Considering Shih Tzu as friend for our Yorkie. Any thoughts/feedback appreciated. - YorkieTalk.com Forums

cheeko · 03-21-2010, 08:16 AM

Hello all, haven't posted in a while.
Our buddy Toto is 5 years young now, healthy as heck (at 14 lbs, maybe 2-3 overweigt, but usually loses it come spring/summer), and of course we love him without bounds!
I will post up some pics later (EDIT, here's one now LOL)

Anyway, now the wife's friend has a Shih Tzu that is about 14 weeks old is offering it to us.
How can I say no, the pup is so cute!
LOL!

Any thoughts on how a 5 year old male that's had some "dates" with girlfriends, but no other dogs living here all their life would react to a female Shih Tzu pup invading their space?

All comments/thought welcome and appreciated!

Sincerely,

Cheeko, Mama and Toto

cheeko · 03-21-2010, 08:27 AM

Doh ran out of edit time!

LOL!

Here's a link to our buddy Toto!

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/alb...ictureid=85779

Nancy1999 · 03-21-2010, 08:33 AM

My grown son has a Shih Tzu who visits regularly and since Joey was introduced to him when the Shih Tzu was just a puppy, they get along great. Joey's smaller than your dog, and that's probably the only thing I worry about when the two are playing. Rambo is very playful, and sometimes he's just too rough with Joey, but Shih Tzu are known for having a friendly personality, and being very mellow. Since your yorkie is 14 pounds you are not going to have to be as concerned about the playful playing, and perhaps another playmate, can make Toto lose a couple of those unwanted pounds. I'm totally in love with Shih Tzu's I think they would get along with any breed.

Just saw Toto's picture, he's a darling, and a great size for a Shih Tzu playmate!

bellanrocco · 03-21-2010, 08:37 AM

Toto's a cutie!

Congrats on getting another dog. Shih Tzus are a great breed! As for your question, from what I've heard male/female combos generally get along better. However, it mainly would have to do with Toto--whether he's dog-aggressive or not; that is, aggressive towards other dogs. Also, it would have a lot to do with the way you introduce Toto and the new puppy. I would suggest introducing them in neutral territory (not your home), that way Toto will be less likely to be territorial. Do so with another person present, such as your spouse, etc. Keep both doggies leashed, let them sniff briefly, and then walk. Walking together allows both dogs to release pent up energy. Allowing them to sniff for too long can build up tension, and a fight may emerge. Further, walking can help their hunting instincts to kick in, preventing tension build-up. This is just a suggestion, as i didn't do this with mine, yet Bella was not dog-aggressive and thus was more willing to accept Rocco. Above all else, give Toto lots of attention and continue to give him treats first, feed him first, greet him first, etc. so that he knows his usual routine and his place in your household has not changed. Good luck!!

BellaBlue82 · 03-21-2010, 08:41 AM

I agree that as long as they are supervised at all times in the beginning, everything should be fine. Shi Tzus are adorable, and have similar coats to yorkies, in that they don't shed very much. And the new pup is young, so that helps too! Congrats!

JoshieBoy · 03-21-2010, 09:13 AM

I have a Shih Tzu and a Yorkie, and they get along great.

They sleep and play together every day. They only compete for food.

My two dogs have a great friendship bond. I think your Yorkie and Shih Tzu will have a great friendship bond too. My two dogs' personalities are different, but they get along. My Shih Tzu is laidback, and my Yorkie is playful. I think Bellanrocco gave some good suggestions on how to introduce the two pets. I think you are going to love having two dogs.

cheeko · 03-21-2010, 12:20 PM

Thank you all for the timely responses and words of encouragement!!!
This forum has been a wealth of information since we first got Toto and thanks to the Admins who keep it running smooth!

Back on topic...
We went and picked up Lola, our new Shih Tzu puppy and she is a darling (pics to follow shortly)!!!
Toto is a little confused and kind of shying away from her.
He's staying outside longer than normal as well, probably "gathering his thoughts"???

Anyway, great advice, thanks fellow Members!
We have been giving Toto his treats, paying more attention to him and making sure everyone in the family uses his name frequently to remind him he is important to us.

Lola is shy and quiet but likes to cuddle and has stopped trembling.
Up until today, she was with her Mom, Dad and 2 brothers since birth!
I wanted to take the brothers as well, they were so cute!
It was heartbreaking taking her from her family, but she will be well cared for here, no doubt.

So thanks again, we'll be sure to share our experiences and maybe we'll take them both for a walk tonight.

We did let them run around outside as soon as we got home and thankfully, little Lola laid a big poop outside, so it seems our friend was serious when she said Lola was house broken for the most part.

Ok, enough rambling, time to have some fun with the family!!!

JoshieBoy · 03-21-2010, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheeko

Thank you all for the timely responses and words of encouragement!!!
This forum has been a wealth of information since we first got Toto and thanks to the Admins who keep it running smooth!

Back on topic...
We went and picked up Lola, our new Shih Tzu puppy and she is a darling (pics to follow shortly)!!!
Toto is a little confused and kind of shying away from her.
He's staying outside longer than normal as well, probably "gathering his thoughts"???

