When they ran or entertained you their long coat which was just to the ground would 'float'', such a delight to see and watch. When the play was over the back legs would go straight out behind them, and that is where they stayed to rest before heading to the basket, the bed.
They are what I call a high maintenance little dog, however, I loved every minute of the grooming. Plucking the hair out of the ears, clipping the nails, washing the eyes & face daily and brushing/combing the hair, cutting hair away from the pads of it's feet. Could have taken the dog to a dog groomer, or had one call at home but preferred to do it myself, putting a ribbon in it's hair when it was long. The weekly bath or twice weekly was always a good time, a perfect well behaved dog.
One great thing about the Shih-Tzu's, they have hair so therefore don't leave hair all over the house.
We purchased dog clippers which were good ones so that when the dog became older I could shear him, and when I did I believe he felt naked and would go and hide till his hair grew a bit, then sit on my knee when ever possible. Mum was the word!
When we traveled within Tasmania we would take him with us, he was easily hidden :) being so small and he knew not to bark. When we traveled other states of Australia our eldest son lived at home so he took care of him, doing his best.
Unfortunately he had to be put down a few ago, but we are over that now, and remember our sweet little dog without tears in our eyes - yes it takes time.
Sasha in our backyard.
