Shih Tzus: The Good and the Bad
If you’re considering getting a pet dog, the shih tzu may have caught your attention. These adorable, fluffy creatures that look like stuffed animals are known for their sweet disposition and spunky personality. However, before making a decision, there are important things to consider such as their potential health problems and grooming needs.
As someone who has owned three shih tzus and trained many others, I can attest to their cuteness and unique personalities. They are a small, sturdy breed recognized as toy dogs by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and were bred to be companions, not working dogs.
Their origins date back to antiquity. As one of the 14 oldest dog breeds, shih tzus emerged around 8,000 B.C. and were developed by Chinese imperial breeders in the palace of the Emperor. It is believed that they were bred from two Sino-Tibetan breeds, the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese.
Shih Tzus are known as “lion dogs” because of their resemblance to the mythical animal, which is considered sacred in Buddhism. The breed’s name is derived from the Mandarin phrase “little lion.” They were often kept hidden by Chinese emperors behind palace walls until the 1930s when breed clubs began to form.
Despite their fierce name, shih tzus are friendly, affectionate, and loyal dogs that require minimal exercise and are perfect for novice pet owners. They love being lap dogs and can be trained to do tricks. However, as with any breed, there are pros and cons, and below are some of the good and the bad things to know about these cute pups.
The Good
1. Easy to Train
Shih tzus are smart dogs, but they have an independent and stubborn streak, making them somewhat difficult to train. However, with patience and positive reinforcement, they can learn a wide range of commands. Dogs of this breed are not naturally obedient, but they become willing learners when they realize training can be fun.
2. Mental Stimulation
These dogs require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stay mentally alert. Providing puzzle toys, playing games, and dog sports such as agility and musical freestyle can keep them entertained.
3. Great Therapy Dogs
Shih tzus are social dogs and enjoy being around other people and pets. They make great therapy dogs as long as they are bred, trained, and socialized well. Shih tzus should not be skittish and should be comfortable around the equipment found in hospitals and nursing homes.
4. Excellent Trick Dogs
These dogs are fun and enjoy learning new tricks, which makes them an excellent choice for performing. When trained correctly, they can perform a range of tricks from dancing to begging and even rolling over.
5. Good with Children and Other Dogs
Shih tzus are naturally friendly with adults, children, and other dogs, which makes them suitable for families. Socialization is important to ensure that the dog is not aggressive or fearful towards others.
The Bad
1. High Grooming Needs
Even though they are small, shih tzus have long, thick hair that requires considerable grooming. They need to be brushed daily, and their hair needs to be trimmed and shampooed frequently to keep them clean and healthy.
2. Health Issues
Shih tzus are prone to a range of health problems such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies, which can be expensive to treat. Regular visits to the vet are necessary to keep the dog healthy and prevent health problems from becoming severe.
3. Not Good for Outdoor Activities
These dogs are not suited for outdoor activities such as hiking, jogging, swimming, or biking. Their short legs and long bodies make it difficult for them to keep up, and they are prone to overheating. Therefore, they are best suited to indoor activities and short walks.
4. Require Socialization
Shih tzus are social creatures that need early socialization to develop a friendly and confident personality. Without it, they may become fearful or develop “small dog syndrome” where they become aggressive and overly protective.
5. Independent Streak
These dogs have a stubborn and independent streak making them somewhat difficult to train. Patience and positive reinforcement are key to training shih tzus.
Conclusion
Shih tzus are adorable dogs that make great pets for novice pet owners as long as you are aware of their unique needs. They require minimal exercise, are great with children and other pets, and have an affectionate personality. However, they require considerable grooming, need early socialization, have health issues, and are not good for outdoor activities. With proper care and attention, shih tzus can be great companions and family pets.
