Is your Shih Tzu show dog or companion? For instance, Shih Tzus are close companions to their owners by their very nature. However, not all Shih Tzus can be show dogs.
Before getting your Shih Tzu, make sure that you already know whether you want a top show dog for breeding and dog show competitions, or you’re interested in a loyal, trustworthy house pet that will love you forever.
Show dogs must conform to specific breed standards that include conformation, height as well as character.
Companion Shih Tzus may possess minor imperfections when compared to the very strict conformation standards of a champion dog, but at the same time may be wonderful and loving in all other aspects.
For the most part, the difference between a show dog and a companion dog is not obvious to most people. Certain flaws may be hidden and only apparent to the trained eye.
Shih Tzu Show Dog or Companion: Which is First?
In fact, not too many people can detect flaws in a Shih Tzu especially under all of that hair. A companion Shih Tzu, is in no way any less of a valued member of a loving family.
Shih Tzus have been bred for many years for their looks; however, their main purpose in life is to be a good and loving companion to you, and it does that job very well.
Keep in mind that these dogs were bred to be companions centuries before the dog shows ever existed.
If you’ve concluded that you want a show dog. Be prepared to pay a lot more than you would for a good companion and household pet.
Also, you should be aware that just because the parent is a champion, there is no guarantee that the offspring will be champions.
In my opinion, if you really want a show dog. Purchase an adult that has already had success in the show ring.
Puppies are cute and cuddly when they’re young. But they’re no guarantees they’ll grow up to have show dog qualities.
If you purchase a show dog as a puppy, you’re gambling that the puppy will maintain a certain level of show dog quality after it has gone through its growth phases and development.
They’re plenty of changes that can take place between puppyhood and adulthood. Therefore, buying an adult show dog is the best way to go. Because there are no surprises. What you see is what you get.
Hopefully, this article gave you some insight on the all-important question of Shih Tzu show dog or companion – which one?
