• Weight: 9-16 pounds
• Demeanor:
  They are arrogant, spunky, alert and trustworthy with polite, careful children. These dogs are happy and hardy, and have loads of character.
• Color: Any
• Energy Level: They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Note: This breed is sensitive to the heat.
• Life expectancy: About 15 years or more
• Grooming:
  These dogs require a daily grooming using a bristle brush. A topknot is usually tied with a bow so that the dog can see. Some owners prefer to have them trimmed to make the coat easier to care for. This breed sheds little to no hair and is good for allergy suffers if their coats are kept well groomed. (Due to the fact that they shed little skin dander.)
• Origin: The Shih Tzu was used originally as a lapdog.
• AKC Category: Toy Group

• Other Names: None

Meet author Caroline Coile Ph.D. who says:
I have 13 dogs, all salukis and all house dogs. Sometimes I think they will drive me insane, but I would also go insane without them. They include Best in Show and #1 ranked show and obedience dogs (well, I guess I did get some of them to mind me once in awhile) as well as those who will never see a show ring or win anything except my heart. They would be very upset if I didn't include their names here, so here goes: Hypatia, Sissy, Dixie, Savannah, Wolfman, Stinky, Jeepers, Junior. Beanie, Kitty, Omen, Minka, and Isis. My "kennel" name, Baha, is named after my very first saluki.
See her interview here on Pet Corner

Adopting a new pet
Adopt rather than buy, and save a life!
by Paula Colvett
So you've decided to obtain a new pet for your household. Before you purchase a new pet, why not check out your area animal shelter or humane society? By adopting from a shelter, you not only save the life of the animal you adopt, but also the lives of all those animals awaiting a vacancy in the shelter so they will have a place to go. Here are some tips and tricks so that both you and your pet will be happy!!

Essential Shih Tzu
by Ian Dunbar, Howell Book House, Bane Harrison