Purebred Dogs vs. Mixed Breed Dogs Which Dog Breed Is Best For You? 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy Advice You Can Trust: 180 Dog Breed Reviews Teach Your Dog 100 English Words How To Buy a Good Dog

Shih Tzu: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Shih Tzu personality and behavior. main page breed review faq health training adopting/buying links My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Shih Tzu, including these excerpts: "Carrying himself with a proud, arrogant bearing, yet possessing a sweet-natured and docile temperament, the elegant Shih Tzu is less demanding and less yappy than other toy breeds. Though he is solidly built and lively and loves to play in the yard, he doesn't need much more exercise than that. A lover of comfort, he enjoys cuddling on laps and snuggling into soft pillows, his soulful eyes inviting pampering, which he accepts graciously. The happy, gentle Shih Tzu loves attention and is a terrific pet for senior citizens. At the other end of the spectrum, he is easily overwhelmed by small children and cannot take rough handling or mischief. Most Shih Tzus are friendly and trusting with strangers, though socialization is necessary to develop this outgoing temperament. He is peaceful with other pets. Though he has an aristocratic demeanor and definite likes and dislikes, the Shih Tzu is bright, sensitive, and responsive. The little training he needs will go well if you rely on consistency, praise, and food rewards. He can be hard to housebreak, however." History The Shih Tzu was cherished as the palace pet of the Chinese Tang and Ming dynasty imperial families. His name translates loosely to "lion." Size 8-11 inches and 9-16 lbs

Shih Tzus What's good about 'em What's bad about 'em There are energetic Shih Tzu, and placid Shih Tzu. Hard-headed Shih Tzus, and sweet-natured Shih Tzus. Serious Shih Tzus, and good-natured goofballs. Introverted Shih Tzus, and Shih Tzus who love everyone. If you acquire a Shih Tzu puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed... If you want a dog who... Is small, yet very sturdy, long-bodied and short-legged Has a long flowing coat that comes in many colors and patterns Carries himself with a proud, dignified, aristocratic bearing, yet is also happy and playful Doesn't need much exercise Is less yappy than other toy breeds Is usually friendly with strangers and other pets A Shih Tzu may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with... "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much Stubbornness (mind of his own) High coat maintenance (frequent brushing and combing, or clipping) Housebreaking difficulties Snorting, snuffling, snoring Serious health problems A Shih Tzu may not be right for you. If I were considering a Shih Tzu... My major concerns would be: Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Shih Tzus need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you. Shih Tzu puppies are NOT suited to small children, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Shih Tzu puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Shih Tzu adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness (even defensive biting) may be the result. Stubbornness. Shih Tzu are not Golden Retrievers. They have an independent mind of their own and can be stubborn and manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your Shih Tzu to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Shih Tzu Training Page discusses the program you need. All the grooming. Without frequent brushing, Shih Tzus become a matted mess. If you can't commit to the brushing, you have to commit to frequent trimming to keep the coat short, neat, and healthy. Housebreaking problems. Shih Tzus tend to resist being told what to do, and housebreaking is no exception. Expect four to six months of consistent crate training. Shih Tzu sounds. Because of the short face, Shih Tzu snort, snuffle, and snore loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others. Serious health problems. The unnaturally short face and upturned nose means breathing difficulties and the potential for heatstroke in hot humid weather. Their compromised respiratory system makes it risky to anesthetize them. Most of these dogs can't even whelp their puppies without veterinary intervention. The large shallow-set eyes are extremely vulnerable to injury and infection. The long back is susceptible to disk problems. Shih Tzu are also prone to joint problems, kidney problems, and skin problems. To keep this breed healthy, I strongly recommend following all of the advice on my Shih Tzu Health Page. If you're considering an adult Shih Tzu... There are plenty of adult Shih Tzus who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS. Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author.