Are Shih Tzus Good Family Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Combined with their confidence, lack of prey drive, friendly nature, and affectionate demeanor,

Shih Tzus are great family dogs

. They do not mind being handled by respectful children, enjoy short bouts of play time, and are loyal to their companions.

Is Shih Tzu 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 Tzu dogs 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.

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.

Can 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.

Which is better beagle or Shih Tzu?


The Beagle comes out on top if you are looking for a breed that requires no-fuss grooming

. In contrast, the Shih Tzu has a breathtaking coat that is highly demanding to maintain. You don’t have to worry much about grooming a Beagle. Regular brushing is enough to manage its shedding.

What are the pros and cons of a Shih Tzu?

  • Have gorgeous coats. Shih Tzu’s can be found in a wide variety of colors. …
  • Affectionate with children. …
  • Happy to spend time indoors. …
  • Great lapdogs. …
  • Those gorgeous coats can be high maintenance. …
  • They need a high-quality food. …
  • Can be stubborn. …
  • Prone to health issues.

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 shed?

Shih Tzu Hair

As a result of all of that hair, many people can’t help but wonder, “Do Shih Tzus shed?” Ironically enough, despite all that hair,

Shih Tzus are said to shed less than other breeds and often only when washed or brushed

.

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.

What is the quietest dog?

  • French Bulldog. (iStock) …
  • Basenji. A great option for pet owners looking for a quiet dog, the Basenji is basically bark-free. …
  • Great Dane. One of the quietest dog breeds is the Great Dane. …
  • Australian Cattle Dog. …
  • Shar Pei. …
  • Borzoi. …
  • Bouvier des Flandres. …
  • Greyhound.

Why do Shih Tzus growl so much?

It’s very common for dogs to growl

if they feel as if their food is threatened

. And, while no one in the house may have any intention at all of taking the food dish away, it’s simply canine instinct to feel this way if others are too close by when a dog is eating.

Are Shih Tzu hard to housebreak?

Shih Tzus are friendly, social lapdogs who are less prone to excessive barking than other small dog breeds. They are also, however,

notoriously stubborn and difficult to housebreak

. The key to proper Shih Tzu training is consistency, gentleness and a basic understanding of dog behavior.

Which is better Maltese or Shih Tzu?

The Shih Tzu has a short snout and tends to be more stubborn than the Maltese. Also, both of these dog breeds are very energetic and considered outgoing breeds, but

Shih Tzus is calmer

. Protective of their owners and possessions, the Shih Tzu and Maltese both embody the best qualities within smaller dog breeds.

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.

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.

How much does a Shih Tzu need to be walked?

Shih Tzu’s need

around 70 minutes of exercise a day

and because they’re small dogs, it’s best to split up their daily walks into 2 or 3 outings. Don’t forget that playing with your pup is also exercise, so make sure you schedule in some rest time so they don’t become too tired or overstimulated.

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

.

Which dog is best Shih Tzu or Golden Retriever?

Category Golden Retriever Shih Tzu Prone to Obesity Yes No Veterinarian Visits Frequent Frequent Affinity to water High Low Guide Dog Yes No

Can Beagle and Shih Tzu live together?


The Bea-Tzu is a mix between two purebred dogs, the Beagle and the Shih Tzu

, making them small enough for apartment living and just big enough to run around the backyard of a small house. They’re incredibly loyal and make good watchdogs.

How do you take care of a Shih Tzu?

  1. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. …
  2. Regular brushing and grooming is needed to keep her coat beautiful.
  3. Shih Tzus often have serious problems with their teeth, so you’ll need to brush them at least three times a week!
  4. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy.

Why you shouldn’t buy a Shih Tzu?

Many Shih Tzus live a good long life. But unfortunately

they can suffer from serious kidney and liver diseases, knee problems, eye diseases, itchy skin allergies, and more

.

Why should we not buy a Shih Tzu?


Shih Tzus are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections

— the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors.

Is it better to have a male or female Shih Tzu?

Our experience is that

male ShihTzu are usually more affectionate, exuberant, and attentive as compared to females

. They seek your attention and are very attached to their people. They also tend to be more steadfast, reliable, and less moody.

What is the stupidest dog breed?
  1. Afghan Hound. The Afghan Hound is the “dumbest” dog. …
  2. Basenji. Basenjis also make the list of dumbest dog breeds. …
  3. Bulldog. Bulldogs are known for their stubbornness. …
  4. Chow Chow. Chow Chows can also be difficult to train. …
  5. Borzoi. …
  6. Bloodhound. …
  7. Pekingese. …
  8. Beagle.

What dog is the cutest?

  • Schnauzer. 59.01%
  • Leonberger. 58.99%
  • Cavapoo. 58.79%
  • Springador. 58.69%
  • Siberian Husky. 58.48%
  • Bernese Mountain Dog. 56.76%
  • Old English Bulldog. 56.30%
  • Bloodhound. 56.05% Labradoodle small.

Is Shih Tzu loyal?

Shih Tzu are

fiercely loyal to their family

—but there’s not an ounce of ferocity in the companion breed. They’re alert and will often bark when a stranger approaches the home, but they are polite and friendly with guests.

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.