The Top 10 Reasons Shih Tzus Are the Perfect Family Dog

Families on the lookout for a canine that everybody will get pleasure from could wrestle to search out the right breed based mostly on competing desires and desires. As caring for a canine is a duty and privilege, mother and father and youngsters should be on the identical web page about chores, coaching, and train. Big dogs like huskies and German shepherds could also be too giant for young kids to deal with whereas toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Pekingese pups are usually mouthy and unforgiving to young kids’s accidentally-tight grasps.

Enter the shih tzu: a small pup with gentle manners, an exquisite coat, and deep affection for its homeowners. Keep studying to find why shih tzus are the right household canine.

Shih Tzu Summary

The shih tzu (which implies “little lion” in Mandarin) stays an historic toy breed with roots in Tibet and East Asia. According to the American Kennel Club, historians imagine Tibetans despatched the early shih tzu canine to China as items, which the Chinese then bred with Pekingese and pugs to create what we all know as a shih tzu.

This hardy breed fought towards extinction originally of the 20 th century and combines the perfect of fashion and energy. Not solely does their luscious hair billow within the wind; the lengthy locks cowl a muscular physique that has helped dozens of shih tzu rivals win agility trials. 

With a loveable, typically goofy persona and a novel mixture of protectiveness, playfulness, and sociability, the shih tzu simply tops the checklist of nice dogs for all kinds of households.

The Top 10 Reasons Shih Tzus Are the Perfect Family Dog 

Shih tzus are among the many prime 20 most popular dog breeds in America for a purpose. The dimension, persona, and grooming wants of a shih tzu contribute to why the breed provides the perfect family dog for households with young kids, a number of generations, and/or completely different pet species. 

AZ Animals additionally interviewed vets and lovers of the breed for his or her professional opinion on why shih tzus are such nice household dogs. 

1. Great Size

On common, shih tzus solely weigh between 9 and 16 kilos and stand between 9 and 10 inches excessive when totally grown. This small dimension makes them adaptable in a wide range of capacities. First, the dimensions permits for kids and the elderly to deal with the canine on a leash with ease. It additionally prevents unintended accidents from overly-excited pups. The shih tzu’s dimension makes them adaptable to different-sized areas, as properly. They don’t want a lot room when sleeping on a mattress or the sofa, and most of their toys will take up much less room than the youngsters’ toy bins! 

Harman Awal is a lifelong shih tzu proprietor and has transformed many individuals to undertake them as properly. She’s liked this breed since she was 17 years old. “These compact pups are perfectly suited for any space, be it an apartment, a condo, or a suburban home,” she gushed. “Their small size also makes them less intimidating for children and the elderly.”

2. Easy on Allergies

While shih tzus aren’t 100% hypoallergenic (no canine is), they continue to be way more hypoallergenic than other popular family dog breeds. Shih tzus have hair as an alternative of fur and a protracted double coat that traps dander inside fairly than spreads it by means of the home. So, they’re an ideal canine for a member of the family allergic to pet dander — or busy households who can’t spend hours sweeping.

The shih tzu double coat could encourage dread when pondering of twice the hair to wash off of sweaters, blankets, and couches. You can put the broom away, although — shih tzus solely have minimal shedding, which means one much less chore to do round the home whereas nonetheless having a beautiful-coated canine.

3. Happy and Sociable

One of the solidifying causes shih tzus make such good household dogs is their affable persona. Described as playful, affectionate, and outgoing, the shih tzu has little hassle becoming into a bunch and turning into the lifetime of the get together. While it’s semi-protective of its household, shih tzus are fairly open to assembly strangers with kindness and welcoming new pals.

“Making new friends is a breeze with these lil’ furballs, given their inherently friendly, outgoing nature,” stated Awal. “And the best part? They are not prone to excessive barking!”

The sociability of a shih tzu permits them to welcome new members of the family into the fold properly. That means they’re a sensible choice for foster households, prolonged households or households with a number of generations, and households that dwell on the street or journey usually.

4. Low Barking

As Awal indicated, shih tzus don’t bark all that a lot. Are they silent? No — they’ll let after they want one thing. But they aren’t as “yappie” as different members of the toy group like Yorkies and Chihuahuas. 

The low quantity of barking from a shih tzu fits multi-pet households properly. Shih tzus received’t often wound up cats, birds, and different domesticated animals when a single chicken flies throughout the window. However, observe that individual breed members will act in keeping with their ancestry and upbringing. Breed stereotypes received’t cowl each canine, and coaching has quite a bit to do with conduct patterns as properly.

