Choosing a dog breed is an important decision, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Many factors to consider, such as size and temperament, make some breeds better for certain types of families than others. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at one popular type of dog breed: Are Shih Tzus Good Family Dogs?
The Shih Tzu is known for its long, flowing hair that can range from white to brown with black or gray markings. These little dogs are typically around 10-15 pounds and stand 8 inches tall when on all fours. They’re very affectionate and loving creatures who get along well with young children and other animals- making them perfect companions for those looking for family-friendly pets!
History of Shih Tzus
Shih Tzu is one of the 20 oldest dogs breed. The little lion dog toys were highly prized possessions among royalty. They are an excellent regal breeding breed, but at this point, they’re not arrogant nor pompous.
Their reputation as one-person dogs is correct, but when people describe them as timid, snarky, or aggressive, they refer to a dog who was not raised correctly.
They are loyal, loving, attentive, and observant.
Do Shih Tzus make good pets?
The Shih Tzu has a docile and friendly temperament, making them an excellent companion animal for the family. It has an affectionate personality and a warm disposition.
You can groom this dog easily. It is a non-shedding breed. Easy to care for them. You’ll finish your training with ease. It would help if you were careful not to bring it into hot situations or shave his coat to ensure he does not overheat, but it is Hypoallergenic.
We will show you just how functional this small dog is in a family household and why you should not pass through the opportunity to have one as your next family pet.
Some people believe that the high-strung nature of the Shih Tzu can be challenging to manage when it comes to living in a home with kids who may not always understand how to care for them properly. Others argue that their tendency to bark at strangers is enough reason alone not to get one if you’re looking for a dog who will protect your family from unwelcome intruders.
Ultimately, it’s up to each person and situation.
Does the Shih Tzu make a good family dog?
Yes, Shih Tzu is not aggressive and behaves very well. They are one of the most popular breeds in America, making them an ideal pet for people with young children or babies.
This particular breed is not adapted to live in a big backyard, but you need to train them well to not bark at other people or pets. They are also playful and docile, which means they can be left home alone while you’re away from the house.
However, some Shih Tzus suffer from separation anxiety since they have been bred to serve as companion animals. If this is the case with your dog, you must find time every day to spend with them, so they don’t feel abandoned when you go out of town or leave them at home by themselves all day long.
It’s easy to train a Shih Tzu because their personalities make them very eager-to-please! This breed makes an excellent family dog whether small children are present in the household or not.
Again, this canine is not aggressive and will be happy in any environment.
So the question remains are Shih Tzus good for kids? Since Shih Tzus are already affectionate and docile, they make lovely family pets. Shih Tzus are generally a good fit for homes with children. It is always important to teach young children how to treat these dogs correctly and appropriately.
The temperament of a Shih Tzu
These dogs have a warm and welcoming temperament who are willing to trust others regardless of age and prior experiences. It generally takes up residence in their company with people like dogs, cats, etc. The only downside about Shih-Tzu’s temperament is that they tend to be naturally people-focused, leading to being clingy.
As the Shih Tzus age, their temperaments become more refined. Besides being a loyal companion, he can also be a great therapy dog.
NB: This can cause extreme anxiety when owners are out of sight.
The temperament of the Shih Tzu changes over time. Essentially, the breed is confident regardless of their age or how many bad experiences they have received. They still want to trust others as well as a leap for a stranger. Their desire is just as vital to love and be able to return the love.
They do not get angry quickly and are not aggressive to other people. Shih Tzus are not yappy, loud, or aggressive when you train them early on.
Shih-Tzu’s loyalty is in their temperament, and they always show it through the love they give to you.
Are Shih Tzus aggressive?
The Shih Tzu may be small, but they are not aggressive. They can get very territorial and bark at strangers, typical for a dog of their size.
However, they do not have an aggressive demeanor or disposition to them; so although barking is natural, it does not make the breed more likely to attack someone who crosses into its territory.
It might take some time before your pup warms up to new people without feeling threatened by them in any way, especially if you’re introducing them to other animals or children too soon after coming home with you from the breeder’s house. But once he has settled in and feels safe in his new environment, he will be more receptive to strangers.
