shihtzu2009

The standard coat of a Shih Tzu should be luxuriously long and dense with a good wooly undercoat.  The hair on top of the head may be tied up.   When a Shih Tzu is completely brushed and combed the Shih Tzu should have a sleek look.  The beard comes to a point and a long, luxuriant moustache flows over the beard. 

Method of making a Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy topknot:

1. Part the hair from the ear on both sides of the head.
2. Gather up in one hand the hair in the middle and slip on a latex band at the base.
3. The band may have to be wrapped around twice to make it secure.
4. A ribbon or barrette is recommended to be attached to latex band.

How to make your own Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy bows:

1. Cut one yard of ribbon.  The ribbon can be any width you desire.
2. From this yard of ribbon, cut another piece about 5” long.  Splice this in half lengthwise.
3. Cut the remainder of the yard in half.  This material should give you enough for two ribbons or bows.
4. Wrap one of the long pieces around two fingers.  Slip the folded ribbon off your fingers and double it over.
5. With a utility scissors, snip off a piece at the corners in a “V” shape, but not a sharp V, for you will lose any thread of support.  There should be a piece of ribbon left at the centerfold to hold it all together.
6. Take one of the spliced pieces (5”) and tie the ribbon at the centerfold securely.
7. Separate each fold by gently pulling out and twisting each fold out from the center.  Do both sides.  When all the folds are pulled out and twisted, the bow is completed.  All that remains is to fasten the bow to a tuft of hair, using the ends of the center splice to tie the knot.  Cut off any excess ribbon that remains.

Care of the Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy’s ears:Because of the long hair covering the Shih Tzu puppy’s ears, problems can develop when the ear gets little air.  Clean the excess hair out of your Shih Tzu puppy’s ear canal (not the ear flap) to improve air circulation and help prevent infection. 

Care of the Shih Tzu’s eyes:Shih Tzu generally has large eyes with shallow sockets. A Shih Tzu’s eyes are more prone to injury than most other breeds.  If your Shih Tzu puppy’s eyes are red or cloudy or tear excessively, or if your dog squints and rubs at his eye, have a vet look at your Shih Tzu puppy’s eye to determine the cause.   

Professionalism in Shih Tzu grooming:The word professional means “one skilled in a profession, craft, or art.  The word professionalism is defined as “the methods, manner, or spirit of a profession. 

To become professional at anything, one must have the skills appropriate to the art, craft or profession and must conduct themselves professionally.

Ear Cleaning:Cleaning the ears of your Shih Tzu is a simple chore.   With the Shih Tzu being a long-haired breed, problems can arise if neither ears nor cleaned regularly.  The hair in the ears of a Shih Tzu will grow long, knot up, mat and eventually interfere with proper functioning of the Shih Tzu’s ear canal.  Infection of your Shih Tzu’s ears can result. 

You will need a bottle or can of ear powder easily obtained through pet supply manufacturers.  Squirt the powder directly into the ears of your Shih Tzu.  The hair will become dry and brittle and is easily plucked out with your fingers.  Pluck the hair out of your Shih Tzu’s ears with a quick, firm motion until the ears of your Shih Tzu look clean.  You can also use a hemostat to pluck the hair out of your Shih Tzu’s ears. 

Be sure to purchase ear canker powder as it has the additional benefit of helping to control canker and ear mites in your Shih Tzu.  Swab your Shih Tzu’s ears gently with a cotton swab dipped in mineral oil or rubbing alcohol. 

Nail trimming:Keeping your Shih Tzu’s nail trimmed is important.  Without regular trimming, your Shih Tzu’s nails may grow so long that they actually throw the Shih Tzu off his natural balance and act as a source of irritation.  Neglecting to trim your Shih Tzu’s nails also detracts from the look of an otherwise well-groomed Shih Tzu. 

Nail trimmers and techniques:Guillotine type nail trimmers are the best to use on your Shih Tzu.  Hold the trimmers vertically.  Grasp the feet of the Shih Tzu firmly, holds the leg up towards you, and carefully trim each nail of your Shih Tzu.  It may sometimes be unnecessary to trim the nails on the hind feet of your Shih Tzu as they seem to grow much slower than the fore feet.  If dewclaws are present on your Shih Tzu, trim the dewclaws as well.  The shorter you keep your Shih Tzu’s nail, the better, and frequent trimming will help tighten the feet and improve the dog’s balance.  Be careful about the “quick.”  The “quick” is a vein that can be easily observed in most white and light-colored Shih Tzu when the toenails are “white.”  The “quick” is more difficult to identify in toenails of darker colored Shih Tzu.  More often that not, these are black rather than white in the darker colored Shih Tzu. 

