Pros and Cons of Shih Tzu Dogs

Shih Tzu is an extremely popular breed of small dog. As with any breed, there are inherent pros and cons to keeping a Shih Tzu as a pet, and these should be considered by any potential Shih Tzu owner prior to getting a dog. Considering the breed's temperament, physical characteristics, and needs will allow the potential owner to decide whether the requirements and character of the dog match the owner's situation, needs, and preferences.

  1. About the Breed

    • Shih Tzu dogs consistently rank among the 10 most popular breeds defined by the American Kennel Club. The Shih Tzu is a lively toy dog with a long and flowing coat. The breed is well established, as Shih Tzus are believed to have been around for over 1000 years, and appear in paintings as a dog of the ancient Chinese court. Shih Tzus tend to have a happy temperament and a sweet nature overall, and are solidly built small dogs.

    Pros

    • Shih Tzus tend to be outgoing and friendly with new people they meet. They enjoy being lavished with human attention, and are extremely loyal to their owners. Shih Tzus usually coexist peacefully with other pets. Despite being a toy breed, Shih Tzus are not as yappy as other toy dogs. They also need relatively little exercise, so they are a good choice for people living in apartments or those with little daily time for exercising a dog. Shih Tzus do not take much space or feeding, and are generally quite easy to keep happy.

    Cons

    • Because Shih Tzus enjoy and crave attention from humans, they may become jealous of children or infants in the family. Shih Tzus, particularly older dogs, may become snappy with young children who bother them or do not respect their space. Introducing the dog to the children when they are both young, and with proper supervision, can minimize the risk of the Shih Tzu resenting the child. Additionally, several physical features of the Shih Tzu breed may be considered cons. The dog's long hair requires a lot of grooming, and can quickly become tangled and matted if not constantly cared for. Certain health problems show up more frequenty in the Shih Tzu breed, including the kidney condition renal dysplasia. The Shih Tzu's short face causes a tendency towards respiratory issues and overheating.