzu Kisses.com site I will be launching as soon as time permits.

The prize for the contest is an 8oz bottle of Chris Christensen Peace and kindness. you can read about it here I believe every home that owns a Shih Tzu should have this product. It is great for all the little funky things Shih tzu seem to get from time to time. After every bath I go over each dog and check their skin for any tiny little funky stuff. If I see anything I give it a spray and by the next bath its gone. If I accidentally give one of the dogs razor burn while giving them hair cut I will spray Peace and Kindness on them. I use this stuff for all kinds of things. Its really good.

Ok, now that you know about the prize, here's what I am looking for. I want stories and photos or videos. I want to hear about all the cute funny things your Shih Tzu does. If you Shih Tzu knows a trick, film it and send it to me, If you have a cute little outfit and think your shih Tzu is the cutest in the whole world take a nice photo and send it to me. If you have a story about something your Shih Tzu has done, tell me your story and attach a photo. I am looking for exciting content for a new site I plan to launch. I know you all have wonderful stories and photos of your babies doing what they do best..... being our precious little angles.

Oh one last thing, you have to post a comment to the blog as well. Be nice and say something spectacular about my and my dogs.

LIFE IS GOOD WHEN YOU HAVE SHIH TZU

2010-02-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

Its those precious looks you get when you are not expecting it. Those moments when life gets so busy you dont know if you are coming or going. Shih Tzu slow things down for me. They snuggle up in my lap and seem to know just what I need. Peace and quite with fur in my face.

I am so blessed to have such perfect little souls in my life. You can meet all of my sweet little souls at www.shihtzukisses.com

DOG WATER BOTTLE STANDS

2009-11-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

On my site SHIHTZUKISSES.COM I talk about why it is important to water your Shih Tzi with a water bottle. Now Simply BePaws carries water bottle stands made with Lixit water bottles. Perfect for Shih Tzu. They are adjustable and you can order them for your dogs height. Go to SIMPLY BEPAWS water bottle stands and check them out.
Here is a photo of the stand in action.

HOW MANY CALORIES ARE IN DOG TREATS

2009-11-19T08:46:00.000-08:00

The next time you buy a box of cookies for your dog check out the calorie content. Maybe you will think twice about giving yrou dog a cookie everytime they want one.

Here are some popular treats and their calorie contents.

Milkbone original dog treats 10 calories per treat
Purina Beggin Strips 90 calories per treat
Pro Plan biscuits 35 calories per treat
Milkbone Exra large biscuits 225 calories per treat
Chew eez beef hide rolls 211 calories per treat
Alpo Liva snacks 211 calories per treat
Snausages 211 calories per treat
Busy Bone 600 calories per treat
Dentabone 188 calories per treat
Pup-Peroni 24 calories per treat

To learn more about dog foods, what and why go to www.shihtzukisses.com/food.htm

IZZY WINS A MAJOR!!!

2009-11-19T08:40:00.001-08:00

Izzy got her first major in Greenville NC on Sun 11/15 Way to go Izzy!!! One more to go and she will be a champion and get a haircut to take her place in the house with my other house Shih Tzu. Cross yoru fingers for Izzy's next show!

You can see more of Izzy at www.shihtzukisses.com/crew.htm and at www.shihtzukisses.com/news.htm

SIMPLY BEPAWS INTRODUCES MORE BOWS!!!

2009-09-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

Tian Mi Shih Tzu would like to take this opportunity to tell everyone that Simply BePaws has new bows. (show and everyday)

The site has been changed for easier navigation of the bows and other baubbles.
5/8 SHOW BOWS
7/8 SHOW BOWS
5/8 EVERYDAY
7/8 EVERYDAY
HOLIDAY

A SHIH TZU STRUGGLE TO LIVE- Luna's Story

2009-08-19T10:24:00.001-07:00

Luna was born to this world just as any other puppy. She was a little small but seemed healthy and wanted to nurse. Born to a litter of six it did not take long before Luna was being pushed from nursing and began to starve. She was so tiny that she did not have the strength to fight for food like the other Shih Tzu babies. Within a day she started to decline and if we did not step in her life was surely in danger. Knowing how important it is for a new baby to get the first milk from her mother we forced her mother to lay on the couch and nurse her declining baby. We discovered, that not only was she being pushed away by her brothers and sisters, her own mother had decided it was not worth her milk and time to save this tiny little life. Luna's mother knew she was small and weak and fought us to give her the life saving milk.

HOW LUNA GOT HER NAME
After several battles to get her mother to let her nurse, I decided to take over and feed Luna every two hours. I was now Luna's mother. I have a rule that I never name the puppies while they are here. If I personally name the puppies before they leave I feel some attachment to them and it makes it very hard when they go to their new homes. At feeding time who ever was closer to the whelping box would be the one I would ask to get her while I prepared her milk. I would say "Go get the puppy with the moon on her head." Finally my husband said she needed a name and that is when the name Luna was born. As you can see by the photo below she has a moon on the top of her head.

Luna did not want to take the bottle at first but after much encouraging she began to nurse and it was not long before she knew when she smelled me that she was going to eat. She quickly identified me as her mommy.
Luna grew into a precious little girl. Always so tiny and way behind the others in development. Once we offered her real food she took no time in diving in. She was so much smaller than the others that could get all the way into the bowl and just lay there and eat. She was even known to fall asleep in the middle of the bowl. Below is a photo of her first meal.

After interviewing MANY potential parents for Luna, I found the perfect family and decided Luna was well enough to be with her new family. Luna has grown into a beautiful young lady. Luna was renamed Jewel. Her new mommy thought she reminded her of a precious Jewel.

high speed internet users.
To see more of Jewel / Luna visit TIAN MI SHIH TZU
CLICK TO SEE A MOVIE ABOUT LUNA / JEWEL

TIAN MI'S BOMANISCIOUS WINS AT THE TOY SHOW

2009-08-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Bomber goes winners dog and best of winner Sunday at The Central Florida Toy Dog Show in Orlando FL.

Read more about the show weekend and see more great photos at Tian Mi SHih tzu News page.

CUTTING DOG NAILS

2009-08-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

Dogs are often reluctant to have their nails clipped, therefore, starting the process at a very young age is a good idea.

Initially, get your dog accustomed to you simply holding and stroking their paws. Then progress to applying light pressure on their paws and nails - lightly pinching their nails between your finger and thumb. Reward them for allowing this.

Then, after a lesson from your vets in how to cut a dog's nails, lightly trim a couple of nails a day. Just trim off the tips - this lessens the chances of you cutting too deep and frightening your dog off.

Talk to your dog in a soothing voice all the time and reward him with his favorite treat and a romp straight after. He will gradually grow accustomed to this unpleasant procedure and learn to at least put up with it.

You can choose a nail clipping tool that you feel most comfortable with. There are many types on the market and they all equal. Just make sure you get a nice sharp pair. Some people use the new tools on the market that grind the nail. I find for my Shih Tzu the simple old variety clippers work best.

It is also advisable to keep a styptic pen or Quick stop powder handy just in case you clip into your dog's quick.

Anatomy Of A Dog's Nail
Knowing how to cut dog's nails is easier when you know the anatomy of a dog's nail.

A dog's nail is constructed of a hard outer cover, which protects the quick which is the inner soft part containing blood vessels and tender nerve endings. In dogs with light coloured nails, the quick can often been seen as being faintly pinkish in color and is thus easy to avoid cutting into.

In the more common black nailed variety, the quick it totally invisible. Therefore, knowing exactly how to cut a dog's nails in this case is imperative. In these cases, trimming off a small amount at a time is more advisable. Sometimes you can look at the bottom of the nail and get a good idea of where the quick starts.

