Shih Tzus: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find about Shih Tzu temperament, personality, and behavior.

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Shih Tzu Temperament
What's Good About 'Em,
What's Bad About 'Em

By Michele Welton. Copyright © 2000-2010

Carrying himself with a proud, arrogant bearing, yet possessing a sweet-natured temperament, the 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.

The happy, gentle Shih Tzu loves attention and is a terrific pet for senior citizens.

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 very hard to housebreak, however.

If you want a dog who...

Is small, yet sturdy and strong Carries himself with a proud, aristocratic bearing, yet is also happy and playful Doesn't need much outdoor exercise Is less yappy than many other toy breeds Is usually friendly (at least polite) with strangers Is peaceful with other pets While not "hypoallergenic", sheds less than many other breeds A Shih Tzu may be right for you.

If you don't want to deal with...

• An independent "what's in it for me?" attitude
• Notorious housebreaking difficulties
• Frequent brushing and combing, or regularly shearing the coat short
• Concerns about potential health problems in the breed

A Shih Tzu may not be right for you.

If I were considering buying or adopting a Shih Tzu

My major concerns would be:

1. Minimizing the problems that can be caused by their short face. Read about these special health problems and make sure you're willing to take extra steps to care for your Shih Tzu:
   
   
   • His respiratory system is compromised, so don't smoke near him, don't use chemical cleaning products, and keep him away from allergenic pollen and freshly-cut grass.
   • Make sure your vet uses only the most modern anesthetics (such as isoflurane) and insist on a heart and blood pressure monitor. Many vets are NOT careful enough when anesthetizing short-faced breeds.
   • In hot or humid weather, minimize his outdoor activity and keep him in an air-conditioned home. Short-faced dogs have a high risk of heatstroke because they can't pant vigorously enough to lower their body heat.
   • Walk him in a Y-shaped harness that wraps around his chest, not his throat. A collar puts pressure on his windpipe and makes it harder for him to breathe.
   • Wash and dry the folds of skin on his face after every meal.
2. Stubbornness. Shih Tzus are not Golden Retrievers. Most Shih Tzus are stubborn and can be manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. (Food is a great motivator with Shih Tzus, but if you give too much and don't provide commensurate exercise, you'll end up with a fat, unhealthy Shih Tzu.)
3. Housebreaking. Like most small breeds, Shih Tzus have a small bladder that takes a long time to develop. Expect four to six months of consistent crate training.
   
   
   
   
   
   
To learn more about training Shih Tzus to be well-behaved, consider my dog training book,
Teach Your Dog 100 English Words.

It's a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will make your Shih Tzu the smartest, most well-behaved companion you've ever had.

Teaches your dog to listen to you, to pay attention to you, and to do whatever you ask him to do.





4. Grooming. Without regular brushing and combing, Shih Tzus become a matted mess. If you can't commit to the brushing, you have to commit to frequent trimming/clipping to keep their coat short, sanitary, and healthy.
   
   
   
5. Finding a healthy one and keeping him healthy. Shih Tzus can suffer from serious kidney and liver diseases, knee joint problems, eye diseases, and more.
   
   My dog buying guide, How To Buy a Good Dog, will teach you everything you need to know about finding a healthy Shih Tzu puppy. Health problems have become so widespread in dogs today that this book is required reading for ANYONE who is thinking of getting a purebred, crossbred, or mixed breed dog.
   
   

   If you'd like to consult with me personally about whether a Shih Tzu might be a good dog breed for your family, I offer a Dog Breed Consulting Service.

   
   Once you have your Shih Tzu home, you need to KEEP him healthy -- or if he's having any current health problems, you need to get him back on the road to good health.
   
   My dog health care book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy is the book you need. Raise your dog the right way and you will be helping him live a longer, healthier life while avoiding health problems and unnecessary veterinary expenses.

Please consider adopting an ADULT Shih Tzu...

When you're acquiring a Shih Tzu PUPPY, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important.

But when you acquire an adult dog, you're acquiring what he already IS and you can decide whether he is the right dog for you based on that reality. There are plenty of adult Shih Tzus who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics that are "typical" for their breed. If you find such an adult dog, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. Just be happy that you found an atypical individual -- and enjoy!

Save a life. Adopt a dog.

Adopting a Dog From a Dog Breed Rescue Group

Adopting a Dog From the Animal Shelter