Anyway, great advice, thanks fellow Members!
We have been giving Toto his treats, paying more attention to him and making sure everyone in the family uses his name frequently to remind him he is important to us.

Lola is shy and quiet but likes to cuddle and has stopped trembling.
Up until today, she was with her Mom, Dad and 2 brothers since birth!
I wanted to take the brothers as well, they were so cute!
It was heartbreaking taking her from her family, but she will be well cared for here, no doubt.

So thanks again, we'll be sure to share our experiences and maybe we'll take them both for a walk tonight.

We did let them run around outside as soon as we got home and thankfully, little Lola laid a big poop outside, so it seems our friend was serious when she said Lola was house broken for the most part.

Ok, enough rambling, time to have some fun with the family!!!

Congratulations on getting your Shih Tzu. I am glad everything is going well.

Wrenee4 · 03-21-2010, 04:27 PM

My best friend has a Shih Tzu and her and my Nadia are the best of friends. Nadia is about 4 lbs and her Shih Tzu is about 15ish and they play great together. They are both divas and don't want their faces bit when playing so it's just a lot of noise and running. LOL They have a ball!

YorkieShadow · 03-21-2010, 04:48 PM

Hi I have a shih tzu/ Yorkie mix. and she is the smartest loving baby. she gets along great with my Yorkies, the only problem I have is shes 3-4 times bigger My Yorkies are 2 lbs and 4 lbs and shes 12 lbs. so I have to watch when they are playing but she loves them and they get along great. Good Luck share pictures.

StacyDufner · 03-21-2010, 10:24 PM

Congrats on your new baby. I have a Shih Tzu named Boomer. We had him first and then got Bailey. Boomer loves her. He is 10 lbs and Bailey is under 2 lbs and they play really well together.

cheeko · 03-22-2010, 01:26 AM

Thanks again everyone.
The first day was OK.
Toto (Yorkie, 5yrs, 14lbs.) plays with Lola (Shih Tzu pup) outside, but shies away from her indoors???

Little Lola loves to be coddled and sleeps under the couch.
Come bedtime, we put her in her brand new cage with blanket floor and soft towels for curling up with.
Small bowls of food and water fit in there no problem.

Around 2am she started whimpering so Mama and I took turns playing with her and letting her outside to do her duty.

I hope she soon learns that nighttime is for sleeping, not playing LOL!

Mama is sleeping on the couch with her right now as I type this.
I hope I didn't waste money on a cage!

I think this will all work out fine, we just have to make sure to keep Toto's ego fed and focus more time on Toto for now.
I think that would make him feel not left out.

03-21-2010, 08:16 AM	#1
cheeko Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 25	Considering Shih Tzu as friend for our Yorkie. Any thoughts/feedback appreciated. Hello all, haven't posted in a while. Our buddy Toto is 5 years young now, healthy as heck (at 14 lbs, maybe 2-3 overweigt, but usually loses it come spring/summer), and of course we love him without bounds! I will post up some pics later (EDIT, here's one now LOL) Anyway, now the wife's friend has a Shih Tzu that is about 14 weeks old is offering it to us. How can I say no, the pup is so cute! LOL! Any thoughts on how a 5 year old male that's had some "dates" with girlfriends, but no other dogs living here all their life would react to a female Shih Tzu pup invading their space? All comments/thought welcome and appreciated! Sincerely, Cheeko, Mama and Toto __________________ *Toto's (Yorkie) and Lola's (Shih Tzu) papa* Last edited by cheeko; 03-21-2010 at 08:19 AM.

03-21-2010, 08:27 AM	#2
cheeko Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 25	Doh ran out of edit time! LOL! Here's a link to our buddy Toto! http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/alb...ictureid=85779 __________________ *Toto's (Yorkie) and Lola's (Shih Tzu) papa*

03-21-2010, 08:33 AM	#3
Nancy1999 I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 25,396 Blog Entries: 2	My grown son has a Shih Tzu who visits regularly and since Joey was introduced to him when the Shih Tzu was just a puppy, they get along great. Joey's smaller than your dog, and that's probably the only thing I worry about when the two are playing. Rambo is very playful, and sometimes he's just too rough with Joey, but Shih Tzu are known for having a friendly personality, and being very mellow. Since your yorkie is 14 pounds you are not going to have to be as concerned about the playful playing, and perhaps another playmate, can make Toto lose a couple of those unwanted pounds. I'm totally in love with Shih Tzu's I think they would get along with any breed. Just saw Toto's picture, he's a darling, and a great size for a Shih Tzu playmate! __________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals Last edited by Nancy1999; 03-21-2010 at 08:35 AM.