Keep checking the clipped part of your dog's nail and look out for a dark spot in the middle of the newly clipped area - this shows the start of the quick. Taking small amounts at a time will enable you to know whn you are getting close or let you know you can take just a little more.

Also, don't forget your dog's dew claws. Growing on the inside of his legs. To learn more abou thow to groom and keep yoru dog healthy go to www.shihtzukisses.com

NEW PAGES ON TIAN MI SHIH TZU www.shihtzukisses.com

2009-07-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

With a high demand for general knowledge about the care of Shih Tzu I decided to add a couple pages to the site. Tian Mi Shih Tzu now offers an eye care page, a tooth care page, allergies, poisons, and over the counter meds page.

I have added these pages as a service to other Shih Tzu lovers. If you have any ideas or feedback about the site please let me know. I would love to hear what you have to say.

IZZY DOES IT AGAIN!!!

2009-07-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

Izzy took West Palm by storm winning winners bitch both days to give her four more points!!! ALMOST THERE!!!

GOOGLE IS TOYING WITH ME

2009-07-06T05:45:00.001-07:00

OK, I get excited because once again www.shihtzukisses.com was on the first page in google for the keyword, shih tzu puppies. I was even two from the bottom on page oone!!! I have a witness this time. I ran to the other room where my husband sat reading the Boston Globe and demanded he pull up Google and type in shih tzu puppies. There is was just as pretty as picture looking so important. shihtzukisses.com!!!

I pull up Goole this am and type in key words shih tzu puppies and what the ??? happened??? Shihtzukisses.com is back on page two ;o( YES, I am obssesed!!!

Could it be Google is mad at me?? Could it be a sick game they like to play with site owners? Could it be my competition is kicking it up a notch? No, probably none of these. Its just the way the dice roll on Google. In the mean time being on page one has caused my obssesion to return. I am trying to promote Simplybepaws.com If I can get it anywhere near where shihtzukisses.com is in Google rankings I would finally say I have figured this whole ranking thing out.

Thats it!!! Google does not want you to figure it out. They keep changing the rules to keep us all guessing!!!!!

IT COSTS HOW MUCH TO GROOM A SHIH TZU???

2009-07-05T20:22:00.001-07:00

I would never suggest skimping on grooming because it is to expensive. I would however suggest trying your hand at grooming your own Shih Tzu. If you are the least bit gifted in the creative department, you can groom your Shih Tzu.

Cleaning and grooming your pet’s coat is essential if you want to keep pests such as fleas from making their home in it. First thing you want to remember is a Shih Tzu needs to be brushed daily, if long and every couple days, if short.

THE BATH: A lot has been said about how often to give a bath. I have read and heard the "experts" say you should only bath once a month. If I only bathed once a month my dogs would be rolling around the house like Linus in Snoopy, flies and all. I bath my Shih Tzu once a week. I use different shampoos on different dogs. check out my grooming page for good products to use. Always brush BEFORE the bath. Water sets the mats. It will be harder, and more painful to get them out after the bath.

THE HAIR CUT: Once a month when I give a bath the dogs get they're hair cuts and nail trim. I use Andis clippers and You can follow the direstions on my Shih Tzu hair cut page or create your own pattern. I use a #10 blade. Don't worry if your Shih Tzu looks a little funny the first time or to. They don't seem to mind. Just remember hair grows back and you can try it again in about a month. Learn from your mistakes.

A special note on nails: A dog’s nails are continuously growing, and if they’re long they can more easily do damage to your carpet and furniture. They might also break off, which would be painful for your pet. So you need to trim your dog’s nails on a monthly basis. This isn’t like clipping your own nails because a dog’s nails are shaped differently and are much thicker. A dog nail trimmer must be utilized. You’ll also need some quick stop powder to stop the bleeding if you should happen to cut your dog.

For more information on grooming go to www.shihtzukisses.com/grooming.htm

BARB GETS CREATIVE WITH THE BOMB

2009-07-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

This is to cute!!! Barb sent this to me after grooming Bomb. I think she has to much time on her hands. I am sending her a couple of my show dogs.

DOES YOUR SHIH TZU SMELL LIKE A FRITO?

2009-07-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

Funny thing about Shih Tzu, just before bath day when you are snuggling in bed with your little angel, a funny smell might hit your nose. Its a familiar smell but not quite like the smell you remember. Then it hits you, "My Shih Tzu smells like a frito." or popcorn. I am tempted to get out of bed and dispense baths in any order so my precious little angels smell cuddly once again. I just tell myself tomorrow will come very soon and try to go to sleep with a guilty conscience.

Morning comes and dogs run and hide because once the first Shih Tzu hits the sink it spreads throughout the house like wildfire that IT'S BATH DAY!!! As I finish one Shih Tzu its like an Easter egg hunt looking for my next victim. One by one my angels smell cuddly again.

Peace is once again restored in our home. All the Shih Tzu are clean and fresh.
www.shihtzukisses.com

Michael Sauve

2009-06-27T04:11:00.000-07:00

1940-2009

AKC Executive Field Representative Michael Sauve, who bred generations of Best in Show Pembroke Welsh Corgis, died of an apparent heart attack at his home in Orlando, Florida on June 23, 2009. He was 69 years old.

Sauve held positions with the AKC as a former Assistant Vice President of Events and his current position as Executive Field Representative covering shows in Florida and the southeastern United States. He was approved to judge the Toy Group and most of the Herding Group. In addition, Sauve held the position as President of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America until accepting his position with the AKC.

"In 23 years of service with the AKC, Michael set the template for all Field Staff to follow and was widely respected for his professionalism and sense of fairness by all who knew him. Michael will be missed and thought of often by all his friends in the sport of purebred dogs", stated Darrell Hayes, Vice President of Dog Show Judges.

The Memorial Service will be on Tuesday, June 30, 2009:

Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home
301 NE Ivanhoe Blvd
Orlando, Fl 32804
407-898-8111

Visitation will from 11:00 AM– 1:00 PM
Memorial Service at 1:00 PM

Tian Mi Shih Tzu is now on Twitter

2009-06-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

https://twitter.com/shihtzukisses

Sign up and be a Tian Mi follower!!!!! How exciting, just one more way to get the message out to other people about our beloved breed!!!!

TIAN MI DOGS DONT TAKE HOME THE PURPLE :o(

2009-06-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

We packed up the dogs and headed off to The central Florida Fair grounds to march around the ring and show how pretty Tian Mi Shih Tzu are. Sad to say the judges did not think Tian Mi dogs were the best in the ring this weekend. But I was very proud of all of them even though they did not get the purple ribbon.

On Friday John J and Bomer were shown and I have to say they looked very pretty. I was proud at the end of the day that they both showed well. Yes you heard it correctly, John J was a "pretty" good boy. He actually walked and looked stunning in the ring.

Bomer was shown again on Saturday. He went in the ring and showed his little heart out. My favorite snap shot of him on that day is this one. Just look at that Shih Tzu mug. To me he has the perfect little Shih Tzu face.

As we waited for our turn in the ring Bomer's Mom and Dad took lots of photos. I may not look so great but look how beautiful the bomb looks. This photo also shows my biggest dog show fan. My dad. He will be getting in the ring himself soon when Cheese makes her debut.

Last but not least, my pretty girl Izzy. Izzy decided since John J was so good she was going to be the bad one and she took Janis for a ride. Janis got so tickled at how bad she was being. Who says dog shows arent fun. They are when you show Tian Mi dogs.

Izzy waiting to go in the ring. We waited so long for the pugs to finish Izzy was hard to keep still and we should have known what was coming.....

