Personality of the Shih Tzu Dog

Deciding to go for that cute and adorable little Shih Tzu you saw in the paper is a choice that many make based on the cuteness factor that these little dogs have. But, before anyone decides to bring a Shih Tzu into his or her home and into their lives, you need to consider many things about the personality of the Shih Tzu dog so that you know this dog is the perfect match for you.

The best thing that you can do to make sure that the expectations you have for your dog match and compare that to what the Shih Tzu dog will be able to give based on their personality. It is best to really sit down and think about your lifestyle and how much time you will have to devote one-on-one attention and time to your Shih Tzu dog. Some breeds of dogs require more attention then others so this is something you really must consider. Write out a list of what you would and would not be acceptable from your dog and compare that to the typical personality of the Shih Tzu dog.

After putting together your list of things that are and are not okay in a dog it is time to compare them to the typical personality of the Shih Tzu dog. At first glance, you already noticed that this dog is a small breed and even with their size, they are extremely sturdy animals. The Shih Tzu dog generally carries himself with a dignified presence about them although they do remain happy and playful.

Something that makes these breeds so wonderful for certain people is that they do not require a lot of exercise and they are not as yappy as one may expect from toy breeds. And there is generally little or no fear of strangers or other animals, which makes the Shih Tzu dog a companion that is social and friendly. This proud dog does carry with them many qualities in their personality, which would make them a wonderful addition to your family.

Another thing that one must consider is the possibility of future health problems with a Shih Tzu dog. While not every dog within this breed will end up with health issues, knowing that they are prone to certain things can help you in the decision of whether you should own one or not.

These dogs are prone to skin and kidney issues and complications along with being ulnerable to eye injury because of their large and shallow eyes.

One thing to keep in mind that when owning a Shih Tzu dog, you might run into the costly issue of vet bills as their short face and their nose structure can lead to breathing difficulties.

It is hard to anesthetize them if the need arises because of their already difficult respiratory system. And it that wasn’t enough to consider, these breeds often have troubles with their long back and the fact that they are prone to disk problems. These are all things to consider when thinking about adopting a Shih Tzu dog.

About the Author:

Rebecca Simpson is a passionate lover of the Shih Tzu and owns a popular website where you’ll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shih Tzu. Among other topics at this website, you will find out more about Shih Tzu Behavior plus a whole lot more.