A major pro of Shih Tzu is friendliness. They approach almost everyone. But they need to be kept inside for safety due to fearless personality.
Let’s explore fantastic qualities of Shih Tzus. Affectionate and loyal companions. Hypoallergenic coat. Low exercise requirements; great apartment dogs. Adaptable to different environments. Excellent with children and pets.
Shih Tzus have distinctive appearance. They are outgoing with friendly personality. Highly trainable but can be stubborn. Despite small size, strong and confident personality. Make excellent watchdogs. Relatively low-maintenance grooming but require regular brushing and trimming.
Shih Tzus can make great companions but have potential drawbacks. Pros: Perfect for apartments due to small size and moderate exercise needs. Adaptable if get regular exercise and mental stimulation. Relatively low maintenance in space and equipment.
Cons: Pricing starts at $500 or more. Allergens in saliva and dandruff can cause reactions. Not the easiest to train, but can be managed with patience.
Shih Tzus are less demanding and vocal than other toy breeds despite proud bearing. Very active with robust build but doesn’t require additional exercise. Enjoys company and often found dozing off on someone’s lap. Would make excellent companion for elderly. Most are friendly or polite with strangers.
Appreciated for attractive appearance and small size. Doesn’t bark, hunt or fight. Finds way in every apartment and city. Always in good mood.
Is a Shih Tzu a good house dog?
The Shih Tzu’s small size and friendly nature make them best for apartments. Loyal and calm, they are great with children and pets. They don’t need much space, only their owner’s company. With good care, Shih Tzus enjoy long lives, but can suffer from kidney, liver, eye, knee, and skin problems. In the U.S., prices range from $750 to $3,000, varying by location’s supply and demand.
Some think Shih Tzus poorly suited for small kids. Most Shih Tzus are happy and non-aggressive, but some may growl, requiring early training. They love being with their families. As companion dogs, they take this role seriously – loving, friendly, and charming. They generally respond well to other pets when properly introduced.
Bred to be companions, Shih Tzus enjoy other dogs’ company. They are usually content wherever their human is. Shih Tzus are docile and good with children, but should be played with at floor level. Their hair-like coat makes them hypoallergenic.
Though prone to barking, Shih Tzus’ affectionate nature makes them great house dogs wanting to follow their owners. Lively and friendly, they get along well with all ages and species. But dental disease is common, needing regular veterinary and grooming care.
What are most common problems with Shih Tzu?
Some common health problems in Shih Tzus are dental issues, ear infections, eye problems. Regular cleanings, ear cleaning, eye exams prevent and detect these issues early. Staying informed about Shih Tzu health ensures your furry friend remains healthy and happy.
Shih Tzus have some behavioral issues that can be difficult to deal with. If considering a Shih Tzu puppy, be prepared for these problems. Recognize that although these dogs may seem like angels, there will be times when they act out due to stress or boredom.
Shih Tzus prone to separation anxiety as they were bred to be companions. They become frightened and agitated without their owners. Help your pup overcome separation anxiety quickly. Excessive vocalization and destructive chewing are signs of separation anxiety.
Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS) is a health issue linked to the breed’s shape. This causes breathing difficulties and discomfort.
Preventing and addressing behavior problems is essential for a happy coexistence. Socialization is key to preventing aggression and anxiety. Positive reinforcement shapes behavior. Common problems are barking, chewing, separation anxiety. Create routines to prevent boredom and separation anxiety.
Some health problems are hypothyroidism, breathing problems, kidney stones, hip dysplasia, eye problems. Staying informed ensures your furry friend remains healthy.
Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?
Shih Tzus can bark a lot for various reasons: fear, discomfort, anxiety, pain, seeking attention, and alerting owners of strangers. Despite their reputation as a calm breed, barking is a common trait. People who love small dogs ask if Shih Tzus bark a lot. This is because they shed little and are good family pets. In this post, we outline why Shih Tzus bark and solutions to reduce barking.
Upon first glance Shih Tzus seem to bark a lot with their big voices. But this is a disadvantage as smaller dogs have higher-pitched barks which can irritate after a while. In urban areas their constant barking can bother neighbors. Shih Tzus bark to communicate specific needs or reactions rather than habitually. Training can help manage unnecessary barking using positive reinforcement like teaching ‘quiet’ commands calmly and consistently. Environmental factors also influence barking like noise, unfamiliar people or animals and changes in their surroundings.
Compared to other breeds, Shih Tzus fall into the lower spectrum of frequency. They generally bark less than most breeds and are more prone to howling than barking. But if your Shih Tzu barks more than you like there are reasons. They bark to alert owners, get attention, because of excitement, fear, territorial instincts or to get your attention. As a breed Shih Tzus are not overly barking dogs compared to some small breeds that get a bad rap as yappy. Even as adults they can stubbornly resist attempts to reduce unwanted barking.