What is Good and Bad about Shih Tzus?

9. Shih Tzus Have Hereditary Problems Like Other Dogs

Although the American Shih Tzu Club does not have mandatory testing for hereditary diseases, they recommend that their breeders screen for the following hereditary and congenital diseases: renal dysplasia, portal systemic shunt, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, eye problems, Von Willebrands disease, allergies, inguinal hernias, and allergies. It's imperative that the breeder furnish proof that they screened their breeding stock for these diseases by providing certificates from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and any lab screening from veterinarians.

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