Are Shih Tzu Good Apartment Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Often referred to as little lion dogs,

Shih Tzus are a great breed for sharing your smaller space

. They offer everything you could want in an apartment companion, known for being calm and friendly around strangers, children and even other pets.

Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?


The Shih Tzu is a breed prone to barking

. They tend to bark at people and dogs passing the window, or off in the distance when walking. They love to bark at the front door when visitors arrive as if saying please pet me, bark.

What is the best dog to have in an apartment?

  • Bichon Frise. Getty Images. …
  • French Bulldog. Getty Images. …
  • Greyhound. GianniAlessiGetty Images. …
  • Pug. Getty Images. …
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Getty Images. …
  • Bulldog. Getty Images. …
  • Havenese. Getty Images. …
  • Shih Tzu. Getty Images.

Can a Shih Tzu be left alone?


Most Shih Tzu dogs will do fine being left alone for short periods of time

. For those overly anxious dogs that do not respond to the tips described above, you many need to consider other options. Dog Sitters can visit your dog once or more frequently during the day for a play session or walk.

Can Shih Tzus live in an apartment?

Often referred to as little lion dogs, Shih Tzus are a great breed for sharing your smaller space.

They offer everything you could want in an apartment companion

, known for being calm and friendly around strangers, children and even other pets.

Are Maltese Shih Tzu good for apartment?

You may know this dog by the names of Malshi, Malti Zu, and the Shih Tzu Maltese Mix. This mixed breed does not shed very much, so is the perfect companion for people that have allergies. They are small pups, so

ideal for apartment or city living

.

Do Shih Tzu like to cuddle?

Shih Tzus were (and are!) prized for their companionship, and these adorable, plush canines are deeply loyal, affectionate, and

always down to cuddle

, which is why they're widely loved across class lines today. The Shih Tzu is family-friendly and adaptable, and their gorgeous locks are enchanting.

Are Shih Tzu hard to potty train?


Shih Tzu puppies are notoriously difficult to housebreak

. However, with a little time and consistency, you can train your to use the bathroom correctly. Create a set routine, feed it at the same times each day, and make frequent trips to a consistent potty spot.

Are Shih Tzus smelly dogs?


No, it is not normal for your Shih Tzu to have terrible body odor

. These dogs are usually clean little pets, sweet, cuddly and minimal shedders. The first thing you should do is to have your vet examine him thoroughly to see if an underlying health issue is responsible for this smelly situation.

Is it cruel to have a dog in an apartment?

The general rule of thumb, she says, is to use common sense. “

We generally accept it is okay to keep a dog or cat in an apartment as long as the animal is not too large

– for example, a Rottweiler in a tiny flat. And a dog should be exercised regularly.”

Is it bad to have a dog in an apartment?

Dr Starling agrees, saying “

sometimes large, slow breeds can be surprisingly well suited to apartments, provided they don't have a strong protective instinct

“. “They spend a lot of time resting and don't need a lot of exercise, and they can also be very tolerant.”

What's the most low maintenance dog?

  • Basset Hound. You'll recognize a Basset Hound when you see one, those ears stand out. …
  • Boston Terrier. Boston Terriers are friendly, happy dogs that make great city pets. …
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The eyes of the Cavalier say it all. …
  • Chihuahua. …
  • Dachshund. …
  • French Bulldog. …
  • Havanese. …
  • Maltese.

Are Shih Tzus high maintenance?

The Shih Tzu is an energetic, vibrant little dog with a surprisingly

low-maintenance

and easygoing temperament. The only thing they love more than following their humans around their house is being petted and pampered! They'll happily sit in your lap for hours, and can even be prone to laziness.

Do Shih Tzus need to be walked?

Even though they are nowhere as active as some other dog breeds,

Shih Tzu's still require daily exercise

. You should take your pooch for a walk twice daily, in the morning and again in the evening. Spend 15-20 minutes out on each occasion. You should also play games with your dog in the home.

Can Shih Tzu be left alone for 8 hours?

So, at what age can you leave a Shih Tzu alone? In a perfect world, it wouldn't be until the Tzu was 8 or 9 months old. However, since you most likely need to work/go to school/run errands,

a puppy of any age can be left for the day… 7, 8 or 9 hours

.

Are Shih Tzus quiet?

While

it is perfectly fine for a Shih Tzu to be a quiet dog and not bark often

, it is a whole different story if a dog that previously barked suddenly stops.

Are Shih Tzu good for first time owners?


Yes, the Shih Tzu can be a good choice for a first-time dog owner

. Their friendly nature and desire to be close to their humans can make them a great choice. That doesn't mean that these pups aren't hard work to raise and train.

Is a Shih Tzu a small dog?

The Shih Tzu is

a small but sturdy dog

with a lush, long, double-hair coat. This breed's alert, confident, playful, and courageous demeanor makes it a favorite amongst toy dog enthusiasts.

Are Shih Tzus easy to train?

Sweet, affectionate and full of personality,

Shih Tzus are readily trainable

with positive training methods that focus on rewards. Training your Shih Tzu to stay is no exception. Teaching the basics is easy! Just be consistent and practice often to make sure this behavior is there when you need it.

How long do Maltese Shih Tzus live for?

The Maltese Shih Tzu hybrid has a healthy lifespan of around

12 to 14 years

.

How big will my Shih Tzu puppy be?

Weight of Puppy at 8 Weeks Old Estimated Adult Weight
1.25 pounds

5.5 to 7 pounds
1.5 pounds 6 – 7.5 pounds 1.75 pounds 7 – 8 pounds 2.0 pounds 8 – 9.5 pounds

Are Shih Tzus smart or dumb?


Shih Tzus are not the smartest dogs

. According to Stanley Coren, the Shih Tzu has the lowest degree of obedience & working intelligence. Out of 138 dogs, they're ranked the 128th breed. However, their ability to adapt and understand human emotions is what makes them intelligent.

Do Shih Tzus sleep a lot?

Do all Shih Tzus sleep a lot?

Yes, Shih Tzus tend to sleep longer than most other breeds

. It's quite likely that your pup will be napping much of the day away while you are at work. These dogs are also well known for the ability to fall asleep on virtually any environment or situation.

How often should I take my Shih Tzu out to pee?

Remember your Shih Tzu puppy should be let outside to go potty

every hour or two

. If he's older than three months, old, he might be able to wait up to three hours. Remember to reward your Shih Tzu puppy with a treat each time he is successful and makes it outside without accidents.

Why do Shih Tzus pee inside?

Your Shih Tzu may be urinating in one specific area repeatedly, or may essentially be peeing just about anywhere other than where you'd like him to. In many cases, urinating inside is due to

territorial marking

, which is different than emptying the bladder for bathroom needs.

Is a Shih Tzu expensive?

The price could be

as low as $250 if you get your puppy of off Craigslist – or around $1,200 if you get him from a registered breeder

. Dogs with exceptional pedigrees may run as high as $3,000. Rescues charge about $350 for Shih Tzu puppies.

Can a Shih Tzu use a litter box?

Getting Started.

Your Shih Tzu puppy can be litter box trained with the right size litter box

, lots of treats for rewards, and positive behavior training. Be prepared for repetitive training, acknowledging good behavior with treats, and verbal praise.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.