Shih Tzu dogs are very cute and cuddly. However, that should not be your only reason for wanting to own one. These dogs are extremely high maintenance.
Shih Tzu dogs are great pets to own, but they are not the right dog for everyone. Before inquiring about Shih Tzu puppies for sale, contacting a Shih Tzu rescue, or applying for a Shih Tzu adoption, make sure that this small dog is going to be right for your lifestyle.
Many people have a strong fondness for either a small dog or a larger one. Little dogs like the Shih Tzu are an excellent choice for people that live in smaller homes or apartments. Dogs that are small in stature are easy to carry along if you are someone that loves to travel and likes to have your canine companion with you. In addition, these dogs are significantly travel-friendly thanks to their laid-back temperament.
Smaller dogs are also easy to pick up and cuddle. It takes almost no strength at all to hold them in your arms. If they happen to misbehave at any point, you can always scoop them up off the floor and take them with you.
Therefore, you need to make sure that you understand the type of commitment that it takes to own a Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzu dogs are probably not right for you if you…
Do not like to brush your own hair:
You will not have time to groom a Shih Tzu if you do not have the time and patience to groom yourself.
Do not like snoring and snuffling sounds:
Shih Tzu dogs are notorious for these types of sounds because of their short noses.
Rather to have a dog you can leave in the backyard until you get home, and does not demand quality time continuously:
Shih Tzus, unlike many other dogs, demands quality time and wants to be with you all day every day. In fact, leaving them alone for too long can cause them to have personality issues.
Want a dog that works as hard as you do:
Shih Tzus want to do one thing and one thing only, and that is to be with you. Good luck trying to get her interested in guarding, pulling a sled, or retrieving objects.
These dogs just want hang out on the couch while they’re being pampered.
Are not home on a regular basis:
Shih Tzus do not like to be left alone. They love people’s time and not alone time.
Have a house full of children:
Having many small children in your household could take away from the attention you must give to your Shih Tzu.
Remember, grooming a Shih Tzu takes time and a lot of patience. However, they’re great with children. Nevertheless, try to keep them away from toddlers because they could hurt the Shih Tzu by playing too rough.
Love the outdoors and like to go biking, swimming, and train running triathlons and must have a dog running side by side with you:
The only way your Shih Tzu is going to keep up with your active lifestyle is if you put her in a little doggy carrying bag.
Love the sun and want a dog that sunbath with you and keep you company while you’re working on your tan:
Shih Tzus do not like heat and would prefer a nice air-conditioned house or apartment.
Remember, Shih Tzu dogs are not for people that know nothing about the breed. Grooming alone can be a tedious endeavor.
