The Hens Showed Up for Breakfast. So Did One Very Fluffy Little Supervisor.
Morning chores have begun in the yard, and Dottie is bent forward in her chunky cream cardigan, sprinkling a handful of grain onto the packed dirt. A group of brown hens has gathered around her feet, pecking busily at the scattered feed. Teddy stands right in the middle of the action, small and fluffy, looking up at Dottie as though he is wondering whether any of that grain is meant for him. Rubber boots, a blue bucket of tools, terracotta pots, and a wicker basket crowd the corner by the shed, giving the scene a cheerful farmhouse feel.
Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs rather than hunters or herders, so many have a fairly gentle attitude toward other animals, though every dog is an individual. Even so, any dog should be introduced to chickens slowly and under supervision, with a leash at first and plenty of rewards for calm behavior. Chickens can peck, and a startled hen can scratch, so it goes both ways. Small dogs also tend to be curious about chicken feed and droppings, which are best kept off the menu, since they can upset a dog's stomach or carry germs. Washing paws after time in the coop area is a good habit, and keeping feed stored securely helps too.
Teddy looks less like a farm dog and more like a fluffy supervisor checking that everyone gets breakfast. Dottie seems happy to have her little helper on the job.
