Shih Tzus, despite their strange names they are widely known for being the perfect house dog. As a result, Shih Tzus are extremely popular and sought out worldwide. You have most probably seen one up close or know someone who owns one and if not, then you have definitely seen pictures or videos of them posted on social media.
But where can you find one for yourself? How long do Shih Tzu live? How can you train you Shih Tzu puppy? Is it even worth it owning a Shih Tzu in 2023?
Let’s get a deeper look into this unique, yet beautiful dog breed.
Description
Shi Tzus have beady black eyes and a short, cute, black nose. What really sets them apart other dogs, however, is their ever-growing fur which can be braided into a cute ponytail at the top of their heads as seen in the photo down below.
Shi Tzu Weight and Height
Shi Tzus are definitely one of the smaller dog breeds out there with a height of 8 to 11 inches (20 to 27.5 centimeters) and a weight of 9 to 16 pounds (4 to 7 kilograms).
How Long Do Shi Tzus Live?
The average lifespan of a Shi Tzu is around 12 to 16 years. There are, however, also quite a few cases where the grow much older than 16. The oldest Shi Tzu ever recorded lived up to the ripe old age of 23 years old.
Lifespan obviously also depends on the treatment and care your dog receives, so if you wish to maximize your Shi Tzus lifespan make sure to regularly do checkups at the vet, feed it good high quality dog food, and play with it or take it on enough walks.
Shi Tzus Pros and Cons
Pros:
They Don’t Require Much Space
Shih Tzu dogs do not require large open spaces like most other dogs. They are equally satisfied and thrive in small buildings such as apartments, studios, or small houses.
They Don’t Bark Or Make Any Noise
Shih Tzu dogs are relatively quiet dogs and will not wake you up in the middle of the might with their barking or pester you throughout the day. They will even remain calm when you return home from a long day at work, while they patiently waited for you at home.
However, you do need to make sure that they get enough love and affection, or they might end up developing high levels of social anxiety. So be prepared for lots of hugs and cuddles.
They Don’t Require Much Outdoor Exercise
The size of these dogs gives people who can’t or do not wish to be that active throughout the day the perfect option. Sometimes a large balcony is all you will need. It is advised, however, to take them on a short walk every day if possible and to get them lots of toys to keep them occupied inside the apartment.
A few toys we would highly recommend are:
- The mammoth cotton blend five knot rope toy for endless tug of war games.
- The JW Hol-ee Roller Dog Fetch Treat to enjoy playing fetch without having to buy a different tennis ball each time.
They Get Along Perfectly With Other Pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are not aggressive dogs and are extremely friendly towards all other pets you might have in your house such as cats, hamsters, or other dogs. In addition, they will not run around and try pick a fight with other dogs to prove they are the alpha while being taken on a walk.
They Shed A Lot Less Than Most Other Breeds.
With this much hair it pretty much impossible to achieve zero shedding, however, if you regularly groom you Shih Tzu you will rarely find its hair in your apartment. It isn’t a dog which will shed half its hair on your couch and bed.
They Are Polite Towards Strangers.
These dogs are obviously not guard dogs and do not offer much protection, but at least they will always remain calm, and will rarely be aggressive towards strangers, such as your friends or family members who are visiting. They will just wag their tails and even play with strangers and let them cuddle them.
Cons:
They Are Hard To House Train
Shih Tzu dogs are not known for being particularly easy to train and like many other small dogs will poop or urinate whenever and wherever they feel the need. Thankfully this rarely is on the couch or on your bed, but potty training can be challenging and does take lots of patience. After many tries, however, it is possible to teach them to get on the grass.
They Have Increased Grooming Needs.
It is only natural for a dog breed that grows that much hair to have increased grooming needs. You will regularly have to brush you Shih Tzus hair with a special brush or with special gloves if the dogs can’t stand the idea of a brush and run away constantly. You will also have to equip yourself with a dog grooming kit unless you wish to take it to be professionally groomed once a month.
They Are Likely To Have Health Issues
If you are a big smoker you may have to rethink about getting yourself a Shih Tzu, since smoking around it can compromise their respiratory system. Other than that, if you live in a hot environment make sure you keep them inside most of the time, because they are likely to get a heat stroke due to the fact that they can’t cool off enough by sticking their tongues out. To avoid further health issues, you should also regularly take them to the vet to ensure that their heart and blood pressure levels are consistent.
Bonus Question
Are Shih Tzus Hypoallergenic?
Shih Tzus are often considered a hypoallergenic breed. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, Shih Tzus tend to produce fewer allergens than some other breeds. They have hair instead of fur, which reduces shedding and dander. Additionally, their coat grows continuously, similar to human hair, and they require regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. This characteristic may make Shih Tzus a better option for individuals with allergies, but it’s essential to spend time with the breed to assess individual sensitivities before bringing one into the home.
Useful Equipment
- Fresh Breathies to finally kiss bad doggie breath goodbye.
- Brush for dog hair.
- Dog Grooming Kit
- Pet Hair Lifter
- The Best High Quality Dog Food
- Pet Merchandise.
Useful Courses
- Brain Training for Dogs – the best & most effective dog training course in the market right now.
So, let us know what do you think about these dogs? Would you get one for yourself or is it just not worth it?
If you are a dog or pet lover in general here are a few more articles you may find interesting:
- GOLDEN RETRIEVERS – HOW LONG DO THEY LIVE? WHERE CAN YOU GET ONE? EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THEM
-  HUSKIES – HOW LONG DO THEY LIVE? WHERE CAN YOU GET ONE? EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THEM
- FRENCH BULLDOGS – HOW LONG DO THEY LIVE? SHOULD YOU GET ONE? EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THEM
- ENGLISH BULLDOGS – HOW LONG DO THEY LIVE? SHOULD YOU GET ONE? EVRYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THEM
- CHIHUAHUAS – HOW LONG DO THEY LIVE? SHOULD YOU GET ONE? EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THEM
- YORKSHIRE TERRIERS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THEM