Unquestionably gorgeous dogs, Shih Tzus are known for their charming appearance and loyal personalities. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to understand that they might not be everyone’s perfect pet. Despite the Shih Tzu’s many attractive characteristics, including as its little stature, expressive eyes, and friendly attitude, it’s important to take into account some aspects of their temperament and care needs that might not suit everyone’s preferences or lifestyle.
First of all, Shih Tzus are renowned for their independent, somewhat obstinate disposition. Comparatively to breeds that are more eager to please, this can make training a little bit more difficult. To guarantee that Shih Tzus are well-behaved and obedient, consistent and patient training techniques are required. Their long, glossy coat, which adds to their attractiveness, but has significant care requirements. To avoid matting and maintain healthy fur, regular brushing and skilled grooming are needed. For some owners, this grooming commitment can be time-consuming and expensive.
It’s important to avoid making generalizations that label any breed of dog as “the worst.” Dogs, including Shih Tzus, are individuals with unique personalities, and their behavior is often shaped by factors such as training, socialization, and the environment in which they are raised. It’s not accurate or fair to classify an entire breed as “the worst.”
Regular and Time-Consuming Grooming
Shih Tzu maintenance is mostly focused on maintaining their plush, long coat. Despite this coat’s undeniable beauty, it requires a lot of maintenance. Shih Tzus require frequent brushing and routine grooming sessions to keep their coats healthy and avoid matting. This grooming routine can be time-consuming and expensive for many owners.
Stubborn Nature
Shih Tzus have a reputation for being independent and occasionally stubborn. Shih Tzus may require more tenacity and patience during training than other breeds, which are eager to please. Their independent natures might provide problems for owners looking for a trainable and obedient dog.
Health Issues
Shih Tzus are prone to certain health conditions, which may worry prospective owners. These include the potential for joint disorders, eye problems such corneal issues, and breathing concerns because of their brachycephalic (flat-faced) traits. These medical issues could need constant veterinary care and attention.
Shih Tzu Training Challenges:
Due to their distinct personality features, training a Shih Tzu may be a rewarding but occasionally difficult undertaking. These little dogs are notorious for being independent and oftentimes stubborn, which can make training them particularly difficult.. Here, we’ll explore these challenges in detail:
Independence
Shih Tzus have free-spirited minds. Compared to certain other breeds, they can not always be eager to obey commands or pleasure their owners, which can make training sessions seem less effective.
Stubbornness
Shih Tzus have a tendency to be a little stubborn, especially if they don’t immediately recognize the advantages of following instructions. The trainer might need to be more patient and persistent with this stubborn streak.
Short Attention Span
Compared to larger breeds, Shih Tzus may have a shorter attention span, which can make it difficult to keep their attention during training sessions. It’s crucial to keep training sessions brief, interesting, and upbeat.
Housebreaking
Shih Tzus can take longer to train to go outside than some other breeds. They may need more repetition and consistency to learn where and when to eliminate because of their autonomous character.
Barking Tendencies
Shih Tzus have a tendency to bark a lot, which can interfere with training and develop into a behavioral problem on its own. It’s essential to control barking during training to enable successful communication.
Separation Anxiety Issue
Due to their friendly and devoted personalities, Shih Tzus and their owners frequently develop strong emotional connections. Although this close bond is one of their attractive traits, it can also result in separation anxiety, a typical problem. Shih Tzus experience distress and unease when they are left alone for long periods of time because of this worry. Shih Tzus must be treated for separation anxiety if their welfare and the owner’s peace of mind are to be maintained.
Size can be Ridiculous
Shih Tzus are a little breed, which although appealing to many owners who seek a controllable and compact companion can be a disadvantage for those who prefer larger, more robust dogs. Shih Tzus are small dogs, which some people may find unsuitable for rough play, outdoor activities, or other activities requiring a more powerful canine partner.
Don’t Like to Have Fun
Despite the fact that Shih Tzus are known for their playful demeanor, owners looking for dogs with high levels of activity may find that Shih Tzus lack those qualities. Shih Tzus may not inspire the same level of enthusiasm in some people as other breeds that love more raucous playstyles and intense play sessions.
Excessive Barking
Shih Tzus frequently exhibit excessive barking, which can be problematic for both owners and neighbors. These cute, little dogs have a tendency to guard their homes and warn their owners of impending dangers, which is why they may bark to communicate. However, some Shih Tzus might go far with this protective impulse, barking excessively in response to seemingly insignificant stimuli. In residential settings, this conduct can easily start to annoy the neighbors, which can result in complaints and strained relationships.