Nail bleeding:If the nails of your Shih Tzu bleed after trimming, or if you trim them to close to the “quick,” there is no need for alarm.  It is a good idea to keep antiseptic coagulants.  These substances will stop quickly any bleeding.  Using a cotton swab dab a little of the powder on the bleeding toenail of your Shih Tzu and hold it with a little pressure for a few seconds.  The bleeding should stop quickly. 

The best time to trim the nails or clean the ears is before you bath your Shih Tzu so that all traces of blood or powder will be washed away.  However, the nails of your Shih Tzu will be softer right after bathing. 

Nail grinding:A finishing touch in trimming nails is the use of a nail grinder for your Shih Tzu.  A nail grinder will polish off the rough edges of the Shih Tzu’s nails.  The Oster Corporation makes a nail grinder favored by many professional groomers and handlers.  Caution is advised when using a nail grinder on your Shih Tzu’s nails.  If the Shih Tzu bends his head during the process, some part of the fringes could get caught in the grinding wheel causing the Shih Tzu considerable pain. 

If your Shih Tzu objects strenuously to nail grinding, it is advisable to not force the issue since grinding is mostly for a cosmetic effect.

Brushing and combing out the Shih Tzu coat of hair is the most laborious and time-consuming chore in Shih Tzu dog grooming.  Knowledge of some “tricks of the trade” will help cut down on this labor time, especially so in cases of badly matted Shih Tzu coats.  The longer the coat of your Shih Tzu, the greater the potential for matting. 

If your Shih Tzu’s coat is very badly matted and tangled there is no alternative but to strip the coat of your Shih Tzu.  Stripping the coat of your Shih Tzu means to remove the entire coat with clippers fitted with a fine blade, right down to the skin.  If the coat of your Shih Tzu requires stripping, obviously, there is no need for brushing and combing. 

Coat conditioner:If your Shih Tzu’s coat is not so bad, does not require stripping and can be saved, but still bad enough to require considerable brushing and combing, you can saturate the Shih Tzu’s coat with an oil-based coat condition to loosen the knots and tangles and ease the brushing chore.  Coat conditioners that contain an oil base are beneficial for both the coat and skin.  Mink oil is probably about the best Shih Tzu coat conditioner on the market and especially for a matted Shih Tzu coat.  There are other methods professional groomers and handlers use for dealing with matted Shih Tzu coats.  This becomes a matter of personal preference between you and your Shih Tzu. 

Universal brush:The Universal brush is a German import and is convex-shaped with fairly long, hard, wire bristles.  Its shape and density enable it to pull out the dead hairs of your Shih Tzu more efficiently than any other brush.  Unfortunately, it will also pull out the live hairs of your Shih Tzu’s coat and therefore should never be used for a show coat of a Shih Tzu. 

Oster mat comb:The “Oster mat comb is a major product that cuts down on grooming time of your Shih Tzu.  The comb is specially designed to cut through knots and tangles and much less time is spent in brushing and combing your Shih Tzu. 

The Oster mat comb is used in the following manner:Grasp the mat comb firmly with thumb resting on the thumb rest and the other fingers around the wooden handle.  Place the mat comb directly behind the mat with the teeth flat against the skin.  Pull the mat comb forward towards you.  If the Shih Tzu coat is heavily matted, try pulling the comb through the Shih Tzu coat with short vertical strokes that should result in slicing the big mat into several smaller ones.  Continue the process until you can comb through the coat of your Shih Tzu without catching. 

Use your soft wire slicker or Universal brush to brush out all the remaining small mats and comb through the Shih Tzu coat once again, until the comb runs through the Shih Tzu coat smoothly. 

Brushes and combs:The brush you use to brush your Shih Tzu is most important.  A soft wire slicker brush is a happy medium between the too-soft brushes used for Shih Tzu show dogs and the too-harsh slicker brushes sold in most pet stores. 