Look for more photos and hopefull video to be posted on www.shihtzukisses.com/news.htm

CROSS YOUR FINGERS FOR TIAN MI

2009-06-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

We have a dog show this coming weekend so everyone cross your fingers and root for Tian Mi Shih Tzu. John J will be showing on Friday. It is his first time back in the ring since his back adjustment. We are hoping this fixes his problem and he shows like the beautiful boy he is. He needs all the help he can get. He is such a fun boy in the ring. Ha Ha

His brother Bomer will also be in the ring. Cross your fingers that one of the Tian Mi Boys takes home the purple ribbon.

Izzy & Bomer will be shown Saturday and Just the Bom on Sunday. Just think of our babies and hope they do well. I am so proud of this liter and how beautiful all Maggie babies are.

New photos of Izzy and JJ will be added to the site soon. Tian Mi Shih Tzu or www.shihtzukisses.com

SIMPLY BEPAWS

2009-06-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

After many long hours of careful selection and fine tuning Simply BePaws is finally open. Simply BePaws offers pet beds, pet jewelry, pet diapers, toys, the most adorable and functional pet clothes as well as dog bows.

Our Sophie's slumber line of beds includes crate pads as well as beautiful crate covers. These wonderful crate covers were designed out of a need to sooth pets anxious feelings about being in a crate as well as make those big bulky crates look pretty. Dogs are den animals and enjoy feeling like they have privacy.

Our Bailley's Bobbles line includes freshwater pearl necklaces and Swarovski Crystal collars with charms. I just love my dogs to look pretty. A very good friend told me "all girls are supposed to sparke" I like my boys to sparkle to. We cold never leave out those boys.

Our Peeper's panties are the cutest and most functional diapers you will ever see. This design was created by myself many years ago out of the need for puppy diapers so I could let the puppies run the house without the stress of having pee all over my house, as well as a necessity when my girls were in season. Over the years I have tweaked the design to fit better and be easier to put on and take off.

Our Bubba britches are for the boys who are not so reliable when it comes to house training as well as those stud dogs who think they need to make your hose smell "better".

Our clothing line was carefully selected for quality and craftsmanship as well as the most adorable designs you have ever laid eyes on. I am very picky about the things my dogs wear and I have to say these clothes will light up your world!!!

As you would expect we always aim to make those boys feel "special" Simply BePaws carries neck ties just for our precious boys.

Our dog bow collection was designed with not only for my show dogs but precious house mouses as well. Our show bows are crafted from the best materials. These are bows I use on my dogs in the ring. Our uptown everyday bows were designed for my special little girls and boys after they are finished in the ring. Anyone who knows me knows I love to make my babies look pretty. I never had a little girl so now I can dress up my Shih Tzu.

The Simply BePaws site was born out of my love for Shih Tzu. Shih Tzu are my passion and I just love sharing my world with others.

Be sure to stop by Tian Mi Shih tzu to see where it all began.

WHILE I WAS AWAY

2009-05-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

While I was away at The National Barb Pottieger watched Izzy for me. Izzy was beautiful when I got her back and had already been given her bath!!! Thanks so much Barb!!! Here is a photo of Izzy and her brother Bomer playing while I was gone.

It took some time for Bomer to warm up to Izzy's agressive ways but soon he was on top of the situation.

You can see more of Bomer and Izzy on my site www.shihtzukisses.com
Or more specifically at shihtzukisses.com/news.htm

2009 Shih Tzu National OKC

2009-05-21T09:52:00.001-07:00

I have to say once again I had a great time at the National show. This year I was asked to help ring steward and even though I worked a lot I had a great time. It would have been more fun if my very good friend Robin Taylor were there but we still had a blast.

Janis Mcgee, Anna May Brown and reanee ( not sure her real name) roomed together and you could not have found a more fun bunch of women.

In the end the BOB winner was well desrving, He was a bred by exibitor dog Hallmark Jolie Austin Powers born 6/12/2008 What a beautiful boy he was. Judge - Mrs Kristie Trivilino did a great job!!!

The photos are not very good but you can see the beautiful movement on this dog.
Congratulations Luke and Diane for breeding such a pretty boy.

To learn more abou tthe shih tzu go to www.shihtzukisses.com

EASTER WITH THE SHIH TZU

2009-05-04T05:43:00.000-07:00

I just felt the need to post this photo.

Easter Sunday was spent with my husbands parents who have Chase and Molly. I took Phoebe and Bailley because no event is complete without Shih Tzu

I put their bows in and off we went. They looked so adorable I had to share this photo.

SHOULD YOU BREED YOUR SHIH TZU?

2009-04-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

I have been getting a disturbing about of email from people who have purchased Shih Tzu and chose to breed. They are writing me to find out what they should do now that they have breed their bitch. I have had questions concerning dogs that were bought to breed with picture attachements that were very upsetting to say the least.

I believe that if you choose to breed dogs you should at the very least educate yourself on the breed you choose. You should at least know the standard and what the dog is supposed to look like. WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO BREED IF YOU CANNOT EVEN PICK A NICE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BREED!!! Why would you want to take the chance of bringing sick puppies into the world because YOU did not want to take the time to study the breed enough to learn its health issues?

I am sorry if I come on strong about this issue but, I get emails from people who want me to help them after they have made ALL the wrong choices. I have little respect for people who buy dogs that are poor representatives of the breed and decide they want to make a quick buck and breed them. The most frustrating are the people who know their dogs are not nice representatives of the breed and decide to breed them anyway.

PLEASE, if you decide you would like to breed dogs, do yoru homework. Go to a local show and at the very least observe what the chosen breed is supposed to look like. You can go to www.infodog.com and search by state to find a dog show in your area. There is a dog show most weekends somehere in your state. approach some of the exibitors , AFTER they show, and ask questions. If you really want to breed dogs, dont you want your dogs to be nice representatives of the breed so you can brag how beautiful your puppies/ dogs are?

For more information about Shih Tzu go to www.shihtzukisses.com/home.htm

DINNER WITH THE DOGS

2009-04-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Last night dinner was at the McGee home. It was a chance for us to get together and get to know Janis's mother, to evaluate puppies and re evaluate dogs. The house was full of Shih Tzu. There were a total of 11 Shih Tzu wandering around from four owners.

Dinner was wonderful. Janis out did herself in the kitchen. Barb brought dessert and everyone made mmm sounds. We all had a wonderful time talking and joking about life and our dogs. We got a grand tour of all the art in Janis's house. Janis is an accomplished artist and has won many awards for her art. She has done art work for Shih Tzu specilaties as well. Her art will be available at my online store, Simply BePaws, when it opens. Maybe someday she will make me something beautiful!!! hint hint.......

We took time to enjoy the Shih Tzu. We watched them move and play. Everyone got along. John J really loved Lola. Lola was not to happy with John J.

Bear and I-Kahn get to know each other. ( father and son)

Tian Mi's Up and coming star Brei or cheese as she is better known.

John J and his Daddy I-Kahn

Mark on the grooming table waiting for dinner

Thank you Don, Janis, and Mom for welcoming us for dinner.

Thank you Barb for all the photos.

Posted by Leslie of Tian Mi Shih tzu

JOHN J GETS AN ADJUSTMENT

2009-03-31T17:42:00.000-07:00

My precious boy has been x-rayed and checked by the vet to see if he has a problem with his hips or legs and nothing has been found to explain why he has a funny "giddy up" in his step. Today John J was taken to a chiropractor. Now mind you, I myself have never been, and I have to say I never really thought it worked. The chiropractor said she found his problem and believed it was from and old injury. I heard some pops and my little boy seemed to relax and calm down as if to say "Thank you" for finally making me feel better. I walked him around and the "giddy up" seems to be gone. Only time will tell if he is cured.

For now I am massaging is back by his tail and applying heat. I am hoping and praying this fixes him. As you can see by his photo he is to beautiful not to be a champion. He is resting quietly beside me as I write this and I am just thrilled to see him so relaxed. The things we do for our dogs. I must say, it is a lot more than I do for myself.