Shih Tzus need patience and persistent training to stop excessive barking. When teaching their dogs when to bark and when to be silent, owners might employ positive reinforcement tactics. A decrease in excessive barking can be attributed to enough socializing, physical activity, and cerebral stimulation which all help to lower anxiety and restlessness. Techniques for managing the environment, such reducing visual stimuli, can also be useful.
Aggression
Shih Tzus are often amiable and friendly dogs, but inappropriate socialization or mistreatment can cause aggressiveness problems. Shih Tzus may suffer from little dog syndrome, which is characterized by a small dog becoming aggressively as a result of a lack of training.
Are all Shih Tzus difficult to train?
No, Shih Tzus are not all tough to teach. Shih Tzus are renowned for their independence and occasionally obstinate attitude, but individual dogs can differ greatly in their eagerness to pick up new commands and follow them. The owner’s strategy, consistency, and comprehension of the dog’s personality are frequently key components of effective training. Many Shih Tzus may be trained to behave appropriately and obey their owners with time and the right methods.
Why Some May Consider Shih Tzus Less Ideal as Pets
Shih Tzus surely have passionate followers who enjoy their endearing traits, however some people might find some things about this breed less endearing. It’s crucial to keep in mind that every dog has an own personality, and what one individual may detest about a Shih Tzu, another may enjoy. With a focus on their hypoallergenic nature and yappy, clingy characteristics, we examine why some people may think Shih Tzus are less than perfect as pets in this article:
Fancy Hypoallergenic Dogs
Due to their low level of shedding and hair-like coat, Shih Tzus are frequently categorized as hypoallergenic dogs. While many allergy sufferers and those who want a cleaner living environment enjoy this trait, it can also be perceived as heavy maintenance by some. It might take a lot of time and money to maintain their hypoallergenic coat with the rigorous grooming necessary. Due to their “fancy” appearance, they require daily brushing and routine professional grooming to avoid matting and knots.
Super Yappy and Clingy
Shih Tzus are known for being cuddly and developing close relationships with their owners. While many people value this devotion, for some people it can result in excessive clinginess and barking. Shih Tzus have a tendency to bark at even the smallest disturbance or when left alone, which can be upsetting to people who appreciate silence. It may be difficult to leave them alone for long periods of time due to their clinginess, which could result in separation anxiety.
Why Shih Tzus are Super Clingy: The Affectionate Nature
Shih Tzus are frequently referred to as “velcro dogs” due to their propensity to be extremely attached to their owners. One of the most devoted companion breeds, their appealing trait is firmly founded in their friendly and loyal character. The Shih Tzu is extremely attached due to a number of reasons:
Strong Bonding: Shih Tzus and their owners develop close emotional relationships. They thrive on company and form strong bonds with the people they care about.
Loyal Disposition: Shih Tzu dogs are known for their loyalty. They are fiercely loyal to the members of their human family and frequently choose their companionship over all others.
Desire for Affection: Shih Tzus have a natural desire for love and care. They enjoy being caressed, cuddled, and soothed by their owners and seek out personal contact with them.
Sociable Nature: Shih Tzus are extremely sociable canines. They like participating in family activities on a daily basis and may become anxious if left alone for an extended amount of time.
Emotional Sensitivity: These dogs are sensitive to the feelings and moods of their owners. They frequently recognize when their humans need comfort and give it freely.
Protective Instinct: Shih Tzus have a tendency to be overly attached, yet this clinginess may also be motivated by a desire to keep their loved ones close and safe.
Summing up
It’s important to refrain from generalizing about all dog breeds being “the worst.” There is no one-size-fits-all solution for determining whether a dog is suitable for keeping as a companion because dogs’ behavior is influenced by a variety of circumstances. Like every breed, Shih Tzus have unique qualities of their own, and whether they are the ideal fit for a specific person or family relies on a variety of aspects, including their tastes and way of life. When deciding whether to acquire a dog, it’s important to treat each dog as an individual and take into account their special characteristics and demands.
Dr. Allison Kramer is a seasoned veterinarian with a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior and over 10 years of experience specializing in canine health and behavior. Her expertise in positive reinforcement training and holistic care enhances the well-being of dogs and fosters strong pet-owner relationships. For expert advice and valuable insights, follow Dr. Kramer on Instagram @dr.allisonkramer.