The Shih Tzu, a breed draped in luxurious fur and radiating charm, often steals hearts at first glance. Their affectionate nature and playful spirit make them enticing companions. But beneath the adorable exterior lies a breed with specific needs. This article delves into the pros and cons of Shih Tzu ownership, exploring their grooming requirements, potential health concerns, and temperament to help you determine if this devoted, yet demanding, breed is the right fit for your lifestyle. Is a Shih Tzu the perfect furry addition to your family? Let’s find out.
The Shih Tzu is adored by many for its cute looks and playful personality, making it one of the most popular dogs in America. This small companion breed originated in Tibet, and although its name means “little lion,” the Shih Tzu is far from fierce. Known for being affectionate and loving, the breed is believed to have descended from the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso over thousands of years.
Historically, Shih Tzus were pampered by royalty, lounging on the laps of emperors, and today they continue to thrive as beloved family pets. If you’re thinking about bringing a new dog into your home, you’ve likely been doing research to find the perfect match. For those seeking a small, friendly pup, the Shih Tzu could be a great fit.
However, before making your decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of owning a Shih Tzu to see if they’re the right breed for your lifestyle.
Pros and Cons of Shih Tzu
These affectionate, playful, and outgoing dogs may be small, but they have big personalities. Shih Tzus usually weigh between 9 and 16 pounds and stand about 10 inches tall. With an average life expectancy of 10 to 18 years, owning one can be a long-term commitment of nearly two decades. Before bringing a Shih Tzu into your home, make sure you’re ready for the responsibility.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of the Shih Tzu
Affectionate with Children
Thanks to their friendly and social nature, Shih Tzus make excellent family pets. AKC states that they usually get along well with kids and other animals, and they love being around children. However, despite being sturdy dogs, their small size can put them at a disadvantage during rough play.
It’s important for adults to always supervise interactions between children and Shih Tzus to prevent any accidental injuries. Supervision ensures that everyone, especially the dog, stays safe and happy during playtime.
Make Excellent Lap Dogs
Every dog breed has its own purpose, and the Shih Tzu’s main purpose throughout history has been companionship—and that’s exactly what they want to do. These little dogs are all about being with their people, so don’t expect them to hunt, guard, or retrieve—that’s just not their thing.
Affection is what defines them, and they love nothing more than being in your lap. If you’re looking for a true “lap dog,” the Shih Tzu could be the perfect match. They’re more than happy to cuddle up on the couch with you and lounge around all day. These loving dogs are great at providing emotional support and comfort, and as long as they’re with you, they’re content.
Happy to Relax Indoors
Shih Tzus were bred to be indoor companions, and that’s where they are happiest. They love following you from room to room and lounging in your lap. These adaptable dogs can thrive in a variety of living environments, from small city apartments to large country homes. While Shih Tzus enjoy short walks in the yard and spending time outside with their family, they aren’t suited for long periods outdoors.
Orvis points out that they don’t handle heat well, and their long coat can easily tangle, mat, or pick up burrs. It’s best not to leave a Shih Tzu outdoors alone, as they are much more comfortable indoors where they can be close to their people.
Boast Beautiful, Lush Coats
Shih Tzus are known for their striking long, flowing double coat that can even reach the ground. As puppies, they start with a short single coat, but as they grow, a second coat develops, creating their signature look.
According to AKC, when seen in the show ring, their dramatic, flowing coat is truly eye-catching. The Shih Tzu’s coat consists of two layers: a long, silky topcoat and a soft, feathery undercoat. This beautiful coat comes in a variety of colors, adding to their charm and elegance.
Compact, yet Robust and Resilient
The lively and alert Shih Tzu is a compact toy breed with a solid build. Though small, they are slightly longer than they are tall, giving them a sturdy appearance. Despite their petite size, Shih Tzus are surprisingly robust and hardy.
Their small size also means they have fewer health issues commonly seen in larger breeds, making them a resilient and durable companion for families.
Cons of the Shih Tzu
Their Stunning coats Require Regular Maintenance
The Shih Tzu’s long, luxurious double coat is made of hair, not fur, which requires daily brushing and regular grooming to keep it healthy and tangle-free. While many pet owners opt for a shorter puppy cut for easier maintenance, Shih Tzus in the show ring must have their long hair meticulously groomed.
