Choosing the right dog to bring into your home is no easy decision. If you live in a small space or want the ultimate at-home companion, look no further than the Shih Tzu.
These “Lion Dogs” have origins in China and are thought to be a cross between the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. A member of the Toy Group, Shih Tzu are arguably the perfect lapdog. With a Shih Tzu at home, you’re sure to always be entertained.
Shih Tzu are a playful, affectionate, and outgoing breed. They are highly adaptable and love to be around their humans. Shih Tzs love cuddles and are perfectly content to sit in their owner’s lap for hours.
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Shih Tzu are best known for their big, expressive eyes, short faces, and long, flowing coats. They weigh between 9–16 pounds and stand between 8–11 inches tall.
The Shih Tzu’s grooming routine can be high maintenance. Shih Tzu require daily brushing, and should be bathed every two to three weeks. The corners of their eyes should be cleaned daily with a damp cloth. To prevent eye irritation in the Shih Tzu, the hair on the top of their heads should either be cut short or kept in a topknot. The Shih Tzu’s mustache and topknot also require daily combing to keep them looking their best.
If daily brushing doesn’t fit your routine, consider having a professional groomer give your Shih Tzu a “puppy trim” to keep them fresh, happy, and still utterly adorable.
©chaoss - stock.adobe.com
The Shih Tzu’s charming nature can make them challenging to train, since letting a Shih Tzu get their way can lead to having a difficult pet. Like with any breed, early socialization and puppy training classes will help your Shih Tzu grow into a well-behaved adult. Since Shih Tzu are extremely people-oriented and eager to please, training techniques based on praise and rewards tend to work best. Shih Tzu don’t respond well to harsh techniques, and new desired behaviors should be introduced bit by bit. Patience and love are key in working with these little “Lion Dogs.”
Shih Tzu are people-loving dogs. They live to love and please their humans. Shih Tzu are also known to be particularly affectionate with children. Prospective owners should note that due to their small faces and heavy coats, Shih Tzu do not tolerate heat well and are not good swimmers.
Shih Tzu can be a good choice for city dwellers or families with small backyards. If you’re looking for a dog to love on and be loved back in return, the Shih Tzu might be a great fit.
©DNF-Style - stock.adobe.com
Shih Tzu are very social. They love to spend time with their owners and are a true lapdog. They thrive off attention. Because they were bred as companion dogs, they don’t fare well when left alone for long periods of time. Prospective owners should be ready to give their Shih Tzu all the love and attention they can.
The post Is the Shih Tzu a Good Fit for You? appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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These “Lion Dogs” have origins in China and are thought to be a cross between the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. A member of the Toy Group, Shih Tzu are arguably the perfect lapdog. With a Shih Tzu at home, you’re sure to always be entertained.
The Shih Tzu’s Temperament
Shih Tzu are a playful, affectionate, and outgoing breed. They are highly adaptable and love to be around their humans. Shih Tzs love cuddles and are perfectly content to sit in their owner’s lap for hours.
©Alex - stock.adobe.com
Physical Traits and Grooming Needs
Shih Tzu are best known for their big, expressive eyes, short faces, and long, flowing coats. They weigh between 9–16 pounds and stand between 8–11 inches tall.
The Shih Tzu’s grooming routine can be high maintenance. Shih Tzu require daily brushing, and should be bathed every two to three weeks. The corners of their eyes should be cleaned daily with a damp cloth. To prevent eye irritation in the Shih Tzu, the hair on the top of their heads should either be cut short or kept in a topknot. The Shih Tzu’s mustache and topknot also require daily combing to keep them looking their best.
If daily brushing doesn’t fit your routine, consider having a professional groomer give your Shih Tzu a “puppy trim” to keep them fresh, happy, and still utterly adorable.
How Much Training Does a Shih Tzu Need?
©chaoss - stock.adobe.com
The Shih Tzu’s charming nature can make them challenging to train, since letting a Shih Tzu get their way can lead to having a difficult pet. Like with any breed, early socialization and puppy training classes will help your Shih Tzu grow into a well-behaved adult. Since Shih Tzu are extremely people-oriented and eager to please, training techniques based on praise and rewards tend to work best. Shih Tzu don’t respond well to harsh techniques, and new desired behaviors should be introduced bit by bit. Patience and love are key in working with these little “Lion Dogs.”
Are Shih Tzu a Good Fit for Families?
Shih Tzu are people-loving dogs. They live to love and please their humans. Shih Tzu are also known to be particularly affectionate with children. Prospective owners should note that due to their small faces and heavy coats, Shih Tzu do not tolerate heat well and are not good swimmers.
Shih Tzu can be a good choice for city dwellers or families with small backyards. If you’re looking for a dog to love on and be loved back in return, the Shih Tzu might be a great fit.
©DNF-Style - stock.adobe.com
How Social Are Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzu are very social. They love to spend time with their owners and are a true lapdog. They thrive off attention. Because they were bred as companion dogs, they don’t fare well when left alone for long periods of time. Prospective owners should be ready to give their Shih Tzu all the love and attention they can.
The post Is the Shih Tzu a Good Fit for You? appeared first on American Kennel Club.
Read more...