The Universal brush or a fairly large slicker brush with hard fibers is used in cases of badly matted Shih Tzu coats.  This type of brush is harsher than the normal slicker and may take our more hair than desired. 

The comb of choice for general Shih Tzu use consists of half fine and half coarse teeth and does not have a handle.  The best of these types of combs were formerly manufactured in
Belgium but American companies now make equally fine combs.  The comb can be used for roughing out to finishing touches of your Shih Tzu’s coat. 

The mat comb is a companion to the Universal brush for coping with badly matted Shih Tzu coats.  The mat comb is heavier with wider-spaced teeth and is not to be confused with the Oster mat comb, which is a tool especially for dealing with very badly matted Shih Tzu coats.

These five steps are the fundamentals of Shih Tzu and any dog breed grooming procedure is:   

1. Brushing and Combing
2. Bathing
3. Blow Drying
4. Ear Cleaning
5. Nail Trimming

The Shih Tzu is typical of a longhaired breed requiring constant coat care and most frequently require services of a professional groomer. 

Brushing and combing melody:Brushing out the coat of a Shih Tzu is the most important step in Shih Tzu dog grooming.  The importance of regular Shih Tzu brushing is underscored by the fact that a Shih Tzu can be made presentable by brushing alone.  Brushing your Shih Tzu is the foundation for all that follows and more time and effort should be devoted to it.  The main ingredient to brushing the coat of a Shih Tzu is “manual labor.”  Thorough Shih Tzu brushing is mandatory before bathing since wetting a tangled, matted coat will only cause the coat to tangle and mat more.  Combing out the Shih Tzu coat is a close second step to brushing.  Combing the Shih Tzu coat should be considered an accompaniment to brushing, thus creating a melody of brush and comb, brush and comb, brush and comb the beautiful coat of your Shih Tzu. 

Brushing and combing techniques:The approach to your Shih Tzu consists of starting each step from the hindquarters.  The theory behind this approach is if the Shih Tzu cannot see what you are doing, he will be less likely to object.  Staring from the hindquarters proceed to groom the Shih Tzu systematically, part by part, step by step. 

The actual technique of correct Shih Tzu coat brushing and combing is to first grasp the left rear leg of your Shih Tzu and while holding part of the hair in one hand brush the other part.  To get to the undersides of your Shih Tzu’s leg, lift the leg of your Shih Tzu up and while holding firmly with one hand, brush the undersides. 

Lay down your brush and pick up your comb.  The main function of the comb is to find and remove tangles, mats or knots left in the Shih Tzu coat after brushing.  Run the comb through the leg coat you just brushed out.  If you find a knot in the Shih Tzu’s leg coat, hold the bottom part of the knot firmly with one hand and comb or tease out the knot with the other.  

When you are finished brushing and combing both hind legs of your Shih Tzu, do exactly the same with the two front legs of your Shih Tzu.  When all four legs of your Shih Tzu are done, go back to the hindquarters of your Shih Tzu.  This time, you will concentrate on the tail of your Shih Tzu.  Proceed to do the entire body coat of your Shih Tzu, first left side, then right side, then underside, then the front or chest areas of your Shih Tzu.  The most systematic way of brushing out the body coat of your Shih Tzu is from rear to front, layer by layer, lifting up with one hand a layer of Shih Tzu coat and brushing down to the skin with the brush hand. 

The final step is the head, including the ears.  The heavy furnishings on the head of your Shih Tzu are part of their beauty.  No effort should be spared in thoroughly brushing and combing this area of your Shih Tzu.  You now have the face of your Shih Tzu to do.  Once you have mastered the technique of the brushing and combing melody, no area of your Shih Tzu should present a problem.  Combing your Shih Tzu is always the final, finishing touch.

 The proper use of clippers and scissoring skill are the major elements in Shih Tzu grooming. 

Probably the best known quality clipper in the world is the Oster clipper.  Models most used by professional Shih Tzu groomers are the A5 and A2.  The difference between them is that the A5 has detachable blades while the A2 has a detachable head.  The A5 is probably used more by professional Shih Tzu groomers because of the ease with which the blades are interchanged. 

