I own the world's FATTEST Shih-Tzu!!!! He's two years old and his name is Gonzo, but we just call him Bean (Gonzo Garbanzo Bean). He is good-natured, very loving little dog. He snuffles and snorts and is a source of constant entertainment. Only barks when someone is at the door, and that's just because our other dog barks. The only advice I have is to keep them clipped. The coat is WAY too hard to manage, unless you have nothing better to do than brush it all day long!