Owning a Shih Tzu: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Owning a Shih Tzu involves a lot, which for some people might be too much to handle, although most Shih Tzu owners will let you know that their dogs are amazing. In this video, we will go over the good, the bad, and the ugly of owning a Shih Tzu dog, so that before you get one, you'll know what to expect. But first, if you love our content, then don't forget to subscribe to our channel, because we constantly bring you useful info that will help you be a better pet owner. Let's get started! First, let's talk about the good and show you why the Shih Tzu will be great for you. 1. It is a perfect breed for small apartments. Not all dogs can live in small spaces, but the Shih Tzu is the perfect fit for them. Although they're perfectly content staying where you stay, apartments and condos are perfect for them. Once they get enough attention from you, they will stay quiet and won't bark much, which is important when you're living in an apartment. 2. They do not shed that often. Shih Tzus have a long, dense stubble coat that doesn't shed much. Although they still shed and are not hypogenic, they do shed less than other breeds. Most people refer to this breed as a light shedder, and the largest misconception is that Shih Tzus don't shed at all. Dogs of the Shih Tzu breed do shed, although it differs from that of many other breeds. Rushing and trimming their coat regularly is important to keep the shedding in control and prevent it from matting, which can be painful to them. 3. They are friendly towards strangers and children. Shih Tzus are friendly dogs and tend to be affectionate towards everyone, both strangers and kids. They also make great therapy dogs due to their friendly and charming personalities. It is important though to socialize your Shih Tzus when they're young, as they can become aggressive if not properly socialized. It is also important you teach your kids how to appropriately deal with your Shih Tzu. 4. They require minimal exercise. Shih Tzus are active dogs, but because of their size, they don't require much exercise, making them perfect for owners that won't be able to take them out frequently. To keep your Shih Tzu entertained and stop them from developing destructive habits, you need to get them interactive toys and games, and challenge them mentally whenever you can. Shih Tzu dogs require precisely the right amount of exercise in the appropriate proportions. Regular cardiovascular exercise is very important for both physical and mental health, but as a Brachycephalic breed, the Shih Tzu requires more care to prevent overheating. 5. They are beautiful dogs. Shih Tzus are beautiful dogs. With their long and luscious coat, and a variety of colors they come in, they'll definitely turn heads when you are out taking a walk. These dogs are royalty, and they know it, as they walk with the confidence only royalty have. They do need a lot of maintenance and care to keep them looking that way. Now, let's bring to you the bad, and what you'll have to endure as a Shih Tzu owner. 1. They are picky eaters. Both because of their sensitive stomach and their fussy personalities, Shih Tzus are picky eaters, and you'll have to switch through a lot of different kibbles as a Shih Tzu owner. Feeding them homemade meals usually seems like the best route to follow, but it is important you talk with your vet or a nutritionist before proceeding. It's totally understandable that not all owners might want to take on this duty, but in some cases, providing they live handmade, fresh dishes might be a way to appease even the pickiest eaters. It gives you the chance to adjust meals exactly to your Shih Tzu's preferences. You may feed your dog the sorts of vegetables and fruits they want, as well as the base proteins they prefer. 2. They require high maintenance and grooming. To keep your Shih Tzu looking good and in great shape, you'll need to put in a lot of work. Brushing their coat isn't enough, but you'll need to bath them once every three weeks to keep their coat clean. If you find it hard to care for them on your own, taking them to a professional groomer is also another option. It's crucial to take proper care of your Shih Tzu's teeth since many little breeds like the Shih Tzu are prone to dental issues. Their gums and teeth will remain healthy with regular brushing with a soft toothbrush and canine toothpaste. 3. They are prone to separation anxiety. Unlike other dog breeds, Shih Tzus are dependent on their owners and love being near them always. Leaving them alone for far too long can lead to destructive habits and behavioral issues such as separation anxiety. If you work constantly or travel a lot, you might have to choose a different breed. 4. They are prone to overheating. In the summer heat, your Shih Tzu can suffer from overheating because of their breathing issues. During the summer, you need to monitor them regularly to make sure they don't overheat and do your best to keep them hydrated. Keep exercise at a minimum level during the summer to avoid heat stroke. 5. They don't make the best guard dogs. Shih Tzus are active and playful dogs that are friendly with everyone including strangers. These attributes might make them perfect family pets, but it also makes them terrible at being guard dogs. They're also small in size and it might be better to use a dog that looks intimidating as a guard for your home. Finally, let's bring to you the ugly and what might make you change your mind about getting a Shih Tzu. 1. They are difficult to house train. Shih Tzus love the indoors and combined with how stubborn they can be, it can be hard to house train them. Being bred to be the ideal companion and to carry themselves with dignity and assertiveness can make training and housebreaking your dog a little more challenging. Training needs to start at an early age and consistency is required to ensure you get the best results. Although they might behave stubbornly at first, with consistent efforts and training, they'll gradually get used to it. If you prefer a dog that isn't as difficult, then you might have to consider a different breed. 2. They can experience breathing issues. Rachisophilic syndrome or respiratory distress syndrome is a condition that affects dogs with short noses like your Shih Tzu. Dogs with shorter noses have the same amount of tissue in their nostrils and probes as dogs with longer noses, but there is less space for it to be contained. The soft palate at the back of the roof of the mouth is therefore excessively lengthy and may hang down into the airway. The trachea or windpipe of these dogs is occasionally thin and undersized and their nostrils are frequently too tiny. All of these variations can result in an airway that is so constricted and small that many of these dogs struggle to breathe. Because of this, everything needs to be done in moderation. You also need to keep a close watch to make sure you aren't causing your dog any issues. This can be stressful if you're a busy person and a different breed might be better. 3. They can have some serious health issues. The Shih Tzu dog is susceptible to different health issues. Problems like hip dysplasia, eye anomalies, and patellar luxation are some of the common problems that can affect this breed. They also have issues with the smell of tobacco, which can be bad if you are a smoker. Adapting to hot climates is also really hard for them and you might have to reconsider it if you live in a place like that. 4. They are a stubborn breed. Your Shih Tzu might be very sweet, but will also be very stubborn and sometimes even manipulative. They are considerably more headstrong than other breeds and if not given enough attention, can become really difficult to deal with. To deal with this behavior, you need to be a consistent leader, someone that is able to tell them no. You might also consider getting a professional trainer to help you out. 5. They are prone to behavioral issues. If you leave your Shih Tzu alone for too long, they can develop destructive and behavioral issues that can affect you. They require a lot of attention and don't do well when left alone. They can become bored and frustrated and will search for ways to keep themselves entertained, such as digging or even chewing. The bottom line is, while Shih Tzus may not be for everyone, they are really great dogs. Owning one is definitely a privilege. With this video in mind, you should now know what to expect from your Shih Tzu dog. So, do you own a Shih Tzu or are you planning on getting one? Let us know in the comments below!