To become a serious and efficient Shih Tzu groomer it is well to study the blade chart since a familiarity with the whole range of blades is most beneficial long term.  There are 14 different blades that come in a variety of sizes, ranging from the #4 blade to the #40 blade.   The different sizes in blades will leave different lengths of coat.  Vets often used the #40 blade for surgical procedures.  I like using the #4 for the puppy cut look on a Shih Tzu.  The #10 blade provides a very close cut in the cases of extremely matted Shih Tzu. 

Snap-on combs were developed because manufacturers found it impractical to make a coarser blade than#4.  The #4 blade with the widest spaced teeth leaves on more Shih Tzu coat after clipping (5/8”) than any other blade. 

The size #1 snap-on comb can be snapped onto a #10 or #15 regular blade and leave a one-inch Shih Tzu coat.  Theoretically, no scissoring need be done on the body.  The coat of a Shih Tzu can be trimmed down to “puppy” length without scissoring. 

The object of the snap-on combs, when used correctly, is to reduce clipping and scissoring time of the Shih Tzu coat.  There is a specific technique for using the snap-on comb. 

Clipping technique:The clipper should be held in a certain position when clipping the coat of a Shih Tzu.  When held in the correct position, the clipper is held like a pencil.  The clipper should be held easily and lightly, yet firmly while clipping your Shih Tzu’s coat.  With the correct blade attached, the clipper can remove any Shih Tzu coat right down to the skin, or the Shih Tzu coat can be shaped and blended into almost any style desired. 

Oster A5 and A2 clippers can provide almost a lifetime of useful service for grooming your Shih Tzu providing proper care is taken of them.  Follow the maintenance instructions booklet that accompanies the clipper.  If followed carefully, the clipper should provide optimum service for grooming your Shih Tzu for many years. 

Scissoring:The most artistic aspect of Shih Tzu grooming lies in the scissoring work.  The perfecting finishing touches of your Shih Tzu’s coat can only be achieved through skillfully applied scissoring.  It is the scissor work, above all, which separates the real professional from the novice.  If one’s objection is top-quality, professional grooming for your Shih Tzu, it is essential to develop the scissoring technique to perfection.

Scissors are needed for Shih Tzu grooming.  The “barber type” with the sharp, straight edge is used for most scissoring.  The barber type scissors are used for cutting the hair of a Shih Tzu to the correct length for a fine finishing touch. 

A toenail clipper and a file are necessary for Shih Tzu grooming.  The average Shih Tzu owner will probably not want to buy all of the top-quality equipment that a professional Shih Tzu groomer would need.  You can improvise.  A steady table that is already available in your home can be used for the Shih Tzu grooming table.  You can glue a piece of skid-proof vinyl or rubber matting on the top of the table.  You can purchase a grooming post from a pet supply store or over the internet.  The table can also be placed against a wall and a rope attached to the wall with a hook to serve as a grooming post.  The rope can be tied loosely around the Shih Tzu to help keep the Shih Tzu under control.  If you decide to buy a professional grooming table, one with a 36” X 24” top is the best buy. 

If you are unable to install a bathtub with a platform to make the sides waist high so there would be a minimum of back bending, the next best thing would be to use or install a laundry tub.  For a single bath or one Shih Tzu in the household, the regular bathtub is sufficient. 

In the summertime, if you keep your Shih Tzu in a puppy cut, you could let the Shih Tzu air-dry outside after a good towel-drying.  In winter, brushing and using a dry bath powder can clean the Shih Tzu and give him a pleasant odor in between regular bathing.  Dry bath powder is also useful for daily cleaning of the face and feet of your Shih Tzu.  There are liquid versions available as well. 

For fluff drying and to get the result of a professional groomer you will need a floor dryer.  Otherwise a good hand held human blow dryer will be sufficient. 

A good lanolin-base shampoo that is biodegradable is best.  I truly have found the shampoos manufactured for HealthyPetNet to be of excellent quality for my Shih Tzu.  However, there are many other excellent brands of shampoo on the market.  A high quality shampoo will mix completely with water, will suds easily and rinse out easily leaving no residue in the Shih Tzu’s hair.  A good crème rinse is recommended after each bath. 

Generally, you can bathe your Shih Tzu weekly if you find a good quality shampoo and crème rinse that does not dry out the skin.  If the skin of your Shih Tzu becomes dry with weekly baths, try every other week.

If you don’t have good equipment there is no way you will have a well groomed Shih Tzu.  As with all jobs, proper tools are essential to doing a job well. 

