Do Shih Tzus shed? Yes, but minimally. You’re not likely to find a lot of shed hair all over your carpets and furniture — the Shih Tzu is a light shedder and their double coat further reduces the amount of loose hair that comes off of them. Because of this, the Shih Tzu is considered hypoallergenic.
Brushing Their Coats Regularly
When Shih Tzus shed due to age or season, brushing their coats daily or at least twice a week can help control shedding. The best brush for your Shih Tzu should leave their long hair looking soft and healthy. Consider using a slicker brush with round pins and a bristle brush.
Shih Tzu enjoy walks through the yard and time outdoors with family, but they are not built to spend lots of time outside. They cannot tolerate heat, and their long coat may mat, tangle, and catch burrs. Shih Tzu should not be expected to spend time outdoors alone.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds- Maltese.
The Shih Tzu is a highly intelligent breed and they will know what you are about to do, possibly before you do. They are very trainable and love learning new things, but they can train their owners far quicker than their owners can train them.
Shih Tzus are not the smartest dogs. According to pHD Stanley Coren, the Shih Tzu has the lowest degree of obedience & working intelligence. And out of 138 dogs, they’re ranked the 128th smartest dog breed.
One of the common questions many intending Shih Tzu owners have asked is whether or not Shih Tzus bite people. Do Shih Tzus bite? Yes, Shih Tzus can bite, especially in their puppy stage, but it is not painful or harmful before they develop their permanent teeth that can cause major harm.
Shih tzu are renowned for their perky, happy temperaments. They are lively and friendly. Shih tzu tend to get along well with people of all ages and with other dogs as well as other pets of different species. Rarely you will find a snippy shih tzu, but most are very sweet.
Bred for companionship, the Shih Tzu is a pro snuggler and champion lap dog. They love to stay close, follow you from room to room, and quickly curl up beside you if given the chance. They’re likely to demand the best possible spot in the nook of your arm or the lump of your lap.
Potty training a Shih Tzu puppy takes time and patience. Your Shih Tzu actually started potty training while he was still in his den with his litter mates and his mother. Puppies learn very easy early on to separate their potty areas from their living quarters. So, this idea is not new for your Shih Tzu puppy.
Shih Tzu’s need around 70 minutes of exercise a day and because they’re small dogs, it’s best to split up their daily walks into 2 or 3 outings. Don’t forget that playing with your pup is also exercise, so make sure you schedule in some rest time so they don’t become too tired or overstimulated.
A Shih Tzu should never be aggressive. These dogs aren’t necessarily barky or nippy, but make fantastic watch dogs. While they’re not big enough to do any guarding, nor do they have a drop of ‘hunt’ in their blood, they’ll certainly alert you if you have a stranger coming to your home.
The answer is No, they cannot and should not live outside. Apart from potty breaks and maybe a few minutes of play when the weather is right, Shih Tzus cannot spend long hours out in the elements. They just are not built that way.
10 Easy-Maintenance Dog Breeds- #1: Basenji. This wonderful breed has no “doggy smell,” so combined with his short coat and small size, he goes right to the top of the list.
#2: Vizsla.
#3: Whippet.
#4: Boston Terrier.
#5: Doberman Pinscher.
#6: Toy Manchester and Manchester Terrier.
#7: Pointer.
#8: German Shorthaired Pointer.
Small Dogs That Don’t Shed- Affenpinscher. Affenpinscher means “monkey-like terrier,” and this breed’s intelligence and appearance are true to its name.
Basenji.
Bichon Frise.
Bolognese.
Brussels Griffon.
Havanese.
Maltese.
Lhasa Apso.
A Shih Tzu should be taken to potty every 3-4 hours, or as needed. They may need to go more frequently if they are puppies, have diarrhea, or are drinking a lot of water.
But as it turns out, they share an average height, weight, and lifespan. Additionally, male and female Shih Tzus are affectionate and loyal. However, males have proved to be more affectionate, attentive, and accepting than females. On the other hand, females are confident, dominant, assertive, and stubborn.
Shih Tzu health problems- Breathing problems. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Eye problems. Cataracts.
Joint problems. Hip Dysplasia.
Hormonal problems. Hypothyroidism.
A Shih Tzu is generally affectionate, happy and loving, but they tend to be jealous too. Whether with kids or other pets, a Shih Tzu can turn into a green-eyed monster, unless you do something to ensure jealousy doesn’t rear its ugly head in your household.
No, it is not normal for your Shih Tzu to have terrible body odor. These dogs are usually clean little pets, sweet, cuddly and minimal shedders. The first thing you should do is to have your vet examine him thoroughly to see if an underlying health issue is responsible for this smelly situation.
Like most dog breeds, Shih Tzus will begin to calm down once they reach two years of age. Shih Tzu puppies, though adorable, can drive anyone crazy after a while with their hyper attitude!
Your Shih Tzu, like most dogs, will growl if they feel threatened, warning others to back off. However, these cute little lion dogs are pretty happy-go-lucky, so you may not notice this happening too often. However, dogs also growl to show nervousness or fear when they feel pain and sometimes even play.
Of course, a lot of dog staring is exactly what it seems — an expression of love. Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone.
If you are preparing for a hike, it is always a good idea to start small and take a few neighborhood walks to condition and prepare them for a longer hike. Most Tzu can manage at least a 3 mile walk if conditioned properly.
Potty training a Shih Tzu is no more and no less challenging, than it is to train any other dog. With consistency, positive reinforcement, and treat motivation, potty training your Shih Tzu is easy to accomplish.