In closing, if you are a John J fan keep him in his prayers. I may not be sure of chiropractors but I do believe in the power of prayer. The chiropractor part will be revealed through his healing. If this does work I am making an appointment for myself. :o)

If you don't know John J., Trust me he is an angel. You would love him.

To see more of John J. goto www.shihtzukisses.com/news.htm

SHIHTZUKISSES.COM IS FINALLY ON PAGE ONE IN GOOGLE

2009-03-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

After not checking in some time to see where my site ranks, I googled shih tzu puppies today and found that Tian Mi Shih Tzu is on page one in Google!!!! HOORAY!!! It has taken much time and many hard working hours to get it there. I believe shihtzukisses.com is a useful site and has a lot to offer the new SHih Tzu owner or the "Old" Shih Tzu owner. The site covers grooming, feeding, hair cuts, imperials, house training, standard, history, puppy mills and so much more. If you have not visited Tian Mi Shih Tzu stop by and say hi to all the babies.

MESSAGE BOARD IS FINALLY RUNNING "I THINK"

2009-03-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

www.shihtzukisses.com Finally has the message board up and running. I invite everyone to sign up. Go ahead give it a try. If you have questions concerning shih tzu I invite you to post in the message board instead of emailing me directly. My very good friend and fellow breeder is moderating the blog with me.

I spent a lot of time settig it up and starting it so that everyone could have a place to go and talk about Shih Tzu. If you have any problems email me so I can "work" out the bugs. Go to www.shihtzukisses.com/board.htm to find the link to the board.

THE BEST QUOTE OF THE DAY!!!

2009-03-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

While talking to my dogs I most often will call them my precious little angels. I came across a quote which sums it all up perfect for me, and I am sure for anyone else whos life has been touched by a Shih tzu.

"Most people dream of angels, I hold them in my arms"

Qute is being added to my site at shihtzukisses.com
also in the nursery

JUST TICKLES MY SOUL

2009-03-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

The following was written by my very good friend Janis McGee for an article in Top Notch Toys. The peice was published with a cute photo of her dog which I will try to obtain for the site but for now I think it fitting to put a photo I came accross of Bomer showing us how he felt about the ring on the day the photo was taken. Anyone who shows Shih tzu can appreciate this. I will be adding it to my website as soon as I find the perfect place for it. In the mean time here it is..........

WHAT I’M THINKIN’

Yeah, it’s a beautiful day in downtown Yah-Yah and I see my human
preparing to take me outta my warm and fuzzy surroundings to yet
another noisy place to show off.

“On the road again – I just can’t wait to get on the road again” is
playing on the radio as down the highway we go. Hey up there in the
front, could you go a bit easy on the bumps? Errrrrr, please! Oh
well, guess I better get some shut eye, big weekend coming up.

‘You want me to do what?’ Stay in this pen until when? I know I’ve
been washed, dried and ironed, but you know it would still be great to
get out and run around a bit. Not on the carpet you say – my coat you
say. But you know the carpet absorbs better and my skirt will stay
soooo much cleaner that way. Okay, now you’ve done it – put me
outside the door in this pen and I’ll show you. Don’t tell me to be
quiet – whadda-you-expect, theres lots of people out here lookin’ at
me and making funny faces and talking really strange.

Oh, my goodness, it’s still dark outside, is it really time to get up
and why are you putting me back in that van? Okay – okay, short ride,
that’s good.

Rollin’ rollin’rollin’ keep those doggies rollin’, rollin’ rollin’
rollin’ inside. Hi everybody, I’m here – it’s ME, ME, ME – today is
all about ME! Oops, wasn’t supposed to tell you, but I got this in
the bag.

Now my human is going to do strange and unusual things to me – pretty
grueling, but I’m surely getting used to the beauty treatment. Guess
if they can carry an entire beauty salon and somehow pack it neatly
and logically into a vehicle, then my friends and I can certainly
submit to the occasional indignities which allow us to be the most
breathtakingly beautiful dogs at this show.

Okay, now you’re talkin’ – hey everybody, over here – lookit ME! I
told ya – didn’ I – beauty – pure and simple. Okay – not so simple –
but - beauty none the less. You know, my human said I was supposed
to have arrogant carriage – How’s this?

Carriage – hummm! Do you have to carry so much stuff? A table to put
me on, a pretty cover for the table, a bag full of beauty supplies, a
rope around my neck and golly gee whiz, you’re carrying me like a sack
of potatoes – ugh!

Alrighty then – we’re here. Brush, brush, brush – put that armband on
your arm and yeah –HERE’S JOHNNY!

Now, who’s this and what are they doing. Oh, oh – look at all this
competition. Lovely! I thought I heard an intake of breath – yeah, we
are quite breathtaking, aren’t we? You be the judge. Here we go.

Around and round the ring we go

Some of us fast, some of us slow

There’s those of us who really glow

And those of us that just don’t know

There’s those who really bounce and sway

And those who simply want to play

But I am smooth at natural speed

TO WIN, TO WIN is what I need.

I’m not too big, I’m not too small

I’m not too short and not too tall

My topline is a level place

My profile is thing of grace

My tail is curved up over my back

‘bout perfect mam’ and that’s a fact

My head is as high as it should be

Not sticking out in front of me

We stop and then must go to table

And I must act a bit ‘Clark Gable’

My human helps me strike a pose

Then here you come right at my nose

You take my head within your hands

And probe all through the rubber bands

Sometimes gentle and sometimes not

How much do you need to know what I got?

My head is broad and round you see

It suits the very size of me.

I look at you through large round dark eyes

Keep lookin’ mam, you’ll be surprised

My jaw is broad, my muzzle square

My teeth are pretty and just look at this hair.

My chest is broad and deep – do tell

But not a barrel you know – very well

Now moving on still checking me

I have straight legs like they’re supposed to be.

My shoulders are good, not up under my ears

And check out these elbows, they’ll last me for years

I’m sturdy, short coupled – no physical exaggeration

The grooming is simply human indoctrination

It doesn’t change what is under the hair you see

It’s up to you to find the better parts of me.

I’m supposed to be good, I’m supposed to be sound

If you’ve done your job, I will be found

If you read the Standard, surely you know

I’ll be in the ring – hooray! BEST IN SHOW!

Photo Op – smile.

Okay, enough poetry. Back to the grind now. Ow, ow, getting that
teasing out is really tough sometimes. How many more days did you
say? Fine, I’ll just go to sleep, dream of tomorrow and tomorrow and
tomorrow.

APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE

Thank you and good night – Be careful out there!

Janis Clary McGee

Written – October 15, 2007

FINDING A REPUTABLE BREEDER

2009-02-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

This is being posted in hopes of helping those red flags go up when you are speaking to unscrupulous breeders.

When looking for a breeder be sure to ask questions. If the breeder gets offended this is a red flag. A breeder should respect the fact that you care enough to ask questions. An educated buyer makes better parents for new puppies.

Click here to read a true story about how not to buy a Shih Tzu.

Example questions to ask;
1. How long have you been breeding? This is important because if this is a breeders first liter he may or may not stick around and be there for you when you may need advice.

2. Why do you breed? This is important because if a breeder is breeding because they need the money to pay bills it is very likely they are cutting cost on care of their dogs and your new puppy. It is also possible they do not love the dogs and treat them as such. The dogs are a business opportunity and nothing more.

3. Do you test your dogs? What do you do when a health issue may arise? It is important to know a breeder is not only testing but what the breeder would do if a situation arises. Life is never certain and an issue may arise, will the breeder back that puppy and either return your money or give you a new puppy?

4. How ofter do you breed your dam? If a breeder is breeding a dam everytime she comes in heat until she is 10 you may want to go somewhere else and not contribute to the suffering of this dam. This is a strong indication profit is their motive for breeding.

