Hi I am the proud owner of two german shepherds and a new little rescue dog that I recieved last week. The new one is the reason that I found this forum in the first place. She is a little 7 1/2 lb shih tzu. The vet informed me she is about 3 and 1/2 weeks preg. The ppl that she was rescued from had only shih tzu dogs. She was removed due to being malnurished and matted etc. The vet said other than needing to gain weight (she is to be fed Eukanuba puppy food for small breeds), and groomed that she is healthy. However I dont really know much about shih tzu breed. As I said I have 2 german shepherds (they think new dog is a puppy and want to mother her). The vet said that she just needs to maintain a healthy diet and she should be fine, he also said he thinks she can have the puppies naturally. Can anyone tell me anything breed specific about her. I have read lots of information online, and joined other forums that downed me for having preg shih tzu but apparently they didnt read that I just took her in as a rescue. The same way I got my 2 german shepherds, that are spayed and neutered. :-D Thanks for all the help I hope to recieve!

Hi. I just wanted to say congrats on the new dog. I think its wonderful that you are able to take in a pregnant dog. Im sure you will give her and the puppys a happy life. I also have a german shepherd. Its wonderful to hear that they want to mother the new one. Good luck with everything!

[lulusmom]

Congratulations on your new family addition and bless you for saving this little girl and her babies. I am so glad that you've had her checked out by a vet already. Did he take x-rays to determine how many puppies she is going to have. If not, that is something you really to do. You need to know how many she's got so that in the event she fails to deliver all of them, it is imperative that you get her to a vet asap. I have a friend that didn't know this and her dog had four puppies but only delivered three. She died within 24 hours and she was left with three newborns to hand feed. The momma and puppies should go to the vet as soon as you can to make sure that mom is totally cleaned out and the puppies are checked out. You may know all of this already so excuse if I'm telling you stuff that you already know.

I work in rescue and foster a little 7 pound senior Shih-Tzu with Cushing's. She is my only experience with the breed and if she is typical of the breed, then you just got yourself one very special little lady. Our Mabel is laid back, very sociable, undemanding and gets along with absolutely everybody...cats, dogs, people. She just goes with the flow. Just make sure you read up on the medical issues common in the breed.

Watching momma give birth is an incredible experience so make sure you don't miss it. Actually, you need to be there in case she runs into trouble. Most bitches know what to do but there are always exceptions. I'm excited for you and want to hear all about the delivery. By the way, do you now when she is due?

[wishbone]

Hi and welcome. First, congratulations for your new baby and second to the bonus new one's she carry in her. Since you're new with small breed and that is pregnant, always keep in touch with your vet. You also need some hands and eyes to take care of her.

congrats to the new dog, that is a good dog by the way.