SHIH TZU'S

Although Shih Tzus are wonderful pets to own, they are not for everyone. Some potential owners are attracted to the Shih Tzu because of its beautiful coat, but this quality can end up being very difficult to handle for the average dog owner. Shih Tzus require brushing and combing at least 3 times a week. To maintain a full coat, weekly baths and blow drying are a must. For the clipped coat pet, they still require regular brushing and baths every two weeks. Shih Tzus grows very fine soft hair in their ears which should be removed to prevent ear infections and to maintain good health.

Therefore, a trip to the groomer at least every 2 months is required.  Shih Tzu has many admirable traits but it is perhaps the breed's temperament that is so remarkable. The Shih Tzu may even be loving and trusting to a fault. They don't understand that someone may not like them or that something bad might happen to them. Also, they are slow to recognize aggression from other dogs or animals.

They will walk up to any dog and go nose to nose, wagging their tails. 
Another attractive Shih Tzu quality is that although they are small, they are tough and sturdy. They are a big dog in a small package but don't require a ton of exercise. Shih Tzus enjoy thier walks but they don't  require a lot of activity. They are ready to play when you are, but they can amuse themselves.  Even an older Shih Tzu will still love their balls, toys and other play objects.  This is not to say that the Shih Tzu can't survive without any attention.




YORKSHIRE TERRIERS

Yorkies are a "man made" breed that originated in the Yorkshire area of England early in the 19th century.  Several different dog breeds were bred together to create a small terrier that could kill vermin, like rats.

Although differences of opinion exist, it is generally thought that larger terrier dogs with different colors and textures of coats were used to develop the yorkie breed.  This mix of coat colors and textures may account for the difference in coat types and colors that we have today in the breed.  Coat color can range from light silver to blue to black. 

Early yorkies lived with the working man of England where being small was an advantage since small dogs eat less and could be kept less expensively.

However, since larger dogs were used to develop the breed there are still larger yorkies being born today.  Yorkies weights range between 3 and 12 lbs although some people live with smaller and larger dogs.  Show dogs must not exceed 7lbs.