The Shih Tzu is a royal dog and one of the most interesting dog breeds on the planet. Now you will learn all the great and not-so-great things about this dog. We will also reveal some basic information about the breed so you can decide if a Shih Tzu is the dog for you. We believe it will be, but let’s stay focused for now.
Great and Not So Great Things About Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu: Overview
Yes, the Shih Tzu is a royal dog from China. They were common among royalty in this country back in the 14th century. As a matter of fact, Shih Tzu has been a royal dog commonly owned in the Ming Dynasty (between 14th and 17th century). It was a common pet among emperors and highly respected families. Their origin dates 1100 years back. The name means “lion” thanks to their appearance.
The Shih Tzu is known as a toy dog, and they are small, 8–11 inches in height. Obviously, weight is low, and it ranges between 9 and 16 pounds. Most individuals live 10–16 years, which is longer than average. The coat comes in many different colors, but the most popular are gold, blue, black, and liver. There are countless other variations as well.
Great Things About Shih Tzu
This dog breed is one of the best friends you can have. They are commonly seen as family members among families, seniors, and people who have a stressful lifestyle. Just looking at one will make you smile, and you will feel better. A Shih Tzu loves spending time with their owner, and they will enjoy every single moment. Keep in mind that they don’t like being alone every single day, so you need to spend some quality time with your new friend.
If you have a small apartment, which isn’t rare in the UK, a Shih Tzu is the best option. Let’s face it. They are small, so they will fit nicely in any apartment or house. They don’t bark, so you can keep them without any issues. If your dog barks, it means he or she wants attention! You don’t spend a lot of time with your dog.
Keeping a Shih Tzu with other animals iseasy and possible. They get along well with other dogs and even cats. Yes, they want to be leaders, and sometimes they will show that. On the other hand, this doesn’t affect other pets. They like to be focused on their own lives, and they don’t care too much about other animals in the house.
They are a royal dog and you can see that in his behavior
He will obey most if not all commands, but there will be a short delay. They have nice manners, and they are strong. However, it can mean that they will get into some trouble, which is common for most small dogs.
Most individuals are easy to adapt to a new home. They don’t need advanced training, although potty training is a must. Other than that, this is a dog breed that will accept a new home within days. As you can see, this is an essential advantage when you are looking for a new dog.
If you have a busy lifestyle and cannot spend a lot of outdoor time with your dog, a Shih Tzu is the best alternative. They don’t need a lot of physical activity, and a balcony can serve the purpose instead of walking. Of course, you still need to walk your dog as many times per week as possible, but there is no need for any complicated or time-consuming exercises or efforts.
Not So Great Things About Shih Tzu
Brushing and grooming are two things you will need to perform on a regular basis. Due to their coat, grooming is a more expensive, more commonly needed, and also time-consuming process. You can use a brush to decrease the frequency needed, but some individuals do not like traditional brushes for this purpose. If your dog shares the same belief, try special gloves that will get the job done.
Although training a Shih Tzu is relatively simple, they can be stubborn, especially when it comes to housetraining. They have a hard time recognising when they need to go to the bathroom. In other words, this makes potty training a bit more complicated and definitely will require more time. If you have trained dogs of other breeds, remember that with Shih Tzu you will need more time.
Some individuals can become manipulative
This is related to the fact they are stubborn, more than some other small dog breeds. You need to show authority, and you need to be the alpha in the house. Always remember this when considering a Shih Tzu.
You may know that a Shih Tzu is an indoor dog. There are a few reasons for that. First, they need to be kept away from pollen and fresh-cut grass. If you are a smoker, make sure you do not smoke when your pet is near you. Their respiratory system is complicated and not designed to withstand smoke. They don’t like high temperatures. During the summer, they can have a heat stroke because their fur is too thick. Aslo to mention some of them can have eye problems.
Shedding is another drawback when keeping a Shih Tzu. They have two coats, and they will shed a lot. Even if you completely remove the first coat, the undercoat will shed. You will need invest time into cleaning your home and removing hairs from almost everything. Despite what some people claim, their fur is hypoallergenic, so there is no reason for concern.
The Final Word
Shih Tzu is one of the most respected, most beautiful, and lovely dogs out there. Now that you know great and not-so-great things about the Shih Tzu, make up your mind and determine if this dog breed is suitable for you and your lifestyle. Sadly, it is impossible to resist this coat and appearance, so you will probably get one today.