5. How and where are your puppies raised? The where is important because if the puppies are not in the home with the breeder can a close eye be kept on their development? The how is important because there are things a breeder needs to do to socialize the new puppies so when it is time for them to go in the ring or to their new homes they are not afraid and run to hide from everyday life.

6. Do you sell on spay/ neuter contracts? If a dog is not sold as a show/ breeding dog (these do go hand in hand) the breeder may be capitalizing on the fact that they can sell unaltered dogs for more money. Do you want to buy your pet from someone who will sell an unaltered dog to anyone who has enough money?

7. How many breeds of dogs do you breed? If a breeder has more than two breeds they may be in the BUSINESS of selling dogs.

8. What is your policy for taking puppies back? This is VERY important because there are breeders who stand behind their dogs. Believe it or not some breeders want you to be happy because if you are not happy their precious puppy will not be and could end up in a shelter or God only knows where.

9. Do you have a written guarantee/ contract?

10. Does the puppy come with a health certificate and up to date on all vaccines?

11. Does the puppy come with AKC papers? You can read about AKC papers at www.shihtzukisses.com/papers.htm

Things to look for or take note of when talking to a breeder or looking at puppies;

1. Is the breeder knowledgeable about the breed?

2. DO THE PUPPIES SEEM HEALTHY, WITH NO CLOUDY DISCHARGE FROM EYES OR NOSE, NO LOOSE STOOLS, NO FOUL SMELLING EARS? ARE THEIR COATS SOFT, FULL, AND CLEAN?

3. Does he or she represnt their dogs honestly?

4. Do you feel like you can completely trust this breeder? You have to feel like you can trust this person with your child. This new puppy you are thinking about bringing home IS your new child and is a very serious commitment. There has to be trust between both buyer and breeder.

Written by: Leslie LeFave at ShihTzuKisses.com or Tian Mi Shih Tzu

We Win In Greenville, SC

2009-02-19T05:22:00.000-08:00

We loaded the car on Wednesday night and headed for Greenville early Thursday morning. At 11:00 Friday morning all three dogs were ready to go see the judge. John J, Tian Mi's Over The Top, was really ready, to make his mommy look like she had never been in the ring before. Needless to say he was not the judges favorite dog that day.

Izzy, Tian Mi's Isadorable, won winners bitch on Friday and Sunday to pick up three more points.

Sweet little Bomer, Tian Mi's Bomaniscious, went winners dog on Saturday to pick up two points. Sunday John J and he were shown together and Bomer decided he was going to act like John J.

It was a fun weekend but coming home was nice. The dogs were ready to get back to their routines. Thank you so much Janis for sharing all the stress and joys of showing these three babies. Izzy loves you and shows very nice for you. Its nice to have a "show buddy"

Thank you Barb & Jim Pottieger for allowing me to show your baby. He really is a pretty boy and most of the time he shows like gang busters.

Check bac to Tian Mi's news page for more photos of this show and updates.

SHIHTZUKISSES.COM PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

2009-02-09T19:36:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on several projects that will change the way I interact with other Shih Tzu lovers. Shih Tzu kisses or Tian Mi Shih tzuis in the process of adding a Shih tzu message board. After enlisting the help of a dear friend and fellow breeder / exibitor to help moderate the Message board the launch date is projected to be 2/21

Tian Mi SHih Tzu will also be launching an online store that will offer Shih Tzu lovers a place to get their grooming tools and Shih Tzu gear for a reasonable price at Shihtzukisses.com

The store will feature items that I have used or have currently found "perfect" for my Shih tzu. The majority of my enjoyment of this breed is the fact you can doll them up. My online store will pass on the products my Shih Tzu enjoy.

Look for the store to open around the same time the Shih tzu message board does 2/21

BUTTERFLY POLL

2009-02-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

After checking my email this am I discovered an unhappy shihtzukisses visitor that was quite annoyed with the butterflies that fly around my website.

The email was as follows:

I didn't want to steal your images or text, I just wanted to make those annoying butterflies go away so I could better read your page.

I was concerned about the annoying butterflies and decided just because I like them, what if they do bother my visitors. I decided to take a poll of the 50+ Shih Tzu lovers on my email list. I sent a mass email asking everyone for their opinion as to the butterflies annoying habits. The emails that followed were quite amusing. I chuckled at each opinion as they rolled in. Never in a million years would I have imagined butterflies would cause such a stir. I got the biggest chuckle out of many of the responses. I love my clients!!!!!

Some of the responses follows:

I love them!! I love all of it! - Shirley
____________________________________________

Hands down KEEP the butterflies. If I were you I would be Leary of anyone who makes comments like annoying or distracting, I don't know if I would want to allow a puppy to go to them. I think you are not only a wonderful breeder but a talented web site creator and the butterflies have always been such a sweet welcome to your beautiful web page. - SUE
____________________________________________
I am a professional web designer and I find them part of your image and NONDISTRACTING. They are not enough of an element to be distracting. I learned that if your are going to have animation it must be brief and/or subtle and I don't believe you violated this web design rule. That's my thought. Keep the little butterflies! - Ginny
____________________________________________
Although at first glance I thought the butterflies were cute, I did find them very distracting. You have done such a great job on the website and all the photos and information you provide to us. I think the butterflies detracts from that. Just my opinion. - Carol
____________________________________________
GOOD MORNING LESLIE.......WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO COMPLAINING ABOUT BUTTERFLIES.....I LOVE BUTTERFLIES TOO....I FEEL IT MADE THE SITE MORE INTERESTING AND WELL...HAPPY...LIGHT HEARTED AND SPECIAL......SOME PEOPLE NEED TO GET A LIFE....I MEAN IT....WHAT WITH EVERYTHING ELSE WRONG IN THIS WORLD ALL THEY CAN FIND WRONG IS BUTTERFLIES....WOW...WHAT HAS THIS WORLD COME TO???? I SAY LEAVE THE BUTTERFLIES.....WOULD THEY RATHER HAVE SADNESS THAN A FEW BUTTERFLIES....PLEASE!!!! KEEP 'EM....... - Gail
____________________________________________
love them so much. Jim hates them but what does he know. He never goes into your website. Oh excuse me he does not hate them. He said they are distracting. They are not - Barb
____________________________________________
I personally like butterflies and they really did not distract me at all - Donna
____________________________________________
Hi Leslie,

I honestly love the butterflies. I do not find them distracting at all. I think you should keep them. - Jane
___________________________________________
Hi Leslie:
The butterflies are lovely, but what you said about being a distraction, you might be correct. A lot of people might not like them. I do like butterflies myself, but I know people who don't. I really don't think it is the butterflies themselves, but the movement of them that might be distracting? Try leaving them on and keep them still, if you can? - Carolyn
___________________________________________
We think they are perfect...shows how beautiful our babies are and what care you take with them! - Candace
___________________________________________
We love it - Janet & Family
___________________________________________
If you like the butterflies, then by all means keep them. Those who feel compelled
complain about every little thing can go take a flying leap off the nearest cliff. When
those complainers start paying for and maintaining the website, then they can have it as they
want. - Laura
___________________________________________
For me, any animation on a website that requires me to focus primarily on text, is distracting. Your butterflies are not annoying for me. - Stu
___________________________________________

As you can see many feel very passionately about the butterflies. Some do not really like them. These posted are only a fraction of what I got back. This email was responded to more than any other email I sent to my fellow Shih Tzu lovers.

The final consensus is .............

WERE KEEPING THE BUTTERFLIES!!!

Oh and the person who sent the complaining email, after responding back, I was sorry and the reason I have a no right click script on my site was to keep other Shih Tzu breeders from stealing. The emailer kindly said:

Sorry you've had trouble with your images being taken. I've been sick with the flu, so am more easily annoyed than usual. I did enjoy your site very much. I have a sweet rescued Shih tzu/poodle mutt and was looking for information on grooming her.

