Are Shih Tzu Good Family Dogs?

Are shih tzu good family dogs

Are Shih Tzu good family dogs? If you plan to own one, you are in the right place!

In this post, we’ll talk about Shih Tzus as a family dog, its characteristics, and the pros and cons of owning a Shih Tzu. 

Let us get started!

Are Shih Tzu Good Family Dogs?

Shih Tzu makes excellent family pets who get along well with other animals and people of all ages. In fact, they’re one of the breeds that make for the best companion a family can have.

Shih Tzus are the funniest, most charming little creatures you’ll ever meet, and once you have one, you’ll be spoiled for life!

All About Shih Tzu

Appearance

In most countries, Shih Tzus fall into the toy group. They range in height from eight to eleven inches and weigh from nine to 16 pounds (four to seven kilograms).

They are well known for their long, silky, luxurious double coat, which comes in 14 different colors and three different markings. These colors include black, black and white, gray and white, and red and white. 

Shih Tzus have a unique smile because of their undershot bite. When a Shih Tzu’s mouth is closed, its top teeth bite within its lower teeth because its lower jaw is slightly wider than its upper jaw. Their facial hair grows in all directions, including up from their nose, and must be groomed frequently to keep it from hanging in front of their eyes.

A Shih Tzu carries considerable pride because of its royal heritage—Chinese royalty kept these canines as pets. Their walk has been described as arrogant, with the head lifted high and the tail curved over the back.

Shih Tzu Temperament

Shih Tzus are known for their cheerful, joyful personality. These dogs can get along well with your family and different kinds of animals. 

Shih Tzus are not big chewers due to their short muzzles, but they enjoy digging and may engage in loud barking. They have a strong need to be in the company of others, whether it’s on your lap or a trip in the park.

In general, they are not snobbish or aggressive towards other people, other dogs, or their owners, and they tend to mimic the traits of bigger dogs.

Finally, they lack a natural propensity for anger and are not easily irritated, but they can be confused when others do not share their enthusiasm for life.

Living Needs

Shih Tzus are very easy to care for, but if given too many treats, they will quickly grow obese. They do not need or desire a daily mile hike but love walks and should be kept fit. 

Shih Tzus compete successfully in obedience and agility. You should avoid exercising a Shih Tzu in hot, humid weather since the breed is prone to heatstroke due to its short muzzle.

Most pet owners choose a short year-round body clip, which looks great and is simple to maintain. If you want to preserve your dog’s beautiful, flowing coat, we suggest putting in a lot of grooming work.

You must bathe your dog weekly with coat oiling to keep matting away and regularly brush it to keep foreign things from catching in the coat. Soft-coated dogs mat too much more than dogs with a right-textured coat.

Additionally, we suggest that you give some personal attention because this kind of breed enjoys being around people and loves to be pampered. 

Shih Tzus should be introduced to kids at a young age, although they get along with people of all ages. You can’t rely on your Shih Tzu to keep the house safe; he’d most likely welcome a thief with open paws.

Shih Tzu Care

The good thing about owning a Shih Tzu is they are comfortable as long as they are with you. They’re an adaptable breed that can live in a small city apartment and a large suburban or country property. 

Although they like some outside play, they are a housedog and should not be leashed outside. They’re not very active dogs; they’d rather sit in your lap, stroll around the home, play with their toys, or go to the door to greet visitors. 

Shih Tzus are sensitive to heat. They should stay indoors in an air-conditioned room or one with fans to avoid heat exhaustion on hot days.     

It is not uncommon for a Shih Tzu to leap from a bed or a chair without hesitation. While these heights may not appear extreme to you, they are dangerous to the little Shih Tzu. 

This breed is front-heavy and tends to crash forward, resulting in injuries or concussions. When carrying your Shih Tzu, exercise extreme caution. Keep a tight grip on them, and don’t allow them to jump out of your arms or off the furniture.

As an owner of this dog, you need to train and let them socialize early. This will help ensure that your puppy will grow as an obedient dog.

Lastly, potty training is important. Of course, you don’t want your dog to pee or poop on your favorite rug. It takes persistence and effort to teach your dog this important skill set. 

Health

Shih Tzus are known for their longevity, with an average lifespan of 10 to 16 years. Despite being a generally healthy dog breed, Shih Tzus are prone to a few health problems.

Shih Tzus can suffer from ear infections, ocular problems, hip dysplasia, and umbilical hernias, among others. But don’t worry, these illnesses are curable.

Dental disease is also common in Shih Tzu since they have small mouths. Malocclusion and tooth crowding are two of the most frequent dental problems.

Shih Tzu is also prone to breathing problems because of its small face. You must avoid your dog in a hot place. 

Besides cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, a Shih Tzu might also suffer from corneal dryness, retinal detachment, and retinal detaching. Excessive air exposure from improperly closed eyelids can also cause inflammation.

As your dog grows older, he may develop allergies which will cause him in reverse sneezing. One factor that causes these allergies is their food, so it is important to give your dog a balanced diet.

 If you discover any problems with your Shih Tzu’s, contact your veterinarian right away.

Trainability

The Shih Tzu is a highly intelligent breed, and they will likely expect your actions before you do. They are trainable and like learning new things, but there are times when they can be stubborn.

It is important that training is consistent and you will avoid negative words to your dog. Positive reinforcement always makes the goal possible. 

Pros and Cons of Shih Tzus

Pros of Shih Tzus

Loving to Children

Since Shih Tzus are friendly and have charming personalities, they make great therapy dogs. We always tell parents to keep an eye on their children when they are around dogs and teach them to respect animals.

Great Companion

These pups were bred to be lap dogs because they were designed to be companions. If you’re elderly or looking for a pet companion for a parent, the Shih Tzu may be the right dog for you.

Have a Beautiful Coat

Shih Tzu has various coat colors, making them more attractive. These include red and white, gold and white, gold with a black mask, black and white, liver, solid black, brindle, and white. 

Love to be Indoors

While these pups can take part in dog activities such as agility, they prefer to spend their time with you indoors. Crawling into your lap while binge-watching whatever is on Netflix is undoubtedly their idea of a good time.

Cons of Shih Tzus

Can be Bossy

These pups might use their cute faces to lure you into following their wants. They can sometimes be stubborn, so you must train and socialize them early.

High Maintenance

A Shih Tzu with a longer haircut will need brushing daily. If you can’t keep up with the brushing, you risk their coat becoming matted, which can be uncomfortable or cause skin problems if left unattended for too long.

Even if you brush your dog every day, you’ll need to regularly take him to the groomer, and the cost of all this grooming can soon add up.

They Need a Nutritious Food

These little pups need a high-quality, fresh or homemade meal to meet their nutritional needs. There is food available on the market that is best for their balanced diet, but if you make a homemade meal, it is better to talk to your veterinarian and seek advice.

Health Issues

As mentioned above, Shih Tzus may also develop different illnesses. Although it is normal for all breeds, you should be observant of your dog’s health as a pet owner.

If you plan on buying a puppy from a breeder, inquire about the bloodline and any testing that the breeder does before breeding to ensure that the pups are healthy.

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