Introduction
Was Shih Tzu the worst breed of dog? While this may sound controversial to many, some dog lovers and owners do feel this way. shih tzu puppies are definitely adorable and loving, but some people may find them challenging to live with due to particular breed traits.
Some individuals find Shih Tzus too demanding in terms of maintenance. Their long, silky coat requires frequent brushing, which may be costly and time-consuming, to prevent matting and tangling.
Additionally, Shih Tzus are susceptible to a variety of medical ailments, like as respiratory issues and eye abnormalities, which may require routine doctor visits.
Shih Tzus may be headstrong, which is another reason why some people find them to be challenging pets. Due to their independence, this breed may be more difficult to teach than others and may be less receptive to directions. This might be difficult for owners looking for an obedient dog that is easy to train.
In this post, we’ll examine the theories as to why some people would believe Shih Tzus are demanding canines. We’ll also give pointers and recommendations to anybody thinking about adopting one of these gorgeous puppies.
High Maintenance Grooming Needs
High care pets require frequent grooming because to their long, silky coats, therefore this is a crucial consideration when picking a pet. Because of their very thick coats, Shih Tzus require regular brushing and trimming in order to maintain their finest appearance. Frequent appointments to the groomer are also necessary for this breed since knots and tangles in their fur must be avoided.
In addition, compared to other breeds of comparable size, Shih Tzus shed a lot more even though they are thought of as little dogs. This implies that homes owning a Shih Tzu typically need to brush and hoover more frequently.
For these dogs to remain healthy and well-mannered, they require daily exercise in addition to regular grooming. The suggested daily quantity of physical exercise may range from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the demands of the individual dog. If this routine isn’t followed, it might lead to weight gain or behavioural issues like excessive barking or unruly behaviour because of boredom.
This breed might not be suitable for those who cannot commit the time and energy required to provide them with the daily exercise and grooming they require to maintain their health and well-being. It should be noted that, although they are generally friendly animals, a lack of socialisation may result in fear or animosity. To guarantee that they develop into confident adult members of their family pack, early training is essential.
Prone to Health Problems
Shih Tzus, despite their diminutive stature, are prone to a number of health problems that may be treated with the right care and attention. Regretfully, these dogs are extremely prone to obesity and joint issues as a result of sedentary lifestyles and overbred lines that are handed down from generation to generation.
Potential Dental Problems
Comparing Shih Tzus to other dog breeds, they are smaller in stature. Their little teeth thus have a tendency to push against one another in their jaws, increasing their risk of dental problems. When Shih Tzus age, they may develop gum disease or tooth decay if their dental care is neglected, such as by not brushing their teeth as recommended or skipping yearly professional cleanings.
Potential Respiratory Problems
Shih Tzus may have difficulty receiving adequate oxygen to regulate their bodies because of their diminutive height. Breathing difficulties, an abrupt rise in heart rate and pulse, and decreased cerebral blood supply are all signs of respiratory issues that can lead to confusion, instability, or even unconsciousness. Immediately get in touch with a veterinarian if you see any of these symptoms.
Reverse sneezing
Another respiratory problem that pet owners should be concerned about is reverse sneezing. A backward sneeze is produced when the dog’s soft palate contracts, narrowing its airway. Although this can occasionally cause strange snorting noises and fainting, it’s usually not life-threatening and goes away on its own.
Potential Eye Problems
Shih Tzus frequently have eye problems because of the ratio of their large eyes to small heads. They are also more vulnerable to infections and inflammation of the eyes in addition to age-related ailments like cataracts and glaucoma. Shih Tzus should undergo regular examinations from a veterinary ophthalmologist to make sure their eyes are healthy.
One approach to do this is to keep a regular eye on the dog’s activity and food schedules. If either one falls out of balance, it may result in more serious conditions like diabetes or heart disease. In addition, routine veterinary examinations should be carried out to detect any potential underlying medical issues early on and treat them effectively before they worsen.
Shih Tzus make wonderful companion animals and need a lot of love and care from their owners. Their risks of having major health problems may be significantly decreased with the right care and preventative measures, allowing them to enjoy happy, exciting, and adventurous lives with their human family members.
Difficult to Housebreak
Shih Tzus can be difficult to housebreak because of their independent and rebellious attitude. For these dogs’ owners to have the best chance of success, housebreaking requires patience and time.
