We have had Shih Tzu's since 1981, they are great dogs. We would breed them every once in awhile so we could keep the same blood line. Our older one " Gabby " is 6, we have tried to breed her twice but with no luck. Last Oct. we bought a black male "you can not see him at night". Before when we would introduce a new dog it would take the older dog about 2 weeks before they would like it. Gabby hated Gus for 3 months. But now they are having a ball together. Shih Tzu's are great with kids, love them. Deenie