A Shih Tzu is a clever, affectionate, and friendly dog with a happy personality, and sometimes they can be a bit naughty. They’re known for being extremely loving and make great companions, especially as lap dogs. While they may have their own minds at times, they truly enjoy human company.

Shih Tzus are alert and lively, yet generally not very noisy, only barking if trained to or by accident. When properly socialized, they tend to get along well with kids and other pets, showing a lot of love towards children. However, because they’re small, they can easily get hurt from falls or rough play, so it’s important to supervise interactions between young children and puppies closely.

This type of dog can live in different places. They’re good for apartments or bigger homes, as long as they can be inside with people. They’re okay in most weather, but they might need extra warmth in winter and careful attention in summer because they can overheat easily.

If they have long fur, it’s thick, and because of their short nose, they can get too hot in summer. Shih Tzus love being with people and don’t like being alone much. They’re happiest when they can be close to their owners, like sitting on laps. It’s important to train them and get them used to being around others from a young age to avoid them feeling anxious when left alone.

Some health problems that Shih Tzus might have are issues with their knees, hips, and eyes like dryness, inflammation, and cataracts.

The health of Shih Tzu puppies depends on their parents and how they’re bred. Good breeders check their dogs for health issues to make sure they don’t pass them on to the puppies.

When you’re getting a Shih Tzu puppy, ask the breeder about the health of the parents and if they’ve had any health tests. A good breeder will be open and answer your questions honestly. It’s important to choose a breeder who cares about the dogs’ health and does things the right way.

The Shih Tzu is a clever breed that aims to please, yet can be a bit stubborn at times. Despite this trait, they’re often recommended for new dog owners, although attending training classes can help maintain consistency.

Due to their social nature and love for human affection, Shih Tzus don’t respond well to harsh training methods. Positive and consistent training approaches yield better results, although it may require patience on the owner’s part.

Shih Tzus have a way of charming their owners, even when behaving poorly. During training sessions, it’s important to resist their charms and ignore them until they calm down. Once settled, rewarding and praising them is key. Giving in to unwanted behaviors can lead to inconsistent training and reinforce negative habits.

Shih Tzus have fluffy coats that need regular care. You can trim their hair to make it easier to manage. Their coats come in different colors like black, beige, red, and white. But if you keep their fur long, it needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. It’s also important to trim the hair around their eyes so they can see well.

Give them a bath every few weeks and take them to a groomer every couple of months. To keep their eyes healthy and avoid stains on their fur, gently clean the corners of their eyes with a damp cloth.

Don’t forget to trim their nails regularly to prevent discomfort, and clean their ears to avoid infections. Brush their teeth every day to keep them healthy, and visit the vet for check-ups and cleanings.

Start grooming your Shih Tzu when they’re young and reward them for being good. This makes grooming a positive experience for both of you and helps you bond with your pet.

The Shih Tzu is a calm dog that doesn’t need much exercise. While they can play energetically at times, they don’t require a lot of physical activity to stay healthy. They’re bred to be lazy indoor pets and enjoy relaxing with their owners.

A short walk and some indoor playtime are usually enough for this small dog. If you’re active, they might enjoy doing more with you, but be careful not to tire them out too much, especially in hot weather, because their flat faces can make them prone to overheating.

Because they can get too hot easily, it’s important to take breaks and do activities in short bursts to keep them safe and comfortable during exercise.

An adult Shih Tzu usually stands around 9-11 inches tall and weighs between 9-16 pounds, categorizing them as a toy breed and one of the smallest types of dogs.

On average, a Shih Tzu typically has a lifespan of about 10 to 18 years.