Shih Tzu - Small in size with a heart the size of a mountain...
Owning, training and caring for a Shih Tzu
Breed Introduction
The descendant of royal dogs of China, the Shih Tzu is a small cute dog with a big heart. Although they have the appearance of being proud and arrogant, as the breed name (which means little lion) implies, there's nothing fierce about this sturdy little dog. They were bred solely to be a companion and nothing else. They are actually gentle, loving, affectionate, playful, outgoing and full of infectious enthusiasm. This happy housedog makes an excellent choice for families with children. Not only is the Shih Tzu good-natured and friendly, but he's also highly adaptable. As well as loving children, they easily get along with other household pets if introduced at an early age. However, Shih Tzus are sensitive and can be a bit snappy if teased. This is likely due to their high intelligence, however this make for a dog that's quick learner. But on the flip side, the breed can be quite independent and even stubborn at times. With patience and consistency in training, they can become relatively obedient.
Free Online Workshop On Dog Training
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Will a Shih Tzu be a suitable dog for my family?
- Yes, if you want a tiny sized dog (less than 15lbs)
- If you have a large back yard, small back yard or even no back yard at all
- For those that have a back yard, it doesn't matter if it's securely fenced or not
- If you are able to spend at least 45-60 minutes total per day for the feeding, exercising, training, and grooming of your dog
- You want a long or double coated dog
- As long as you're prepared to have a dog that sheds all year round
- If the youngest person in your house (or who visits regularly) is over 25 years old
- You have the time and persistence necessary to housebreak your dog
- If you want a dog that's active as a puppy but settles as it matures into adulthood. The Shih Tzu is a good choice if you need a dog that can be home alone during the day
- You want a dog that takes an average amount of time to train
- If you want a dog that will bark to warn you of odd noises or strangers
- The Shih Tzu is a good choice for the first time dog owner
Shih Tzu Stat Chart
Rating System:
Ease of training: 1 is hard to train, 5 is easy
Ease of grooming: 1 is hard to groom, 5 is easy
Sociability: 1 is not social, 5 is very social
Guarding: 1 is not a good guard dog, 5 is very good guard dog
Suitable for Apartments: 1 is not suitable, 5 is very suitable
Noisiness: 1 is quiet, 5 is loud
Biting and Nipping: 1 is doesn't nip/bite, 5 high chance of biting/nipping
Energy Level: 1 is low energy, 5 is high energy
Shedding: 1 is low energy, 5 is high shedding
Affection: 1 is not very friendly, 5 is very friendly
Exercise Requirements: 1 is low exercise needed, 5 is a lot of exercise
Breed Stat
Size: Toy or Tiny
Life span: Over 10 Years
Exercise: Up to 1 hour per day
Grooming: Every day
Coat length: Long
Coat sheds?: No
Home Size: Large,Small,Flat
Garden Size: Medium,Small
Rating System:
Ease of training: 1 is hard to train, 5 is easy
Ease of grooming: 1 is hard to groom, 5 is easy
Sociability: 1 is not social, 5 is very social
Guarding: 1 is not a good guard dog, 5 is very good guard dog
Suitable for Apartments: 1 is not suitable, 5 is very suitable
Noisiness: 1 is quiet, 5 is loud
Biting and Nipping: 1 is doesn't nip/bite, 5 high chance of biting/nipping
Energy Level: 1 is low energy, 5 is high energy
Shedding: 1 is low energy, 5 is high shedding
Affection: 1 is not very friendly, 5 is very friendly
Exercise Requirements: 1 is low exercise needed, 5 is a lot of exercise
