Shih Tzu Traits & Good to Know

Umbilical hernias are one of the more common things seen in Shih Tzu puppies. They appear as a small, soft bump at the belly button area. The easiest way to think of it is like an “outie” belly button.

Good to know:

• Common in this breed 
• Typically small and not painful 
• Many close on their own as the puppy grows 
• Most are simply cosmetic 

If it doesn’t close on its own, usually your vet can easily repair it with 1–2 stitches at the time of spay or neuter.

We only place puppies with small hernias that are considered cosmetic.

 Tear staining is common in Shih Tzu due to their facial structure.

You may notice some discoloration under the eyes, especially during the puppy stage. Tear staining is usually only noticeable on lighter colored fur.

Good to know:

• Usually cosmetic 
• Can be improved with regular cleaning 
• Diet often plays a big role 

Many families see noticeable improvement when feeding a high-quality, clean diet.

Visit Our Favorites page for the kibble that we use and recommend!

Some Shih Tzu can be sensitive to certain foods or environmental triggers.

Signs may include:

• Itching or scratching 
• Paw licking 
• Mild skin irritation 

In many cases, these symptoms improve with proper nutrition and a consistent routine.

For nutrition recommendations, visit our Our Favorites page where we share the products we trust and use for our own dogs.

 Reverse sneezing can look and sound a little scary if you’ve never seen it before.

It often sounds like a snorting or “catching their breath” moment.

Good to know:

• Common in small breeds 
• Episodes are brief and harmless 
• Often triggered by excitement or minor irritation 
• Can usually be stopped quickly by covering nose to encourage mouth breathing

Most dogs outgrow frequent episodes as they mature.

 Not the most glamorous topic, but a common one. Some puppies go through a phase of eating stool.

Why it happens:

• Natural curiosity 
• Instinctual behavior 
• Occasionally related to diet

Good to know:

• It’s usually temporary 
• Easy to manage with supervision and quick cleanup 
• Often improves with age and proper nutrition
• Try a splash of pineapple juice on food for 2 weeks or Forbid from your vet. 

A well-balanced, high-quality diet can also help reduce the behavior.

• We monitor each puppy closely 
• We are transparent about anything we observe 
• We prioritize proper nutrition from the start 
• We focus on raising happy, well-adjusted puppies

Most of what you’ll see in this breed are minor, manageable, and often temporary things.

If you ever have questions, we’re always here to help.