03-21-2010, 08:37 AM	#4
bellanrocco Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Biloxi, MS USA Posts: 177	Toto's a cutie! Congrats on getting another dog. Shih Tzus are a great breed! As for your question, from what I've heard male/female combos generally get along better. However, it mainly would have to do with Toto--whether he's dog-aggressive or not; that is, aggressive towards other dogs. Also, it would have a lot to do with the way you introduce Toto and the new puppy. I would suggest introducing them in neutral territory (not your home), that way Toto will be less likely to be territorial. Do so with another person present, such as your spouse, etc. Keep both doggies leashed, let them sniff briefly, and then walk. Walking together allows both dogs to release pent up energy. Allowing them to sniff for too long can build up tension, and a fight may emerge. Further, walking can help their hunting instincts to kick in, preventing tension build-up. This is just a suggestion, as i didn't do this with mine, yet Bella was not dog-aggressive and thus was more willing to accept Rocco. Above all else, give Toto lots of attention and continue to give him treats first, feed him first, greet him first, etc. so that he knows his usual routine and his place in your household has not changed. Good luck!! __________________ Mary Mommy to: Bella Rocco Teddy Missing you..Lily, Chaos, & Jasmine <3

03-21-2010, 08:41 AM	#5
BellaBlue82 Twilight lovin' Yakker Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 1,642	I agree that as long as they are supervised at all times in the beginning, everything should be fine. Shi Tzus are adorable, and have similar coats to yorkies, in that they don't shed very much. And the new pup is young, so that helps too! Congrats! __________________ *BellaBlue ~ Mommy to Sasha!*

03-21-2010, 09:13 AM	#6
JoshieBoy No Longer a Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 2,114	I have a Shih Tzu and a Yorkie, and they get along great. They sleep and play together every day. They only compete for food. My two dogs have a great friendship bond. I think your Yorkie and Shih Tzu will have a great friendship bond too. My two dogs' personalities are different, but they get along. My Shih Tzu is laidback, and my Yorkie is playful. I think Bellanrocco gave some good suggestions on how to introduce the two pets. I think you are going to love having two dogs.

03-21-2010, 12:20 PM	#7
cheeko Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 25	Thank you all for the timely responses and words of encouragement!!! This forum has been a wealth of information since we first got Toto and thanks to the Admins who keep it running smooth! Back on topic... We went and picked up Lola, our new Shih Tzu puppy and she is a darling (pics to follow shortly)!!! Toto is a little confused and kind of shying away from her. He's staying outside longer than normal as well, probably "gathering his thoughts"??? Anyway, great advice, thanks fellow Members! We have been giving Toto his treats, paying more attention to him and making sure everyone in the family uses his name frequently to remind him he is important to us. Lola is shy and quiet but likes to cuddle and has stopped trembling. Up until today, she was with her Mom, Dad and 2 brothers since birth! I wanted to take the brothers as well, they were so cute! It was heartbreaking taking her from her family, but she will be well cared for here, no doubt. So thanks again, we'll be sure to share our experiences and maybe we'll take them both for a walk tonight. We did let them run around outside as soon as we got home and thankfully, little Lola laid a big poop outside, so it seems our friend was serious when she said Lola was house broken for the most part. Ok, enough rambling, time to have some fun with the family!!! __________________ *Toto's (Yorkie) and Lola's (Shih Tzu) papa*

03-21-2010, 04:27 PM	#9
Wrenee4 YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,048	My best friend has a Shih Tzu and her and my Nadia are the best of friends. Nadia is about 4 lbs and her Shih Tzu is about 15ish and they play great together. They are both divas and don't want their faces bit when playing so it's just a lot of noise and running. LOL They have a ball! __________________ ~Wendy~

03-21-2010, 04:48 PM	#10
YorkieShadow BANNED! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA Posts: 9,999	Hi I have a shih tzu/ Yorkie mix. and she is the smartest loving baby. she gets along great with my Yorkies, the only problem I have is shes 3-4 times bigger My Yorkies are 2 lbs and 4 lbs and shes 12 lbs. so I have to watch when they are playing but she loves them and they get along great. Good Luck share pictures.

03-21-2010, 10:24 PM	#11
StacyDufner ♥ Boomer & Bailey ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Belleville, IL Posts: 815	Congrats on your new baby. I have a Shih Tzu named Boomer. We had him first and then got Bailey. Boomer loves her. He is 10 lbs and Bailey is under 2 lbs and they play really well together. __________________ Stacy, Bailey and Boomer

03-22-2010, 01:26 AM	#12
cheeko Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 25	Thanks again everyone. The first day was OK. Toto (Yorkie, 5yrs, 14lbs.) plays with Lola (Shih Tzu pup) outside, but shies away from her indoors??? Little Lola loves to be coddled and sleeps under the couch. Come bedtime, we put her in her brand new cage with blanket floor and soft towels for curling up with. Small bowls of food and water fit in there no problem. Around 2am she started whimpering so Mama and I took turns playing with her and letting her outside to do her duty. I hope she soon learns that nighttime is for sleeping, not playing LOL! Mama is sleeping on the couch with her right now as I type this. I hope I didn't waste money on a cage! I think this will all work out fine, we just have to make sure to keep Toto's ego fed and focus more time on Toto for now. I think that would make him feel not left out. __________________ *Toto's (Yorkie) and Lola's (Shih Tzu) papa*