A Shih Tzu is not a naturally aggressive dog, and they are rather timid of large animals; however, with proper training, you can teach them how to act around larger dogs.
The breed does have its limits regarding what size animal it can handle comfortably, though.
If the other pet is too big for him, your pup might take severe offense and get in a fight which could end badly for both parties involved (especially if one of them happens to be an elderly or young dog).
As such, please make sure that any pets introduced into your home are smaller than the Shih Tzu, so there’s no problem between either side. Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it will allow your pup to feel more at ease.
Shih Tzus socialization
You must introduce a new animal into your home slowly and in moderation to not overwhelm or scare your pet (especially if he has never had any other pets before).
If this is his first time living with another dog, make sure they are the same size. You can also start by introducing them to neutral territory like an enclosed backyard where both parties have space enough for some freedom of movement without feeling threatened by one another. This way, there’s no risk of either side getting hurt – which would defeat the whole purpose!
Shih Tzus have a pleasant energy level.
They are a little more active than other breeds of the same size but not as high energy as I have seen with some small terriers.
But they tend to bark very often – which is where their reputation for being good guard dogs comes from.
If you’re looking for an excellent family pet that does well living both indoors and outdoors, then the Shih Tzu may be your best option!
They are not the most active breed and should not be expected to run long distances or need a yard. They are prone to gaining weight, so try and keep them on a strict diet, like any other pet!
If you want something less active but still need some exercise, I suggest looking into toy breeds such as the Chihuahua or Poodle mix.
Shih Tzus can be great family pets if raised with children early and taught how to interact appropriately without being aggressive. If your kids aren’t responsible enough for this type of animal, consider getting a different breed instead – please do not leave these animals outside unattended because it will increase their chances of escape, and it is in their instinct to wander.
Shih Tzu personality
The personalities of Shih Tzus are a dynamic mix of spirited companion dogs, the attentive and caring lap dogs.
The Shih-Tzu has one of the best personalities to be had with an active toy breed. They can become a friend for one person or be a loving companion. Though they’re not as playful, Shih Tzus always come around to go for a brisk walk.
The Shih Tzu has a pleasant energy level. They are more active than other breeds of the same size but not as high-energy as I have seen with some small terriers.
They often bark, which is where their reputation for being good guard dogs comes from.
If you’re looking for an excellent family pet that does well living both indoors and outdoors, then the Shih Tzu might be your best option! They might not be the most active breed, and don’t expect them to run long distances or need a big backyard.
The Shih Tzus can gain weight, so try keeping them on a strict diet like any other pet! If you want something less active but still need exercise, look into toy breeds such as the Chihuahua or Poodle mix.
If you want something less active but still need some exercise, I suggest looking into toy breeds such as the Chihuahua or Poodle Mix.
Shih Tzus can be great family pets if you raise them with children early and teach them how to interact appropriately without being aggressive.
If your kids aren’t responsible enough for this type of animal, consider getting a different breed instead- please do not leave these animals outside unattended because it will increase their chances of escape, and it’s in their instinct to wander.
The Shih Tzu personality is dynamic: one minute, they’re spirited companion dogs who cuddle obediently at your feet, and the next minute they’re attentive lap dogs.
One thing that all Shih Tzus have in common is their love of exercise, so if you want a dog who’s relaxed at home but will happily go for walks when out, then this may be a perfect choice.
Groom and care for your Shih Tzu
If you’re like me, live in the cold Canadian climate, then your Shih-Tzu needs some attention to keep him warm during the winter months.
You should check his ears at least once a week for signs of infection and prevent ear infections.
Shih Tzus have a majestic double coat. They require regular brushing and combing. Failure will mean it turns the beautiful coat into chaos.
They have hair that doesn’t require expensive products and sleek texture for people with busy schedules.
The shorter the animal’s hair, the less regularly you will need to clean it. They can tolerate cold weather but not terribly in hot climates.
Why is their double coat much more prone to overheating? Because their short face exposes them to possible heat exhaustion.