As you see it was all blown out of proportion. :o)

I got a great laugh and I had feedback in the past that the butterflies could be a little distracting so I had to ask. And now I know. KEEP THE BUTTERFLIES!!!!!!

For those who are distracted.......... Im sorry.
For those who love them............... So do I!!!!

LOOKING FOR IMPERIAL SHIH TZU

2009-02-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

I get many puppy calls every week. Without exception the callers are calling because they have been to my site and are captivated by the enchanting Shih Tzu. Most people read my site before they call in an effort to "Do their homework" before speaking with a breeder. I had a call at 8:45 pm the other night form a person wanting to know if I had any imperial Shih tzu available. I asked him if he had been to my site. He said yes he had read most of it. I told him he must have missed the section titled "IMPERIALS!!!"

I then told the guy I only breed to comply with the AKC standard for the Shih Tzu because I did show my dogs and only wished to produce Shih Tzu that were completely healthy. I was so mad at the guy for calling me after he stated he had been to my site and did his homework. If you are searching for a Shih Tzu puppy, please do your homework. If after you do yoru homework and, in spite of all the health issues, still choose to buy a so called imperial, DON'T CALL ME!!!

From time to time tiny Shih Tzu are born to AKC standard Shih Tzu parents. If you want a tiny dog, wait for one of these or pick another breed.

Fro more info on imperials go to http:www.shihtzukisses.com/imperials.htm

JOHN J GETS A CLEAN HIP X-RAY

2009-02-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

John J saw Dr Mary Mc Daniel. He was examined and x-rays were taken. Dr. Mc Daniel says his hips and joints are perfect.

IZZY GOES WINNERS BITCH!!!!

2009-01-27T15:20:00.000-08:00

Tian Mi's Isadorable took winners bitch in Ocala, Fl Saturaday to give her two more points!!! Bomer went reserve and John J decided he wanted to play.

PUPPY MILLS

2009-01-20T17:27:00.000-08:00

The term "Puppy mill" means different things to different people:
Is a Puppy Mill. . .
Puppy mills are breeding facilities that produce purebred puppies in large numbers. The puppies are sold either directly to the public via the Internet, newspaper ads, at the mill itself, or are sold to brokers and pet shops across the country.
A place where several breeds of dogs are raised and the breeder always has puppies for sale?
A dirty, trashy place where one or several breeds of dogs are kept in deplorable conditions and puppies are always available?
A place where a single breed of dog is raised in acceptable conditions and puppies are always available?

A place where lots of dogs are raised, where breeding is done solely for financial gain rather than protection of breed integrity, and where puppies are sold to brokers or to pet stores?

All of the above?
Read more about puppymills at www.shihtzukisses.com/puppymills.htm

2009-01-19T09:11:00.000-08:00

Our potential new showgirl "BRIE"

Make a Smilebox slideshow

MY PRECIOUS CUT DOWNS

2009-01-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

From left to right: Bailley, Molly, Maggie, Sophie, Phoebe and Chase At Tian Mi Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu puppies are not the main focus. As you can see we take great pride in loving our dogs. While my babies were in the yard going potty they looked so cute looking for just the right spot, all in their winter sweaters. The thought came to me that I just had to get a photo of them looking so adorable. Chase and Molly were spending the weekend and the timing was perfect. Chase was put out by the whole thing but the rest of the dogs just sat there looking as adoable as they are. The challenge was getting them all to look at me at the same time. 40 clicks and this is one of the best ones.

A DOG A DAY - Meet "Phoebe"

2009-01-17T14:59:00.000-08:00

DOB: 08/19/2007 Tian Mi's Talk Nice To Me
Phoebe was born with a silver spoon in her mouth because Bailley is her mother. Phoebe is so much like her mother. I prayed when Bailly was pregnant with her last litter she would have a baby girl just like her. She granted me this request. What a jewel Phoebe is. Everything Phoebe does is perfect!!! I adore this little girl!!

Tian Mi Shih Tzu is so proud of our little Phoebe.... See more of her at www.shihtzukisses.com

2009-01-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

The article below was featured in The Shih Tzu Reporter Winter 2008 Issue

It was written by my very good friend and AKC Judge Mrs Janis Clary McGee

NM: How did you become involved in the sport of dogs?

JCM: In 1983, a beautiful little Shih Tzu named Tzusie, a gift from my husband, Don, led to my entrée into the sport of dogs. We chose to breed her to a lovely Champion dog and his owners encouraged me to become involved in the sport.

NM: What was your first breed owned? Shown? Bred? Licensed?

JCM: The first breed owned and bred by me was Cocker Spaniels through the 1970’s. Since my marriage in 1983 and the gift of Tzusie, it has been a love affair of owning, showing and breeding Shih Tzu.

NM: Why did you originally decide to breed and/or judge Shih Tzu?

JCM: It was truly a challenge to me to breed a better dog. Though my Tzusie seemed oh so perfect to me, many people challenged the fact that she hadn’t much of a pedigree. I did spay her after the one litter. It must be said, however, that her daughter, Saki, went on to earn her R.O.M. (Register of Merit) through line breeding. Saki earned that title from only two litters (a total of eight puppies) – one champion from her first litter and three from her second litter. She was spayed at the age of seven years and went on to live a healthy and happy life to the ripe old age of seventeen years and nine months – she was a Shih Tzu of extraordinary health and playfulness.
Jam-Ups Shih Tzu, the prefix from the nickname given me by my father, has bred and finished many dogs. While I have never been a terribly prolific ‘bunch of puppies’ top producer, I bred enough to continue showing for the last twenty years, finished many dogs that I bred, co-bred or purchased for my own purposes. I imported a beautiful girl from the U. K. and finished her as well. Of course, I have had my share of "also rans" too – not everything is meant to be a champion! The main focus for me, personally, was/is breeding a sounder dog: Dogs of sound conformation, health and temperament.

NM: Why did you decide to pursue judging?

JCM: The decision to become an AKC judge was simply a matter of natural progression. Believed to have an "eye" for a good dog – it seemed only natural to follow a path to judging by educating myself as thoroughly as possible through all the avenues available; that is practical experience, seminars, AKC Institutes and being mentored by those I felt made great contributions to the sport, as well as their respective breeds.

NM: When judging, what is the "must have" quality you look for in a Shih Tzu?

JCM: Condition, conditioned and conditioning! Condition – picture of health – cleanliness and possessed of good conformation. Conditioned – prepared for a specific action – i.e., being shown. Conditioning – the process, or result, of inducing (the dog) to new or modified behavioral responses so that it can be judged fairly and honestly on all factors encompassed within the breed standard. All of these points are so clearly evident when an exhibit presents in the ring – the eyes clear and sparkling, the coat is clean and well groomed and the exhibit displays confidence and gaits with a fluidity born of excellent conformation married to excellent training and attitude. It is a beautiful sight to behold when this happens.

NM: Tell us your definition of breed type in a Shih Tzu.

JCM: The term "breed type" is today’s ‘soccer term’; while all involved in the sport of dogs kick it around, few seem to really score on the meaning. It is used and bandied about with ever increasing frequency without anyone seeming to understand exactly what it encompasses. The old adage ‘if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck’ is NOT actually applicable as some seem to believe. Breed type, by its very definition, has to be as subjective as is the job of judging itself. It cannot be defined in absolutes except as it represents a sum total of a judge’s INTERPRETATION of the specific breed standard to be applied.
It is not too terribly common to find complete agreement among judges, exhibitors/breeders and/or, for that matter, AKC Representatives as to what constitutes breed type of a specific breed. We all have choices and each see through a different set of eyes that are affected by our original breed and the experiences within that breed and/or breeding program. I, as an artist, am going to see many things that may not be seen by others. Balance is extremely important to me, but – I personally feel that breed type fully encompasses the "whole package" – the look, the feel (conformation), the movement and the attitude.

