All dogs, including the Shih Tzu, require exercise, but this breed is often satisfied with a 30-minute walk and at-home playtime. Shih Tzu love to be spoiled with attention and treats; they love to please their pet parents and are usually quick to learn new tricks to get the treats and praise they crave.

Do Shih Tzus require a lot of attention?

The shih tzu tends to require a large amount of personal attention each day. They thrive on human company and can easily become spoiled.

Are Shih Tzu attention seeking?

The Shih Tzu's history has played a big role in shaping their temperament today. Bred purely for companionship, their attachment to their human pack often manifests as attention-seeking behaviours and even separation anxiety, if not socialized appropriately.

Are Shih Tzus clingy?

Shih Tzus are just as happy to accompany you on a walk as they are to curl up next to you on the couch. Unfortunately, this also means some Shih Tzus can suffer from separation anxiety so leaving them alone for longer periods can take some special training.

How long can a Shih Tzu be left alone?

Leave for Brief Periods at First

Stick to 4 hours or less until they're 6 months old. After that, you can gradually work your way to 6–8 hours. You should never leave your Shih Tzu for longer than 8 hours, even as an adult, and ideally no more than 6 hours.

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Do Shih Tzus like to cuddle?

Shih Tzus are incredibly affectionate and loving; they thrive on human attention. You'll often find your Shih Tzu wanting to cuddle up on your lap for hours on end. In this sense, a large requirement is love and attention from their pet parent.

Do Shih Tzus bond to one person?

They can be a one-person dog, or the loveable family companion. They're naturally confident, dignified, and affectionate. For a toy-breed, the Shih Tzu expresses one of the most well-rounded personalities.

Do Shih Tzus get jealous easily?

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.

How to tell if a Shih Tzu is happy?

Wagging tail and body

The most well-known sign of a happy dog is a high and wagging tail. Although every dog breed has a different relaxed tail position, happy dogs will generally raise their tails slightly. And when a dog is really happy, his whole body can wiggle along with his wagging tail.

What is a Shih Tzu favorite thing?

Shih Tzus enjoy playing games with their people and this helps strengthen the bond between pet and parent. They enjoy relaxing with a chew or cuddling with a plush toy in their lounger beds.

Which Shih Tzu is better, male or female?

Male Shih Tzus are more affectionate and attentive and also proven to be more reliable, more accepting of kids and other pets. Female Shih Tzus are very independent and strong-willed and can get very attached to a single person in the family.

What irritates Shih Tzu?

Common contact allergies inside the house include dust mites, cleaning products, plastics and shampoos. Outside, shih-tzus frequently react to grass, pollen, and lawn products. Shih-tzus can also experience skin allergies to perfumes, cigarette smoke, molds and other airborne allergens.

What are the cons of owning a Shih Tzu?

Owning a Shih Tzu can be challenging due to their grooming needs, potential health issues, and training requirements. They require regular grooming to prevent matting, can have respiratory problems, and need consistent training and socialization. These factors can lead to owners surrendering them to rescues.

What is the common problem with Shih Tzu?

Periodontal disease, anal sac impaction and ear disorders were identified as common health issues. Shih Tzus had higher prevalence of anal sac impaction, umbilical hernias and eye problems than reported previously in dogs overall, suggesting potential predispositions.

What do Shih Tzus love most?

Shih Tzus love to cuddle on the couch and enjoy TV, so if you're a homebody and prefer a night in, this breed is a no-brainer. Overall, this happy breed makes a great type of pup for any pet parent.

Do Shih Tzus like to be left alone?

Shih Tzu can learn to stay home alone for four to eight hours, but this social breed does not like spending time alone. Shih Tzu were bred to provide companionship: that is their only job. Boredom and lack of exercise may turn into destructive behaviors, so creating a safe area or crate training may be necessary.

How intelligent are Shih Tzus?

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.

Do Shih Tzu like to be hugged?

Cuddly Dogs Some of our smallest canine friends are quite the little cuddlebugs, and love to be held and hugged. This makes sense, because many smaller breeds, such as the Pomeranian, Maltese, and Shih Tzu, were developed specifically to be companion animals. Many of these guys want to be petted and snuggled 24/7!

Is Shih Tzu clingy?

Some are just clingy dogs by nature. Breeds like the Shih tzu, Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, and Maltese are some of the most clingy breeds because they're highly social and crave companionship. Lapdogs tend to be particularly clingy, longing for physical contact and attention from their humans throughout the day.

Are Shih Tzus protective dogs?

Sometimes used as guard dogs in the past, Shih Tzus can feel protective over their people and may act aggressive towards strangers unless they've been socialized. This small dog typically adapts well to almost any environment, and can be an ideal pet for small apartments.

How to tell a Shih Tzu you love them?

Speak to him in quiet, soothing tones. Tell him he's a good boy. Give him a safe and healthy treat that's made just for dogs. Treat him like he's part of your family, because he would do anything for you, no questions asked.

What makes Shih Tzus happiest?

Shih Tzus relish human company and are happiest when they're at your feet or side so are best suited for owners who can be home most of the time. This breed tends to be wary of strangers and prefer getting to know people on their own terms meaning they need lots of socialisation as puppies.

Where should a Shih Tzu sleep?

Give your Shih Tzu a proper and comfortable dog bed. Let your Shih Tzu sleep in the same room as you but not the same bed. Feed your Shih Tzu a healthy, nutritious diet.

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