A Shih Tzu is a great dog but is not the right pet for everyone.
No matter the type of pet, the most important thing a future owner can do is research and know everything about the animal, good and bad. Shih Tzus are no exception. They make excellent pets for some people, while for others the breed can be a source of frustration and annoyance. If you are interested in bringing a Shih Tzu into your family, be sure you are aware of the type of commitment you are getting into in every area from grooming to training. Once you are sure this is the breed for you, be sure to seek out a reputable breeder.
Traits
A Shih Tzu puppy will be less than one foot tall when fully grown. The dog will weigh anywhere between nine and sixteen pounds. The breed is known to be stubborn. They like to snuggle and play but do not require much exercise. They are intelligent and alert dogs and even though they are small, they make excellent guard dogs because they can be taught to bark at strangers. Left untrained, the Shih Tzu becomes demanding and yappy. In fact, an untrained Shih Tzu can become an all-around frustrating dog who thinks he runs the household.
Training
Because Shih Tzu puppies are generally stubborn dogs, they need firm but gentle discipline as puppies in order to be good pets. Without clear indications about who is the boss in the house, a Shih Tzu puppy will quickly try to take on the role of leader of the pack and can become aggressive or easily agitated when things don't go his way. With proper guidance from a firm owner, however, the Shih Tzu becomes a calm dog and a great companion.
Shih Tzu puppies are often difficult to housebreak because of their stubbornness. Most owners find that the crate method of training works best for this personality type. Shih Tzu puppies are more easily trained through positive reinforcement of good behaviors rather than harsh punishments for bad behavior, because their personality leads them to want to please the leader of the pack---which, when leadership strategy is properly executed, is the dog's owner.
Grooming
Shih Tzu puppies get their good looks from their long, straight coats. But this coat also requires a great deal of care. Shih Tzus must be brushed every day and bathed at least once a month, but more often if they get into mud or get extra dirty. Regular appointments at the groomer are recommended to keep the dog neat and trimmed. They tend to have eye issues that require special drops from the veterinarian in order to keep the eyes clean. They shed very little despite their long coats, so cleaning up after them is a minimal chore.
Health
Shih Tzus have a life expectancy of about 15 years, which means they can be companions for a long time. They tend to have issues with their backs because they have short legs and long bodies. They also tend to get eye and ear infections more often than other breeds. Shih Tzus are prone to tooth decay and lose teeth easily. The owner must take care to feed the dog carefully, measuring out an amount of food recommended by a vet, because Shih Tzus can easily become overweight and develop kidney problems.
The Right Owner
A Shih Tzu needs just the right home in order to thrive. It is not the best dog for everyone, but for certain people it is the perfect pet. Shih Tzus make great apartment dogs because they are content and happy to play indoors, and because they are small they do not need a huge yard for play. Shih Tzu puppies and dogs do not shed very much and have little dander, so they are excellent dogs for a person with allergies.
The Shih Tzu owner needs to able to take on the role of pack leader to help the dog understand his social place within the household. Many people say that Shih Tzus are not a good fit for a house full of children, but there is much debate on this issue. They do, however, get along well with other animals. The final thing to consider is that Shih Tzus are not suited for a humid climate because of their long coats.
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