Dogs require, at minimum, a few minutes of exercise time each day. Shih Tzus are too small to need long walks but would be happy with 5-minute ones, maybe twice a day. They tend to be healthy creatures.
It’s essential to find a Shih Tzu that suits your lifestyle. Shih Tzus tend towards being stubborn at times, but if you’re willing to put in some work, Shih Tzus will be an excellent dog addition to any family!
Shih Tzu’s Shaving
Shave your Shih Tzus once or twice per year during the winter months because they have short hair that gets matted in cold climates like ours.
Use an electric dog clipper rather than scissors for safety reasons; brush their teeth frequently as well as trimming their nails every month.
Coat grooming frequency
Shih Tzu dog breed requires a regular brush, bathing, etc. As someone looking for grooming time, think about how much time, patience you have for such services. All dogs need proper trimming.
I have to admit; we spoil our Shih Tzu. We groom him every three months by his groomer, and it’s full grooming in addition to the weekly brushing I do myself at home.
Good city dog?
Shih Tzus are an excellent breed for families that live in the city and have limited outdoor space. You can meet their exercise needs by brisk walks, indoor playtime, or trips to the park on weekends. They’re also good around kids of all ages!
Shih Tzus are good family dogs because they require minimal grooming and exercise time, perfect for busy families who don’t want an animal on their hands all day long.
How big do Shih Tzus get?
Shih Tzu dog breed, the little lion, is a small-scale canine. They are weighing approximately 9 – 16 pounds. They typically are eight inches-11 inches taller. Much like their size, Shih Tzus can be larger and more demanding than other breeds.
Shih Tzu puppy weighs about two pounds at birth and grows to be about nine or ten pounds.
Shih Tzus are typically hypoallergenic, making them a good family dog as they can live with people who have allergies.
How long does Shih Tzus live?
Typically, Shih Tzus will live for 13-16 years. However, some factors can affect their longevity, such as health and weight.
It is important to note that the average life expectancy of a dog depends on many variables:
- Age at which you spayed or neutered them.
- Amount of exercise they get each day.
- Quality and quantity of food.
- How often you take them to the vet.
Generally speaking, though, when properly taken care of, Shih Tzus tend to be naturally healthy dogs with longer than average lives.
Training a Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzus are brilliant dogs and will only take a short time to learn basic commands. They are generally easy to train.
Especially if you have a treat or to learn a trick, you’ll be surprised.
Food is a great motivator, a lot of treats are nice but go easy on the treats. If you have a Shih Tzu, be sure to spend time with them every day.
How can I train my Shih Tzu?
You should start training your dog as soon as possible by teaching him simple commands like “sit” or “come.”
They are intelligent and will only need a short amount of time to learn basic commands.
It’s always better to use food rewards when training your dog because they love their treats!
You’ll find that Shih Tzus aren’t overly stubborn but don’t overdo the treats.
If you’re looking for more ways to go about getting started, check out Brain Training For Dogs.
Are Shih Tzus easy to train?
Shih Tzu owners need patience when training them as it takes them longer than most breeds would take to learn a new trick.
They need at least some space and outdoor time but not so much that it would interfere with their family life.
Shih Tzus are easy to train to make them suitable for kids who want to do something nice for the family pet on command like fetch or give a treat when asked.
If a Shih Tzu is your next family pet, you need to train it early to avoid unwanted barking and howling.
They will chew up furniture or other household items if you don’t give them proper attention.
The Shih Tzu will often snuggle with its owner making it a great companion for children and adults who enjoy being around dogs but do not want noise from an active breed like a retriever or border collie.
Shih Tzu owners have found this dog breed good because of their loyalty, love to cuddle with people, easy-going attitude, and small size.
You need to know that the Shih Tzu dog breed can be very stubborn and will need an owner who is confident and patient when training.
Shih Tzus are relatively easy to train when you start training them at a young age because they take time to learn new tricks.
How long does it take to train a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus need some patience when training them as they are slower than most breeds. The good thing is that these dogs love rewards and will happily come running at the sound of their owners’ call if appropriately trained.
They also do not require much exercise but enough to avoid unwanted behaviors like destructive chewing or to howl all day in the house.
