A Summer Meadow Adventure with Poppy the Shih Tzu Cross Puppy

I cannot believe I never shared this little sweetheart. While going through my hard drive recently I rediscovered Poppy’s session from a beautiful summer afternoon back in 2021 and she was simply too adorable not to introduce properly.

Poppy was just sixteen weeks old when I met her and her lovely human, Chloe. She is a Shih Tzu cross, very much a toy breed in size but enormous in personality. We met for a gentle wander through a meadow of long grasses, the kind of setting that can feel quite big when you are a very small puppy. Watching her pop up and disappear between the stems was both funny and heart melting.

At this age puppies do not need long outings, so we kept things relaxed and natural with around twenty five minutes of exploring. Short sessions like this help young dogs stay happy and confident, which always shines through in their photographs. Poppy was curious, bright eyed, and wonderfully expressive. Those big soulful features reminded me of the kind of characters that make people instantly smile. She had that soft, almost storybook charm that feels familiar and comforting.

One of the things I love most about photographing young dogs is how honest they are. There is no posing in the traditional sense. It is about patience, observation, and creating a calm environment where their personality can unfold. Even in a setting that might seem challenging, like tall meadow grasses, you can create beautiful moments by working with the environment rather than against it.

The Shih Tzu breed has such an interesting heritage, with origins linked to Tibet and development influenced by breeds such as the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. They are treasured companions for a reason. Gentle, affectionate and full of character, they connect easily with people of all ages.

Poppy brought pure joy to this little walk and I hope these images capture just how happy and confident she felt exploring the world at sixteen weeks old. Sessions like this are a lovely reminder that the early puppy months pass quickly, and preserving them in photographs is something families always cherish.

f you would love natural photographs of your own puppy enjoying the outdoors, I would be delighted to plan a relaxed session that suits their age and personality. Get in touch to chat about your dog and find the perfect location together.