In addition to daily brushing, more thorough grooming—whether at home or with a professional—is needed each month. Regular nail trimming is also essential to prevent painful issues like splitting or cracking.
A High-quality Diet is Essential
Shih Tzus can sometimes develop food allergies, which may require a special diet if they show signs like itching, chewing on their feet, or digestive problems. Additionally, as a brachycephalic breed with a pushed-in nose and underbite, they might need easy-to-chew food. Typically, it’s recommended to feed a Shih Tzu between ¾ to 1 cup of high-quality dry dog food per day, divided into two or three meals.
Though Shih Tzus are generally friendly, they may show food guarding behaviors. If you notice resource guarding, it’s important to address it with a trainer before it becomes a bigger issue.
They can be a Bit Stubborn at Times
Although Shih Tzus are intelligent, they can be challenging to train due to their short attention span and stubbornness. It’s important to start basic training in puppyhood and focus on teaching polite behavior early on. Discouraging jumping is crucial, not only for good manners but also to protect their growing bones from injury. Shih Tzus are also known to be difficult to housebreak, so persistence and consistency are key. Using praise and rewards is the most effective way to gain their cooperation.
It’s equally important to address nipping and guarding behaviors early to prevent problems later on. Rewarding gentle play with praise will help reinforce good manners and prevent future issues.
May be Prone to Certain Health Issues
Like many purebred dogs, Shih Tzus are prone to certain health issues. Common problems include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (a dislocated kneecap), and eye conditions such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and corneal dryness or inflammation, often caused by their eyelids not closing properly.
While not necessarily a health issue, it’s also important to consider that due to their long coats, Shih Tzus can struggle in hot weather and aren’t natural swimmers.
Before purchasing a puppy from a breeder, it’s crucial to ask about the health of the bloodline and any genetic testing the breeder performs to help ensure you’re getting the healthiest puppy possible.
Health Issues Caused by the Abnormally Shortened Face
Shih Tzus, like other flat-faced breeds, have a shortened skull and narrowed airways, which can make it harder for them to regulate their body temperature in hot weather. This makes them prone to overheating easily. As a result, they aren’t able to play outside as intensely or for as long as other non-flat-faced dogs.
In addition to their facial structure, Shih Tzus have small nostrils and thick coats, which also contribute to their sensitivity to heat. It’s important to monitor them closely during warmer months to prevent overheating.
Is the Shih Tzu the Right Dog for you?
Shih Tzus are undeniably lovable dogs, but the question is whether they’re the right fit for your lifestyle. With their adorable looks and playful personalities, it’s easy to fall for a Shih Tzu at first sight. You’ll likely know if this breed is right for you pretty quickly—they have a way of stealing hearts with their cuteness and funny antics.
Shih Tzus are friendly, charming, and affectionate little companions, making them wonderful pets. However, they can become anxious in chaotic or noisy environments, so it’s important to ensure they are properly socialized from a young age. While they are intelligent and can be trained, Shih Tzus can also be a bit stubborn at times. Patience is key when training them, and don’t be surprised if they’re more cooperative when treats are involved at first!
Final Thoughts OnShih Tzu Pros & Cons
Shih Tzus are charming companion dogs that can make good family dogs for many households, especially those with small children and other pets. Most Shih Tzus are affectionate, friendly, and get along well with other dogs and other breeds, making them versatile pets. However, as a toy breed, they do require regular brushing to manage when they shed hair and maintain their long coats.
When considering a Shih Tzu, it’s important to choose a reputable breeder to reduce the risk of health problems common in small breeds. Like many small dogs, Shih Tzus can be difficult to potty train, so patience with house training is necessary. While they may not need as much exercise as big dogs, they still benefit from high-quality food to keep them healthy. If you’re looking for a loving and playful companion and are prepared for the grooming and training requirements, a Shih Tzu might be the perfect breed—especially for those looking for their first dog.
Shih Tzus are charming companions, offering unwavering affection and playful personalities ideal for apartment living. However, their luxurious coats require significant grooming, and they can be prone to certain health issues. Their stubborn streak necessitates patient training. Ultimately, a Shih Tzu can be a wonderful addition for those prepared to dedicate time to grooming and training, and who prioritize a loving, albeit sometimes demanding, lap dog. If you’re seeking a low-maintenance breed, however, a Shih Tzu may not be the right fit.