NM: Type and structure - Are they the same? Why or why not?

JCM: NO – type and structure are not the same, but each is relative to the other. If structure is poor it can, and often does, have a negative impact on the exhibit in that it can destroy the movement. It can ruin the flow of outline, particularly in profile, which is often described within the breed standard.
That said - lack of good structure does not always negate type. Occasionally an exhibit can somehow manage to use that lack of soundness so well that you cannot, in your wildest dreams, even begin to understand how in the world they do it. I have experienced it; I have seen it and I have judged it. So while type and structure are not the same, and are certainly relative each to the other, you can have one without the other on occasion.

NM: What do you look for on the table?

JCM: When an exhibit is tabled, it is my job to assess conformational soundness and evaluate through a ‘hands on’ examination the specifics as described within the breed standard. The table is my tool for discovery and the floor is the point of my ultimate decision.

NM: What do you look for in movement?

JCM: I like to see smooth, easy flowing movement with reach and drive of equal measure along with a display of level and sound top line and appropriate head carriage. I want the dog to cover good ground at the given speed without any hint of being strung up or raced around the ring. Natural speed varies in all breeds. While some dogs move at a naturally faster pace than others, it is so terribly obvious when a handler races the dog around the ring to try covering faults with speed or by stringing the dog up. How unprofessional it looks as the dogs involved either look terrified to the point of running for their life and/or when strung up, the poor little things have their front feet pulled off the ground. Both things are surely less than complimentary to the handler and the dog!

NM: Health, Conformation, Temperament - What do you feel is the order of importance and why?

JCM: All of these factors are of equal importance and somewhat interdependent. Health would include the musculature and skeletal structure of the dog and, therefore, becomes relative to the overall soundness. If a dog suffers any discomfort due to some deviation not fully evident it would, in turn, affect temperament. Though such flaws are not always evident in a young dog, it will be precipitate for the future of any breeder who fails to recognize a problem in its infancy and to take appropriate and responsible steps to correct the issue.

NM: If you could address someone just coming into the sport of dogs, specifically conformation and Shih Tzu, what advice would you give a novice?

JCM: Ah, the novice - sometimes referred to as ‘the newbie’. What a welcome addition! My advice would be fourfold:- Talk to everyone while being terrifically discerning.- Find a reliable, respected and respectful mentor (not necessarily a competitor) and give them you unquestionable loyalty.- Believe in yourself; trust your instincts with regard to your dogs and the people you surround yourself with.
- Welcome diversity in dogs, pedigrees and people.
Be prepared for:- The good – the joy of owning/breeding a great dog, the wins, the friendships built and the joy of the journey itself.- The bad – losses (including your beloved dogs as they age), defeats in the ring and friendships that really weren’t in the first place.- The ugly – jealousy, miscommunications and other aberrant behaviors that sometimes plague competition.

NM: In the US, the Shih Tzu is currently in the Toy group, in Canada, Non-Sporting. There is a movement by AKC to possibly move the Shih Tzu into the Non-Sporting group in US competition. Where do you feel the Shih Tzu is a better fit and why?

JCM: Welcome to the twenty-first century. All areas of life today seem cast in a global market. Group re-alignment is just one step for the AKC in a world of competition encompassing more and more registries along with more and more breed recognition. At some point there must an alignment more in tune with the globalization of the sport itself (yuck! That sounds politically terrifying!). Be it with smiles and accolades, or kicking and screaming, things must actually change in order to grow and remain competitive. My personal feelings aside, re-alignment is a truly complex issue. There are some really perplexing questions regarding the wisdom with which this will be accomplished. Judges are confused as to what will happen to their ability to judge the group change-ups. I have empathy for the judges department in their deliberations on how they can possibly make this palatable and fair for all of us concerned. More still, I feel for those of us "in process" and having things confused by this realignment.
The Shih Tzu could fit or compete well in either the Toy Group or the Companion Group. The ties into the Toys is such a long standing relationship that being moved into the Companion Group could cause some very negative effects. Without very close monitoring it could also lead to far too many deviations from the present breed standard. Small changes seem to somehow become the accepted and approved, and over time, become the norm. I truly would not like to see the Shih Tzu changed into some larger and/or less beautiful version of itself.
There are, at present, some breeds recommended to re-alignment that I do not agree with while there are at least three toy breeds I feel could benefit from the re-alignment. Whatever the outcome of AKC’s decision, hopefully it will be of benefit to the breeds involved along with the breeders, the judging community and still allow for continuity of growth for the good of the sport.

NM: What is your feeling of the grooming techniques of today in comparison to those practiced when the Shih Tzu was first acknowledged by the AKC?

JCM: This subject is bandied around as much as the "breed type" comment/question. There is no reason to even begin to try a comparison because there is none!
Attend just one National Specialty and you should come away with the knowledge firmly implanted that Shih Tzu breeders and owners/handlers are among the top groomers in the world. The dedication, the attention to detail so prevalent in the Shih Tzu ring today becomes so much clearer and so very much more appreciated when one attends the National.
Yes, one might be crazy to want to compete in Shih Tzu with all that work, but the result is breathtaking. When sitting at ringside at the National, it is a glorious site to behold! Admittedly, I AM PREJUDICED!
I would possibly change the overdone topknot of today. Okay, what constitutes overdone? Well, if you puff it up until it sits on the dog's nose – it might be overdone! I can still find the longer nose, the eye white and the lack of fore skull as well as the breadth of skull - so why put your self or the dog through all of that. You can make the dog look deformed. I do appreciate a lovely, smooth and complimentary bubble, but truly do not like overdone!
Next, while I appreciate, too, enough height to accomplish lovely balance, some topknots are obscenely tall with rubber bands out the ‘wazoo’. Further, no attempt whatsoever is made to conceal them. THEY CAN BE CONCEALED! The topknot is the most daunting challenge to anyone new to our breed. Most Shih Tzu look absolutely lovely in maintenance bands, braids or however we keep them daily – yet we put pressure on ourselves to perfect the topknot.
What we actually accomplish with all of this ‘stuff’ is to discourage and suppress interest in our own breed. New folks feel they just cannot compete because they cannot do a perfect topknot. They also have no interest in trying because many of us go nuts when someone walks up and wants to talk to our dogs or touch them before they go in the ring. Many of us have been guilty of this at one time or another! Embarrassing – huh?
Yes, I want beauty but not that which borders on sublimely ridiculous! If they are ironed, that is fine. I want beauty, not topknots flying around and falling over the gorgeous face and into the mouth and eyes. I want them clean and fresh and glowing and beautiful.

NM: In what qualities do you feel, overall, the Shih Tzu breed is strong? Weak? Where do you feel breeders need to concentrate and improve?

JCM: As breeders, it is imperative that we take on the issue of structure – particularly the front assembly. Bouncing, rocking and/or swaying in the top line are so prevalent. It is not an optical illusion, as some suggest, created by the dog's hair. Fronts are all over the place; shoulders up under the ears, no chest. Therefore they feel like both front legs come out of the same hole (not just in Shih Tzu); then there are bowed legs and elbows loose or out, necks too long or too short, straight stifles or sickle hocks. We have some rears overdriving the straight front assembly messing with the movement. Straight stifles are causing the dogs to stand under themselves showing a top line that looks more like a Havanese. We have Shih Tzu that move around the ring with Cocker Spaniel top lines because their angles cannot allow them to do otherwise. Sometimes, it is difficult to understand why they are being shown at all – and some of them in the Bred-By class.
Most folks feel it is a bad idea to try talking with individual breeders about what you see as most of us – well – we can be really sensitive because we have our own hearts tied up in these beautiful dogs! Perhaps the time has come for National Clubs (and not just Shih Tzu) to begin a program to educate breeders regarding structure and how it effects movement. Small attempts have been made but, I believe, a serious effort must be made.
The Shih Tzu has always been referred to as a head breed. There has been, for sometime now, a tendency toward smaller heads and eyes that are either smaller or showing excessive eye white.
It is not too late to fix these issues. There are some really fine dogs out there. Attend the National; talk with each other openly and HONESTLY. If you have been around awhile, share your knowledge freely and reach out to the novice and help them along. It is so very difficult to learn everything alone and many people just don’t have the ‘moxie’ to fight that battle!We can breed a better dog when, and if, we work together!

