10 Things Only Shih Tzu Dog Owners Understand

The Shih Tzu is known for being a great family dog, as it is very gentle and affectionate. It is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.

They are small dogs with long, silky hair that is usually white, black, or a combination of both. Shih Tzu dogs can be stubborn and headstrong, yet they are also very intelligent and happy. 

The Shih Tzu dog has a long history. They originated in China in the 8th century and were a status symbol for only the rich because they were expensive.

The dogs were bred to be small to travel with their owners and demonstrate the wealth of their owners.

If you’re thinking about getting a Shih Tzu, you probably already know how devoted they are to their owners.

This high level of affection can make caring for a Shih Tzu a little more challenging than most other dog breeds since you have to make sure they get enough exercise and socialization.

Shih Tzu is so smart and docile that you can easily train them to do tricks and be your companion. However, as with any dog, you need to take precautions to ensure you and your Shih Tzu remain healthy and happy.

Having a Shih Tzu dog is a big responsibility. It requires a lot of love, attention, and effort. If you think you are ready to take on a Shih Tzu dog, here are ten things to know before you adopt one.

10 Things to Know Before Adopting a Shih Tzu Dog

1. If you are lucky enough to own a Shih Tzu, you know that a Shih Tzu has a mind of its own and that it has the power to make you love it or hate it.

Shih Tzu’s are not like other dogs that would listen to you their entire lives. A Shih Tzu would do what it wants to do, and you have to accept it no matter how much you try to stop it.

2. A Shih Tzu dog is one of the most popular breeds in the world today.

With a good reason! Many people love this long-haired breed for its tiny and compact structure and its cheerful and playful demeanor.

Unfortunately, it’s this playfulness that tends to cause Shih Tzu’s excessive barking whenever an unfamiliar person approaches the house. Let’s see what these personality traits are the main reasons for excessive barking in this breed.

Shih Tzu dogs are known for their distinctive faces, long bodies, and fluffy ringlet tails. So it’s no surprise that these dogs can get pretty vocal.

The good news is, Shih Tzu dogs don’t bark all that often. But when they do, their shrill yapping can be pretty annoying. Why do Shih Tzu dogs bark so much?

As it turns out, there are several reasons why your Shih Tzu barks. (And if you’re looking to get a Shih Tzu, be sure to check out this list of Shih Tzu dog names.)

While Shih Tzu dogs are sweet and loving to those lucky enough to be their owners, they are also known to be yappers.

This is especially true when they are left alone for long periods. If you are contemplating bringing home a Shih Tzu, keep in mind that their barking can be noisy, so if you live in an apartment or a condo, you might want to keep your puppy on a leash when he or she is outdoors.

3. What makes your Shih Tzu so cute and adorable?

This little dog is one of the most popular dogs in the world. And no wonder, because this dog is so adorable with its long fur.

But, besides the magnificent appearance, there is more to the Shih Tzu. This dog has many spirits, and there are many fun and fascinating facts about this dog. Many dog owners have bred this dog.

Who knows, maybe you have a Shih Tzu too! You also need to match the energy of your dog. Make sure that you take him for walks and make sure to have time to play with him.

4. What was the one thing that made you fall in love with a Shih Tzu dog?

Was it their long fluffy fur or their oh-so-cute face? Maybe it was their excellent sense of humor or their sweet little puppy antics.

Shih Tzu dogs have many great qualities, but one thing that makes them so adorable and lovable is their moods.

Shih Tzu dogs are naturally very happy, curious, and energetic. They love to play with their owners and fellow dogs. They make excellent companions and can be a lot of fun to be around.

5. The Shih Tzu dog has a lot of energy but is not always able to burn it off.

This can result in a lot of pent-up frustration in a Shih Tzu dog. While its little legs can’t run very fast, it has a lot of strength in those tiny hands.

So when the Shih Tzu dog gets jealous that you are paying attention to someone or something else, it will try to get your attention.

When it comes to dogs, the Shih Tzu is the diva of the dog world. With their long luxurious fur and large eyes, they are the “cute” dog’s epitome.

While many people today shun the “cute” label and choose to select dogs that are more athletic for their lifestyles, the Shih Tzu is a great option for people looking for affectionate and easy dog care.

6. The Shih Tzu breed is known for its intelligence and affectionate nature, but it can be equally difficult to train.

And it’s a common misconception that this breed is easy to obedience train. The Shih Tzu indeed is one of the most intelligent dog breeds.

But that doesn’t mean it’s a good candidate for obedience competitions. To be successful, you have to have the patience to understand the mind of a Shih Tzu.

These tiny balls of fluff have big personalities. They’re feisty, spunky, and have no idea they’re only dogs. They can be stubborn but also affectionate and loving.

They have a tendency to bark and howl, but if you can train them, they make excellent companions and are ideal for an apartment.

7. As you’d expect, living with a Shih Tzu is no walk in the park.

These dogs are adorable but also stubborn, needy, and demanding. If you’re thinking of bringing home a Shih Tzu, you need to be prepared as a dog owner. 

If you are a Shih Tzu dog owner, you are very familiar with the breed’s unique physical and behavioral characteristics.

But that’s not the only thing that makes Shih Tzu dogs since they also have various health problems that are uniquely theirs.

Here, you will learn about some of the more common health problems that plague Shih Tzu dogs and what you can do to prevent them from occurring.

8. Brushing a dog’s teeth is one of the best ways to ensure she doesn’t need a trip to the vet.

Brushing not only helps prevent cavities but also freshens her breath and boosts her self-esteem. Besides, who wants a smelly, slobbering pooch?

However, it’s not always easy to get a dog to sit still for good teeth cleaning. Try these tips for getting the job done right. -Use dog-friendly toothpaste.

Dogs are notorious for hating the flavor of toothpaste. Most don’t understand what the minty substance is for. That’s why finding a toothpaste that tastes like chicken, or peanut butter is a great option. 

9. A Shih Tzu is the perfect breed for someone who wants a dog they can carry around. (Funny you should say that because that’s exactly how I feel about my Shih Tzu, Bao Bao.) ;

Shih Tzus are not like big, wiggly Labrador Retrievers who can jump on you. They’re just a few pounds of fluff that can be picked up and held any time, and that means they need to be bathed less frequently.

Just be careful to get water only on the dog’s body, not in the nose or eyes, or else it can cause pain, irritability, and even infection.

Some Shih Tzu dogs can be stubborn, aggressive, and playful. While they are wonderful companions, they do need special care and attention, particularly when it comes to cleaning.

Their small size and stocky build make them especially vulnerable to illness and infection, and you need to be able to recognize the signs of a sick dog to prevent health problems from developing.

10. Although Shih Tzu dogs are adorable when they are young, they can present a bit of a challenge when they need grooming.

With long hair that can get tangled and mats, this type of dog requires a lot of care and attention to keep them looking and feeling good.

Are you ready to be a Shih Tzu fur parent now?