Characteristics of Shih Tzu Puppies

Dogs are very popular as household pets, and with the huge variety of breeds, there seems to be a dog to complement any type of personality. The Shih Tzu is a toy dog that many people fall in love with because of its tiny size, long hair and cute face. There are definitely some character traits that people should be aware of before deciding to take a Shih Tzu puppy home.

  1. Personality

    • It is a Shih Tzu puppy's nature to be very outgoing and energetic. It loves to be around people, so it excels as an indoor dog rather than an outdoor dog. It will not enjoy spending a lot of time alone; it would rather be around its owners as much as possible. Other personality traits that make a Shih Tzu puppy a great companion are its friendliness, affection and overall happiness.

    Made for Indoors

    • Shih Tzu puppies have physical characteristics that make it important for them to indoor pets rather than outdoor pets. The Shih Tzu has a flat, pushed-in face that can make breathing difficult outdoors. Its long coat and short stature also make it difficult for a Shih Tzu to get along well outdoors. This is not to say that Shih Tzus don't like sunlight. They should have plenty of access to sunlight and cool air.

    Grooming

    • Shih Tzus have long hair, which must be groomed often. This is especially true for puppies. Fortunately, they don't shed, but they should get haircuts every six to eight weeks and be brushed every day to prevent the hair from turning into unmanageable fluffballs. Also, Shih Tzus tend to have runny eyes because of smaller tear ducts, and tears collect on the hair on their faces. This hair must be cleaned to prevent it from smelling.

    Training

    • The owner of a Shih Tzu puppy must be prepared to spend a lot of time training. Shih Tzus are stubborn puppies with short memories and attention spans. The long hair of a Shih Tzu puppy adds to the frustration of housebreaking because it is hard to see when it is eliminating. Plenty of repetition, patience and rewards are needed to train a Shih Tzu puppy in the rules of the house.