Do they need daily exercise?
No, this type of dog has low needs for physical activity since all that running around will make them tired enough without any extra effort from us humans.
But if we want our Shih Tzu’s health and happiness at its finest, then making sure he gets plenty of playtimes is an absolute must.
Modest Feeders
The Shih Tzu is tiny and relatively less active. So the required energy is somewhat lower. Since this breed is a couch potato, your pet’s little bit won’t be hungry. You can rest assured your budget will not suffer when buying dog food.
Only you want to ensure to buy a quality dish for your dog. This is the way for the human companion to ensure that their food gets good enough to keep you healthy and always energized.
The best food for a Shih Tzu is dry food. It would be best if you don’t feed your pet whatever you will not eat yourself. For example, if you are a vegetarian and don’t consume meat or fish, do not give it to the dog because they cannot digest it well.
6 Tips for feeding your Shih Tzu
- Look at the ingredients in order to make sure they’re good quality and not full of fillers like cornmeal or soybean flour.
- It’s best if you can find a brand that doesn’t use any wheat, grains, gluten, artificial preservatives/colors (BHA & BHT), animal by-products, or GMO’s.
- Remember – our dogs have different digestive systems than us humans so look for dog-specific foods which is labeled as such on packaging.
- Always provide fresh water with meals – most adult dogs should drink around one quart per day.
- Don’t overfeed your Shih Tzu, they tend to have sensitive stomachs so make sure you feed them a couple of times per day. Divide their meals up into smaller portions throughout the day.
- Feed healthy treats – carrots, apples or blueberries are good options for Shih Tzus as long as it fits within your dog’s personal dietary needs (i.e., is grain-free).
Does Shih Tzu suffer from separation anxiety?
When left alone at home, one interesting thing about this breed is that some will howl and bark like crazy while others turn into couch potatoes as soon as you close the door behind them.
It’s best if we can ensure your dog has its own space (like a room) to accommodate these different behaviors without being destructive to the house.
Shih Tzu dog breed can suffer from separation anxiety.
This means that you might need to take them out frequently and train them not to feel anxious when left alone for long periods. The dog will usually show signs such as destructive behavior, excessive barking or howling, urinating in the house, loss of appetite, etc.
Shih Tzu training starts early, making it essential for owners to start socializing with their little pup right away. They get accustomed to all sorts of noises and don’t get startled easily.
Training is difficult at times because Shih Tzus are stubborn and independent-minded by nature. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods such as treats or toys for the dog to learn what he’s being asked to do.
Dogs are intelligent creatures that need guidance from their human companion.
It may take more time than usual for Shih Tzus to house train themselves since this breed was explicitly bred not to bark too much – one reason why these dogs make great apartment pets!
FAQs about Shih Tzus
Are Shih Tzus aggressive?
In short, no. The Shih Tzu breed is not aggressive by nature.
They were companion animals for royal families in China centuries ago, so it’s no wonder their personality is sweet, affectionate, and gentle enough even for children without any risk of injury!
People would call them the “lion dogs” of China because of their appearance, demeanor, and temperament.
Though small in size, they can grow to a maximum weight of 20 pounds when fully grown, so it is vital to get your pup on an exercise routine early if you want them to maintain that smaller stature throughout his life!
Their personality is sweet and affectionate. This is one of the reasons why they have become popular pets for families worldwide and are a popular choice among celebrities.
Can Shih Tzus live with kids?
Shih Tzu can be the perfect family dog because they get along with kids and enjoy playing. They have been bred for their love of companionship over hundreds of years, so it’s no wonder that these dogs are great around families!
Conclusion: Are Shih Tzus good family dogs?
For those looking for dog breeds that can be both playful and gentle, the answer is yes. They also have an easy-going temperament which makes them perfect companions to children of all ages.
The only downside would be if they become anxious or clingy when you leave them alone at home – but this will probably happen with any breed.
We hope you found this blog post helpful! Please comment below with any other Shih Tzu-related questions you may still have in mind! And don’t forget to share this article if you find it useful 🙂
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