All 24 Pros And Cons Of Shih Tzu Dog You Should Know
Small dog lovers who love Shih Tzu always ask about the pros and cons of Shih Tzu which is exactly what we will be discussing in this post.
After reading this post, you will find out if Shih Tzu is the right dog for you and your family or not.
Shih Tzus are affectionate dogs who like spending time with their owners and interacting with others.
They are a highly gregarious animals and are fairly tiny, so they can easily accompany you on errands or excursions.
Because their luxuriant coat tangles readily, daily grooming is required, although it just takes a few minutes each day.
Keeping these in mind let’s now take a look at the pros and cons of Shih Tzu!!!
Pros And Cons Of Shih Tzu
Here are the common pros and cons of owning a Shih Tzu you should know before getting one:
Let’s first outline and discuss all the pros of Shih Tzu before we head over to the cons
Shih Tzus adapt well to both large and small homes
Although the Shih Tzu was developed for royalty, it is a highly versatile breed.
They don’t care where you are or what you’re doing as long as you’re with them.
A Shih Tzu has the advantage of being able to live in both an apartment and a country property.
They are so devoted to the owner that they will be willing to live in a tent.
However, it is best to keep them indoors during the summer or in a hot environment, as they have a tendency to overheat quickly.
Shih Tzus have irresistible personalities
Shih Tzus are a breed of dog with a variety of features, which are listed below as one of the top benefits of Shih Tzus:
- Sociable
- Lively
- Alert
- Loyal
- Playful
- Easygoing
Shih Tzus are great family pets
A big benefit of owning a Shih Tzu is that it is frequently recognized as the best dog for any household.
They may be active and playful while yet being content to rest on the couch.
Because they are not as noisy and demanding as some little dogs, having their company in the house will be a delight.
They aren’t built to be a guard dogs or to be particularly active, so they won’t make a good running partner.
They are, however, lively and engaging to both children and adults, making them an excellent choice for most families.
Shih Tzus doesn’t need a lot of outdoor exercises
Because of its small size, the Shih Tzu is an excellent choice for those who aren’t or can’t be active every day.
Because they’re small, they don’t require a lot of outside activity.
It may be enough to keep them healthy if you have a patio or balcony.
A few excursions to the lawn to go pee or the usage of an inside gadget can assist you in efficiently managing their requirements.
To keep them cognitively occupied, you’ll want to have a range of toys accessible for them to play with indoors, but that’s usually all you need to do.
Shih Tzus are not aggressive to strangers
Shih Tzus aren’t the finest watchdogs, but they’ll let you know if there’s a stranger around by barking and wagging their tails in a playful manner.
Even if you haven’t fully socialized your dog, you’ll find that this breed is polite to those you’ll encounter during the day.
Many individuals are quite friendly, and would happily accept a gentle scratch on the head in exchange for happy grins and tail wagging.
Shih Tzus are suitable for Senior Citizens
If you’re a senior adult seeking a companion when you retire, the Shih Tzu is the dog for you.
Every senior citizen needs a dog for a variety of reasons, and Shih Tzu will provide you with all you need in terms of living with a dog as a senior citizen.
However, as a senior citizen, you still have a job of combing or brushing your Shih Tzu on daily basis to avoid fur tangle.
Shih Tzus are very affectionate towards their owners
When it comes to levels of affection in dogs, few, if any, canines can match Shih Tzus; in fact, Shih Tzus frequently beg their owners for affection.
Cuddles is one of the most common methods for a Shih Tzu to express its love for its owners; when a Shih Tzu loves you, it will constantly want to be with you.
When Shih Tzus learn that their loved one is leaving for work, they often become agitated and begin barking excessively in an attempt to attract your attention.
Shih Tzus adjust well to their new surroundings
With minimal effort, Shih Tzus will quickly become a part of your family’s routine.
If you have large dogs or little children in the house, their size may make them difficult to handle, but they will quickly adjust to anything you ask of them.
If you have huge dogs or little children, their size may make them tough to control, but you’ll discover that they adapt quickly to anything you ask of them.
The only true drawback to this benefit is their potty training habits, which may be readily remedied with a few incentives, patience, and work.
Read more: Do Shih Tzus Bark A lot: 13 Causes of Shih Tzus Barking & Solutions
Shih Tzus come in gorgeous coats
Shih Tzus are available in a range of hues:
- Gold & white
- red & white
- gold with a black mask
- black & white
- liver
- solid black
- brindle & white
Blue eyes are possible in these puppies.
Depending on your lifestyle and tastes, you can keep their coats long or short.
Shih Tzus are excellent companion dogs
Shih Tzus are basically companion animals, assisting in the provision of friendship and affection to people in need.
Even if a person is in a difficult circumstance, this breed may assist to bring comfort and calm.
As a result, these puppies are frequently seen living with elders, older couples, and in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
This breed is also popular with young people and families with older children.
Shih Tzus gets along with other dogs
Shih Tzus were developed specifically to be companion dogs, and this selective breeding trait has remained in Shih Tzus.
This companion quality makes the Shih Tzu one of, if not the greatest, dog breeds for getting along with other dogs.
Shih Tzus enjoy playing a lot, and having a second dog around makes their lives a lot easier.
Shih Tzus are always satisfied with what you give them
Shih Tzus are more likely than most other dogs to be content just being with their human wherever they are.
Most dogs will continue to beg for things while you are away from home, but not well-trained Shih Tzus; they always want to uphold and live up to their owner’s expectations.
One of the main benefits of Shih Tzus is that they are content with what you offer them.