A DOG A DAY - "Mira Mar's Tian Mi's Original Spin" Gracie

2009-01-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

Gracie lives in south Fl with her new foster Mommy, Sue. Gracie needed to be in a home where she was center of attention and God presented me the perfect home for her. Gracie has become a little less timid, and adores her new mother and home. I am confident I made the right decision to let Gracie live her life as the princess of her domain. Gracie is loved and cherished and her sweet gentle spirit will be missed here at Tian Mi.

NEW WEBSITE PAGE _ Imperial Shih Tzu

2009-01-13T21:35:00.000-08:00

A word about Imperials

The AKC standard for a Shih Tzu is 9 - 16lbs. The Shih Tzu is not supposed to be a fragile dog. Correct Shih Tzu are sturdy little dogs with good bone

The terms “imperial,” "pocket puppy" and “tiny teacup” are sometimes used to describe undersized Shih Tzu. The proceeding terms are generally used by unethical breeders to drive up prices for dogs that do not conform to the standard. These breeders lure puppy buyers in by using these terms to make buyers think these puppies are unusual or special. Most certainly special or unusual Shih Tzu puppies bring a much higher price.

"Imperial" Shih Tzu breeders have purposely downsized, an already small dog, In the name of the mighty dollar. These breeders risk the overall health and wonderful distinguishing breed characteristics that responsible breeders have worked long and hard to preserve.

Read more about this subject at www.shihtzukisses.com/imperials.htm

A Dog A Day - Meet "EVA"

2009-01-13T21:33:00.000-08:00

Eva is co owned with my Dad, Bob Cootz. Eva is very shy and wants everything to be about her. Eva loves men and the first time my father and her meet it was love at first site. I decided to send Eva to live with him because she seemed to take to him more than anyone else. Eva has a special karma about her, that just draws people to her because she has soulful eyes. She seems very subdued but don't let that charming little face fool you. Eva loves to play and romp around. She and her playmate, Hope, are two peas in a pod at my parents. Eva is a go with the flow kind of dog. She will do anything to get approval.

Read more about Eva at www.shihtzukisses.com/crew.htm

A DOG A DAY - Meet Maggie

2009-01-12T15:45:00.000-08:00

DOB: 5/28/2005
Maggie's breeder, Anna May Brown of Edelweiss kennel, named her before she came to us. We made her call name Maggie because the movie Million Dollar Baby was very popular and the girl in that movie was named Maggie. She has been a joyful addition to our home with her charming personality and is always overjoyed to meet anyone. She greets everyone by nibbling on their earlobes. Maggie simply tickles my heart with her jovial nature and spends her days running the house with Bailley and Sophie, always ready to play. Maggie has her own cat Bubba who comes to her for a good ear cleaning. On our fun page you can see a video of her doing just that.

Please visit Tian Mi Shih Tzu for more about Maggie. www.shihtzukisses.com/crew.htm

We currently have Shih tzu puppies from Maggie!!!!!

A Dog A Day!!! MEET BAILEY

2009-01-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

Born 11/29/2000

Bailley was my very first show dog. Bailleys name says it all. She "Had me from the start" She is my breeding and I was the one who delivered her. As you can see by the photos, I did not know much at the time about grooming. I learned so much with her. She hated the show ring and I finally cut her down. Looking back I think she could have been finished. I love her face and beautiful head, I would love a house full of faces like this one. Bailley and I have been through a lot together and she is my special little girl. We call her the drama queen of the house, when she wants something she uses her voice and talks to us. Bailley was spayed after giving me a beautiful baby girl, Phoebe. See www.shihtzukisses.com/crew.htm for more photos and information about my babies.

LEARN ALL YOU CAN BEFORE YOU BUY

2009-01-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

If you are considering a Shih Tzu, I would strongly caution you to be sure and study, study, study!!! Shih Tzu can come plagued with a multitude of problems if not bred properly. Do your homework and get your hands on as much as you can. Study the breed standard, www.shihtzukisses.com/standard.htm

Many people come to me looking for a Shih Tzu, do not even know the way a proper Shih Tzu is supposed to look. Look at photos of people who show their dogs and compare the Shih Tzu you are thinking of purchasing with those. www.shihtzukisses.com is photo rich. Check it out

Be sure to read the true story of someone who did not do her homework and ended up getting more than she bargained for. See her story at www.shihtzukisses.com/bamboozled.htm

Remember "All puppies are cute" What are they going to look like when they grow up.

Izzy's win at Miami Dog show 12/7 & 12/8

2009-01-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Sat 12/7 Izzy took winners bitch over the previous days best in show bitch, and went on to win breed and make the cut in group!!!! All on her very first show. Sun 12/8 Izzy won winners bitch. This liter consisted of four puppies and three are now pointed!!! Way to go Tian Mi!!!!

Pictured at the right with my friend, Janis Clary McGee and Judge Mr. Rodger Hartinger.

Janis took Izzy back in for group.

Read more about Izzy in Miami at www.shihtzukisses.com/news.htm

Miami 12/6 & 12/7

2009-01-10T13:52:00.001-08:00

Bomer wins winners dog on the 6th and breed the 7th!!!! Pictured below with Judge Mr. Rodger Hartinger, myself, Leslie LeFave and the owner Barb Pottieger. Thank you Mr.Rodger Hartinger for this win!!!

Pictured with myself, Stud owner and judge, Janis McGee in Lime and Judge Mr. Kent Delaney

Thank you Kent Delaney for this win.

See more photos from this show at www.shihtzukisses.com/news.htm

OCALA DOG SHOW 11/15/08

2009-01-10T13:29:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to post John J's winning photo at the Ocala dog show. This was John J's third show and finally he walked nice so the judge could see how beautiful his movement is.

Thank you Judge Elaine Mathis for noticing our beautiful boy.

See more photos and show news on our website at www.shihtzukisses.com/news.htm

2009-01-08T09:58:00.000-08:00

HERNIAS

HERNIAS IN SHIH TZU PUPPIES, as well as other toy breeds, are very common, and is not a medical condition or cause for immediate concern. Please be informed before you agree to surgical hernia repair on your SHIH TZU PUPPY.

"A hernia is a protrusion or bulge of a part of the body tissue, fat, or an organ through an abnormal opening of the surrounding tissue. There are numerous types of hernias, each type named after its affected area.

Read more about Umbilical hernias at www.shihtzukisses.com/health.htm

2008-05-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

2008 NAtional Shih Tzu Specialty

Shih Tzu National 2008 was a blast. Many beautiful dogs showed up dressed in their best for Mr. Ed Bivin and Mrs. June Penta. Not all the exibitors were happy in the end but, it was a dog show, someone had to win and lots of people had to lose.

I showed my little bitch Phoebe "Tian Mi's Talk Nice To Me"

What a joy she was to show. She showed great and this was her first time out. She had the ball room laughing because of her antics. She really is a jem.

I did not sleep or eat at the National show. There was so much to do we were lucky to eat once a day. I survived off anywhere between 3-5 hours of sleep a night. By the time the week was over I was ready to get home and get sleep. I have to say though it was a very memorable time for me.