Clippers 

One of the most important pieces of equipment is the clipper.  For a Shih Tzu owner grooming only one Shih Tzu, one of the best is Oster with snap-on blades.  The blades can be changed easily.  Various blades needed are No. 10, No. 7 and No. 4.  No. 10 will give you a complete shave down.  No. 7 blade will give you not so close of a cut as the No. 10.  No 4 blade will give you the stylish puppy cut that so many Shih Tzu pet owners like for their pet Shih Tzu. 

Combs 

You will need a fine-toothed comb and a medium-toothed comb.  You will also need a very tiny comb to comb the hair on the face.  Combs with metal handles are more durable. 

Brushes 

The brush is very important.  While the professional groomer who grooms all the breeds will need a variety of brushes, the Shih Tzu owner will need the proper brushes for a Shih Tzu.  A soft wire slicker brush is the best for fluff-drying.  It can be used to remove tangles from the Shih Tzu’s coat, but it must be used very gently.  The hard wire slicker is used to remove mats.  A pin brush is used for tidying the long hair of a Shih Tzu.  It cannot be used for “hard” brushing.  If your Shih Tzu’s hair is fine, you can use a natural-bristle brush made of boar bristles.  A vegetable brush or toothbrush can be used on all the places that are hard to get at, especially on the face, around and between the eyes of the Shih Tzu. 

Use a spray conditioner when brushing your Shih Tzu’s hair.  The conditioner should have a lanolin base and should not contain alcohol.  Alcohol can discolor and dry out the hair of the Shih Tzu.  If you do not have the correct type on hand, use plain water in a spray bottle.  When you use coat conditioner or water when brushing your Shih Tzu’s hair, you will prevent static electricity and causing the hair to break.

The show dog Shih Tzu owner who does not want to groom his Shih Tzu himself should know what must be done and when.  This knowledge is necessary so he/she can take the Shih Tzu to a professional groomer or handler for show grooming at the right time. 

All Shih Tzu owners should know several basic grooming techniques.  It is very important to use the right equipment.  There are many different types of brushes, combs, clipper blades and other tools.  If you use the wrong brush, brushing technique, comb or clipper blade you can easily break Shih Tzu’s hair or give the Shih Tzu brush burn. 

Some knowledge of anatomy is useful.  You will need to maintain proper control of the Shih Tzu while grooming.  Control points are used to alert the Shih Tzu to what the groomer wants him to do.  Shih Tzu puppies are especially important for the groomer to control properly while grooming.  Take care not to frighten the Shih Tzu during early grooming sessions.  The grooming sessions should be fun for both the Shih Tzu puppy and the owner. 

Introduce your new Shih Tzu puppy to grooming as soon as you bring him home.  At the young age of 8 weeks Shih Tzu puppies usually learn proper grooming manners quickly if they are handled properly. 

Aspects of grooming that contribute to a Shih Tzu’s good health: 

1. To prevent ear infection keep the Shih Tzu’s ears clean of hair.
2. Remove excess wax promptly.  This can be done with a piece of cotton that has been dipped in alcohol.
3. Be careful not to pry deep in the ear or stick anything small into the ear.  If there is reason to do so, the Shih Tzu should be taken to a veterinarian.
4. Keep toenails trimmed and filed.  This helps the Shih Tzu to walk easier and more comfortable as well as keeps him from snagging furniture or scratching owner’s legs and arms.
5. Anal glands should be expressed to avoid discomfort to the dog by your veterinarian if you groom your Shih Tzu at home.  The professional groomer can do this if you have your Shih Tzu professionally groomed.
6. All Shih Tzu owners should have some knowledge of ticks, fleas, and lice and know what to do if the Shih Tzu becomes infested with any of these parasites.

Shih Tzu can very easily be groomed completely at home if you learn some basic grooming techniques, use the right equipment and have some knowledge of anatomy of your Shih Tzu.

 It is important for anyone planning to groom Shih Tzu to know the correct way to groom.  With Shih Tzu show dogs there is absolutely no room for mistakes.  Grooming a Shih Tzu show dog could represent the difference between winning and losing.  Correct Shih Tzu grooming, however, is also important for pet Shih Tzu.  Some Shih Tzu owners want their Shih Tzu do look the way a dog of the Shih Tzu breed should look. 