5. Playful

The playful and energetic nature of a shih tzu, coupled with its slight protecting streak and application, makes it an ideal playmate for young kids. Shih tzus don’t require a ton of train, so taking part in with toys inside or working across the yard with their young human siblings will fulfill a shih tzu’s day by day train wants 9 occasions out of 10. 

Based on their train wants, the shih tzu makes an ideal household canine for an lively or sedentary household. Active households can convey their small companions on adventures and easily carry the pup when their exercise meter is full. Busy or sedentary households, however, solely want a couple of brief periods of indoor play to make sure their shih tzu stays lively sufficient.

6. Versatile Grooming

The shih tzu has a long-haired double coat that wants brushing day by day. While the time it takes to brush the canine may sound like a knock towards the breed, it’s a constructive in some ways for several types of households. 

Families with young kids can delegate the brushing chore to the youngsters to study duty and gentleness. Brushing is a vital job to take care of the shih tzu’s well being, so children also can study accountability and the way their actions have an effect on others in the event that they neglect to brush the canine.

 Shih tzu grooming wants additionally go well with the approach to life of seniors, who could discover success in primping their pups with bows or bowties. 

Finally, busy households don’t want to fret concerning the time it takes to brush and bathe a shih tzu. They can take the canine to a groomer for a “puppy trim” that considerably cuts down on the time to take care of the canine’s coat.

7. Long-Lived

Saying goodbye to a beloved canine isn’t straightforward. Thanks to the shih tzu breed’s basic healthiness and longer-than-average lifespan in comparison with different breeds, households get numerous time with their four-legged good friend.

Shih tzus live between 10 to 18 years — fairly lengthy so far as canine lifespans go. According to Pedigree’s analysis and knowledge, the average lifespan of a shih tzu is around 13 years, with many dwelling longer. The world’s oldest shih tzu lived to an astounding 23 years old.

When adopting a household pet, many households accomplish that with the intent that the canine might be round for some time. They need kids to develop up with a playmate and good friend or set up a much-needed companion relationship for seniors. With at the least a decade-long lifespan (however sickness or illness from genetic mutations), shih tzus are dependable mates on which oldsters, kids, and seniors can rely.

8. Low Prey Drive, High Cuddle Drive

As a part of the toy group, shih tzus aren’t used to being hunters. They received’t chase birds, squirrels, or rabbits advert nauseam, however they may sit in your lap for hours whilst you binge-watch motion pictures and pet their fur.

Dr. Mollie Newton, founding father of PetMeTwice and a seasoned veterinarian, has liked animals all through her life. Her deep-rooted ardour for animals propelled her to pursue a level in veterinary medication from the celebrated Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the place she acquired intensive data and hands-on expertise in diagnosing and treating numerous pet well being points.

Based on her private {and professional} expertise, Dr. Newton shared with AZ Animals that the shih tzu’s temperament makes for an awesome household pup. “Known for their affectionate nature, they love cuddling and are generally good-natured. Their gentle disposition makes them ideal for kids and seniors alike.”

Families with infants or young kids can relaxation straightforward with a shih tzu, understanding they received’t have to juggle frequent walks or aggressive tendencies with a brand new child in the home. Single seniors, however, can contently go about their day with out worrying about their pup digging below the fence to get to the neighbor’s cat.

9. Incredibly Adaptable

“Whether you live in an apartment or a house with a yard, shih tzus are versatile and adjust well to different living environments,” remarked Dr. Newton.

The gentle temperament of the shih tzu, smaller dimension, and low-maintenance train wants makes for an adaptable household pet. That’s why the shih tzu is an ideal canine for households who dwell in tiny properties, RVs, vans, and small residences. 

10. Trainable

Unlike another cussed toy breeds, shih tzu dogs have a excessive eagerness to please their homeowners. That means even school-aged kids who need to learn to prepare a canine can observe with their household pet. Despite common perception for all toy breeds, shih tzus are extremely good. If you retain coaching periods brief and fascinating, they’ll decide up dozens of recent tips in a comparatively brief period of time.

This trainability additionally is useful when establishing routines. Busy households who have to potty, crate, and home prepare their shih tzu will discover it a lot simpler than another breeds who take months — or perhaps a 12 months — to coach.

Is Your Next Family Dog a Shih Tzu?

Shih tzus match completely into households of all sizes and styles, together with single seniors, young households with babies, households with a number of pets, households who dwell on the street, and multi-generation properties. 

Shih tzus are adaptable, energetic, nice with children, and loving to their whole household. If you’re on the lookout for a canine breed that’s loyal to its proprietor and household with a protracted life span and an lovely persona, chances are you’ll need to take into account a shih tzu as your subsequent canine.

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