Shih Tzus may have trouble forming new habits, so this procedure often requires ongoing training. They also have a tendency to become sidetracked easily, thus constant reinforcement is necessary for them to succeed in breaking into houses.
It is advised that owners establish a regular routine for when to take their dogs outdoors in order to make sure the housebreaking process proceeds as smoothly as possible. By giving many opportunities to urinate outside, they will come to view this as appropriate behaviour.
Setting limits, such forbidding them from walking on carpets or furniture, also helps to avoid mishaps within the house. Some Shih Tzu owners frequently become frustrated while trying to housebreak their dogs, but perseverance and consistency are essential to eradicating this challenging behaviour.
With dedication and commitment from both owner and pup alike, a successful toilet-training routine can be achieved over time.
Why Shih Tzus Are The Worst Dogs? Prone to Noise and Barking
Owners of Shih Tzus must educate their dogs to stop barking excessively and to stop creating noise at a young age. It is well known that this breed is quickly overstimulated by its surroundings, which leads to an increased sensitivity to noises. They are renowned for being able to detect lower frequencies than other breeds and for having an excellent sense of hearing. For these reasons, owners need to be aware that if a Shih Tzu is not properly taught, it may become noisy and bark incessantly.
A Shih Tzu’s training process begins with acclimating them to the sound of your voice and orders. Your dog should learn what you anticipate from them when they bark or make any other noise via repetition and consistency.
Furthermore, acclimating them to a variety of settings and circumstances helps prevent overstimulation, which frequently results in excessive barking or whining. Walking your dog may also help them learn new obedience skills and allow them to explore new sights and scents.
Due to their high activity levels, some Shih Tzus may never stop barking, so owners should be aware of this; nevertheless, with the right training, they will learn when it is appropriate to make noise or cause disruption in public areas. By exercising patience, consistency, and hard work, owners may make sure their dog understands when and how to bark or make noise without bothering other people.
Susceptible to Separation Anxiety
Shih Tzus are especially prone to separation anxiety because of their sociable and emotional personalities, especially when they are left alone for long periods of time. This is because of the breed’s innate desire for attention and company, which is demonstrated by its play fighting, teething tendencies, and generally loving demeanour towards people.
Long-term separation from an owner or family member can cause a Shih Tzu to exhibit a variety of undesirable behaviours, including constant whining, excessive barking, chewing on furniture or other objects in sight, scratching doors or walls to try to get out of the house, restless pacing, and even urinating inside. Boredom and loneliness are the root causes of these behaviours, which frequently result in stress-related anxiety.
To keep themselves happy, Shih Tzus need regular exercise and mental stimulation; yet, if they don’t receive these things, they get quickly irritated or unhappy. Therefore, in order to prevent these dogs from feeling lonely or alone when left alone, owners must show them lots of love and attention throughout the day.
Is Owning a Shih Tzu a Good Idea?
If you’re considering buying a Shih Tzu, you may be wondering if they make decent pets. These little dogs are not only amusing and adorable, but their unique qualities set them apart from other breeds.
One of the main benefits of Shih Tzus is that they are hypoallergenic. They thus generate less dander, a typical allergen that aggravates those with pet allergies. For those who love animals but cannot tolerate certain allergens, a hypoallergenic dog breed like the Shih Tzu may provide companionship without causing any negative side effects.
Shih Tzus are also well known for lacking a high prey drive, or an intense desire to chase small animals. This may be a huge advantage for dog owners who live in areas with a lot of animals since it reduces the possibility that the dog would escape or end up in dangerous situations. This trait also lessens their tendency to be aggressive towards other small animals, which makes them an excellent option for homes with other pets, especially if they want to employ them as therapy dogs.
Before deciding to bring a Shih Tzu into your home for adoption, you should consider if you’re ready to be a responsible pet owner. Shih Tzus don’t require a lot of area, but they do require frequent exercise, upkeep, and attention. If you lead a busy life and are unable to provide your dog with the necessary care, the Shih Tzu may not be the breed for you.
Furthermore, early socialisation and training are essential for these dogs to develop into well-mannered, self-assured adults. You must be willing to devote time and energy to training and socialising your Shih Tzu, as it requires constant and supportive discipline. If you have never trained dogs before, you may have to pay for pricey expert help. You should also anticipate continual barking from your Shih Tzu until they are completely trained.