A Shih Tzu owner, whether pet or show dog, should know how to care for the Shih Tzu properly at home.  Any Shih Tzu grooming done at home should be done by using the correct procedures.  There is correct and incorrect way to bathe your Shih Tzu.  Shih Tzu has different types of coats that need different types of care. 

To groom your Shih Tzu successfully at home you need to have a basic knowledge of how to groom, how to correctly scissor or clip your Shih Tzu.  This will help you take care of your Shih Tzu at home or, at least, to keep the Shih Tzu looking presentable between professional grooming. 

Beginner Shih Tzu Groomer Qualifications: 

1. A sincere love for the Shih Tzu.
2. The ability to handle scissors with a steady hand.

If there is no problem in handling the scissors, handling the remaining equipment can be learned easily. 

Everyone who owns a Shih Tzu should have some grooming knowledge and be able to have pride owning a well-groomed Shih Tzu.  Grooming your Shih Tzu can fun and satisfying as well as safe and sure. 

There are several categories of Shih Tzu owner groomers: 

1. The single-Shih Tzu owner who doesn’t have time to do the main grooming but wants to keep the Shih Tzu looking well groomed.
2. There is the person who enjoys Shih Tzu grooming once in awhile to prove he can do it.

Correct grooming knowledge is valuable to both categories of Shih Tzu owners.  If you are a Shih Tzu owner who wants to do all your grooming at home, you must know the grooming requirements of the Shih Tzu as well as the professional does to get the desired results. 

Most Shih Tzu show dog owners groom their own Shih Tzu even if they hire professional handlers.  A Shih Tzu owner must know accurately every step of grooming for his particular breed. 

Shih Tzu grooming can be compared to human beauty culture because it is the beautification of the Shih Tzu breed.  The art of Shih Tzu grooming is aimed at creating a reasonable facsimile of a normal specimen of the Shih Tzu breed.  The attendance of Shih Tzu American Kennel Club dog shows is an excellent place to observe first hand the best specimens of the Shih Tzu breed. 

There are basic steps applicable to grooming the Shih Tzu as well as all breeds of dogs. Anyone interested in becoming a complete dog grooming artist, should know how to make all breeds beautiful.  A Shih Tzu grooming artist professional should know how best to enhance the appearance of each breed of dog.  However, if the Shih Tzu is your favorite breed, one can become known as an “expert” in grooming the Shih Tzu. 

A professional Shih Tzu groomer understands that certain breeds, like Poodles, most Terriers and Spaniels, and the Shih Tzu require far more time and skill to groom than smooth-haired breeds, in which only a knowledge of the fundamentals is required. 

History of dog grooming:The dog, including the Shih Tzu, has been the closest animal to the human family.  Grooming dogs was the fashion of the aristocracy during the 19^th Century.  The art flourished during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI of
France.  The Poodle, however, and not the Shih Tzu, was the favorite breed.  Grooming was largely confined to the Poodle.  The first recorded grooming parlors were established in
France about this same time. 

The Shih Tzu has become so much an integral part of the family that going to the canine beautician is as much a ritual for the family Shih Tzu as going to the hairdresser is for the lady of the house.  Shih Tzu and dog styling in general has also become so professional and sophisticated that Shih Tzu owners have become as selective about their Shih Tzu’s groomer as they are about their own hair stylist. 

Origin of the clips:Since the art of dog grooming flourished during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI of France and the Poodle, instead of our beloved Shih Tzu, was the favorite breed in
France, the Poodle breed became known as the French Poodle.  The first Poodles were water dogs and retrievers.  The clip most suitable to them resembled what is known today as the “Continental clip.”  A mane of hair was left on the foreparts while the back and hindquarters were shaven.  This clip made the Poodle resemble a lion, and therefore the clip became known in
England as the “Lion clip.” 

The American fancy made some variations in the “Lion clip” and began to call it the “Saddle clip.”  The English Saddle clip calls for the greatest skill in the art of dog grooming. 

It is not clear from historical records just when the “pet clips” originated.  Often now we hear of a “Puppy Cut” for our Shih Tzu, which is a very popular style for a family pet Shih Tzu.  However, for the show ring, there is much, much more to grooming our beloved Shih Tzu.