Shih Tzus are easily transportable
Do you desire a dog that you can easily transport with you everywhere you go? Shih Tzus have you covered there, too.
You may take them with you everywhere you go, whether it’s on the bus, along a congested city street, or through a retail mall.
Because Shih Tzus are so active, they should get at least an hour of exercise every day.
However, divide this into three shorter walks to avoid overheating.
All you need is a nice Shih Tzu carrier to make traveling with your puppy stress-free.
Shih Tzus are suitable for singles
Are you single and looking for a canine companion? Then turn to Shih Tzus for all the love, attention, and hugs you’ll ever need.
Shih Tzus are becoming increasingly popular as a result of their high degree of devotion for their owners and families.
If you live alone and need a dog to keep you company, Shih Tzus is the breed for you.
Read more about: 10 Best Dog Breeds For A Single Person.
Shih Tzus are the best for city dwellers
Do you live in a crowded metropolis and want a dog that will fit in with your way of life? Shih Tzus will take care of you in every way.
Other dog breeds, such as the Beagle and others, do not adapt well to city life, but Shih Tzus do.
One of the primary reasons Shih Tzus are getting more popular is because of this.
Shih Tzus are very sociable
Shih Tzus are a great social breed to have if you’re searching for a dog that can quickly adapt to other people’s lifestyles or help you make new acquaintances.
Shih Tzus enjoy going on excursions. The only difficulty with having a Shih Tzu around is that Shih Tzus have trouble controlling their nose and will sniff around a lot.
Shih Tzus enjoy visiting to parks and recreation areas, so if you’re the kind who likes to hang out a lot, acquire a Shih Tzu.
However, you should always have the means to keep your Shih Tzus distracted when you’re out in public.
A Shih Tzu is three times simpler to socialize than most other dog breeds.
It’s important to note that Shih Tzus might bark a lot for a variety of reasons.
Shih Tzus are not too territorial or possessive
Most dog breeds, such as the Dogo Argentino and German Shepherd, are territorial and possessive, but not Shih Tzus.
If you have a Shih Tzu, you will notice that they can bark excessively when nothing is wrong with them, and they can bark at you when you get home from work as a way of greeting you.
Shih Tzus aren’t like other dog breeds in that they won’t let other dogs or animals near their area.
This is beneficial to dog owners since their Shih Tzus will not constantly fight.
Here are some common reasons why Shih Tzus may bark unnecessarily.
Enough of the pros, let’s look at the cons of owning a Shih Tzu.
Read more: 11 Best Small Dogs For Adults: Our Top 4 Picks
What Are The Cons Of Owning A Shih Tzu
Here are some cons of owning a Shih Tzu:
Shih Tzus are prone to separation anxiety
Shih Tzus are not the dog for you if you are a busy person who travels a lot from day to day.
Unlike many other breeds, Shih Tzus rely significantly on their owners for everything, whether they are at home or not.
Shih Tzus desire to be near their owners, and if you are not available to them, they may develop unnecessary Shih Tzu behavior problems.
If you leave your Shih Tzu alone for an extended period of time, they may develop separation anxiety, so get a carrier and have it with you at all times.
Shih Tzu require daily brushing of fur
The Shih Tzu is renowned for having long hair, which needs brushing on a regular basis.
If you don’t brush your dog on a regular basis, their coat may get matted, which can be unpleasant or cause skin problems if left untreated for too long.
Even if you brush your dog every day, you’ll still need to take him to the groomer on a regular basis, and the cost of all that grooming may quickly add up.
Shih Tzus can have breathing issues sometimes
Shih Tzus have a brachycephalic (short muzzle) muzzle, which makes it difficult for them to breathe.
However, keeping this in mind, we may avoid this frequent problem from developing by feeding them smaller meals, as overeating exacerbates their breathing problems in the majority of cases.
Do not take them for lengthy walks; abstention from any stressful activities is essential for accomplishing breathing-related goals.
Shih Tzus are difficult to house train
When it comes to house training, Shih Tzus are similar to most other little dog breeds.
It can be difficult to get them to the stage where they sense the need to go to the toilet and have enough time to get them on the grass.
This breed is also obstinate in its behaviors, but if you are diligent in your training tactics, you will ultimately succeed.
Be prepared for this procedure to take longer than expected if you’re used to potting training other dogs.
Shih Tzus can overheat in summer
Even in the summer, Shih Tzus are not the best dogs to run around with since their small snout makes it difficult for them to take in enough air.
Because they don’t breathe as effectively as other dog breeds, they overheat in the summer.
So, throughout the summer, keep a tight check on them and don’t let them play needlessly since they can quickly overheat.
Give them water and fruits to stay hydrated, as well as ice cubes, and avoid taking them for long walks during the heat.
Shih Tzus are prone to some health challenges
During the warmer and humid months of the year, Shih Tzus require more indoor activities.
They are at risk of heatstroke since their panting is insufficient to reduce their body heat.
You’ll also want to double-check with your veterinarian to make sure their heart and blood pressure levels are being monitored routinely.
The Shih Tzu’s facial form necessitates certain special health issues that you should consider before adding one to your home.
The most frequent are hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (a sliding kneecap), and ocular abnormalities like as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and corneal dryness and irritation caused by excessive air exposure due to incorrectly closed eyelids.
Shih Tzus are picky eaters and require high-quality food
One of the top cons about Shih Tzu is that they can be very picky with food, and this is because they have sensitive stomachs.
Shih Tzus have a sensitive stomach and can be very selective with the type of food they eat.
So always contact your vet before buying any type of food for your Shih Tzus, and if any food is working for you, stick to it until it stops walking.
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