Are You Ready to Be a Responsible Shih Tzu Owner?
Consider carefully how ready you are to take care of a pet before bringing a Shih Tzu into your home. Taking into account your degree of readiness is crucial because of the difficulties this breed presents.
You need to think about how you now spend your time. Although they don’t need big living spaces, Shih Tzus do like frequent playing, careful grooming, and plenty of love and care. A Shih Tzu might not be the ideal friend if your life is hectic and you don’t get much time to yourself.
Consider how successfully you are able to teach and socialise your dog. If you want your Shih Tzu puppy to grow up to be a confident and obedient adult dog, you must start training and socialising him early on. Constant and rewarding training is necessary if you want to put in the time and effort to socialise and educate your Shih Tzu.
It might be expensive to hire a professional trainer if you’ve never worked with dogs before. Your Shih Tzu may continue to bark until he or she is completely trained, so you may need to get used to it.
FAQs
shih tzu price
A Shih Tzu dog’s price can range from around $500-$1800 if you buy one from a breeder. Some purebred, show-quality Shih Tzus purchased from reputable breeders can cost around $5000. A teacup or miniature Shih Tzu could cost around $1500-$2000. These ones can literally fit into a teacup.
Are Shih Tzu good with children?
It is important to remember that these dogs may be quite reactive, therefore consistent training will be necessary to teach them how to interact with children.
If educated correctly from puppyhood onward, they may make well-mannered buddies for kids.
All ages of children get along well with Shih Tzus, but if they aren’t taught or socialised correctly, they may become fearful or aggressive.
A Shih Tzu needs how much exercise?
Shih Tzus are a little, energetic dog breed. Despite being viewed as lapdogs, they require fun and exercise to be happy and healthy.
Shih Tzus typically need 30 to 45 minutes of exercise each day, which includes three walks (10 to 15 minutes each), indoor or outdoor fun, and lots of cerebral stimulation from interactive toys or agility games.
The owner also has to offer a secure space for the curious Shih Tzu to explore because of their nature of curiosity.
With this mix of mental and physical stimulation, a Shih Tzu may live a happy and healthy life.
How much does a Shih Tzu typically cost?
The average cost of a Shih Tzu varies from $600 to $2,000, based on the breeder. The popularity and geographic location of the breed will determine how much the purchasing price is.
Pet owners should budget for extra costs such as food, toys, bedding, medical care, and other supplies, in addition to the initial purchase price. Vet expenses may cover anything from basic checkups to expensive emergency care.
Whether you groom your Shih Tzu yourself or get it done by a professional will affect the cost.
Are Shih Tzu good guard dogs?
Shih Tzus are often thought of as little lapdogs, but when it comes to defending, their size may be misleading.
These canines may be little, but their attentiveness and protective instincts might surprise, much like a lion in sheep’s clothing.
Compared to other breeds, the Shih Tzu needs greater maintenance in terms of shedding and grooming needs.
They are great guard dogs since they are attentive and will bark at any unusual activity, provided they have regular brushing and trims.
When given the right attention and training, Shih Tzus may offer devoted protection to those who most need it.
How long does Shih Tzus typically live?
Apart from their luxurious, lengthy coats, Shih Tzus are also adored for their happy personalities and small stature.
When given the right care, Shih Tzus may live for an average of 10 to 16 years.
Because of the length of the coat, they have greater maintenance demands and need to be brushed, washed, and trimmed frequently.
Additionally, if owners do not promptly treat any tear stains around their eyes, it may result in infections.
Overall, a Shih Tzu may have a long and happy life of 10 to 16 years provided regular grooming practises, appropriate exercise, and nutritional support are given.
Conclusion For Why Shih Tzus Are the Worst Dogs
Although they may have a charming and cuddly appearance, Shih Tzus are not the greatest dogs to have as friends. For many owners, they may be tough pets because of their high upkeep grooming requirements, propensity for health problems, difficulties housebreaking, and proclivity towards excessive barking and commotion.
Moreover, managing their separation anxiety might be challenging. Do these problems make getting a Shih Tzu worthwhile? The choice ultimately rests with prospective owners, who before bringing one home must weigh all the pros and drawbacks of having this breed.
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