Info about Shih Tzu?

Question

I am planning on getting a Shih Tzu. I was wondering how much they shed, how much they bark, general health problems, do they get along with cats, are they lap dogs, etc.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

My mom has a Shih Tzu that is 8 months old, she got him when he was 3 months old, and he is awesome. He doesn't shed AT ALL, he loves to be a companion and definitely is into laps. He only barks when someone pulls into the driveway or comes to the door, and then when he sees who it is he stops. My sister-in-law has 2 Shih Tzus and they hardly ever bark. They are susceptible to hernias but that can be fixed by the vet if they get one.

In short, they are sweeties and very good-natured. It depends, as with any dog, how you raise them too. Get one from a good breeder.

Answer 2

Hello : I own 2 - 7 yr old female Shih tzu
They shed very little ( hardly noticeable )
also they get along just fine with our 2 cats
the cats are always rubbing against them
even lay next to each other sometimes
I have no problems at all with that issue.
When they were about a year old they
barked alot .... they adjust quickly to common
sounds they hear around the house.
They still bark when ever someone knocks
the front door .... and when a strange car pulls
into the driveway . They know the sound of my car
and my daughters. When ever i am away for a
little while and come home they will greet me at the door.
their bark sounds like a toy dog
Yes they are lap dogs they love to be held
and have there bellys scratched.
Whenever i sit and watch tv they always want to
on my lap are very close by.
Their wonderfull dogs

Good Luck / O'WyleeDawg

Answer 3

I have a Shih Tzu! Shih Tzus don't shed. They don't have normal dog hair, they have actual hair (like humans) and they don't shed at all. All smaller dogs tend to be barkers but it is only when they want to get your attention. They are lap dogs, they are small enough to get right up there. They will get along with other animals, as long as they are introduced at a young age. For health problems, there are a few, but most dogs have health problems. Shih Tzus, along with other smaller dogs, you won't have to worry about heart or joint problems, which kills bigger dogs. Shih Tzus have a few problems based upon their noses being pushed in and their eyes bulging out. http://www.shih-tzu-rescue-of-wi.org/CanineHealth/ShihTzuHealth.shtml check out the site, they have some good info. Good Luck with your new puppy!

Answer 4

Mine doesn't seem to shed much at all, he only barks when someone comes to the door, and is very loyal. He is tolerant of the other people in the house, but he definitely thinks he is my dog. He loves to sleep in the bed and to cuddle beside me most of the day. I keep his fur in a puppy cut ( very short ) so grooming every day is not an issue. Shih Tzus think of themselves as large dogs and are not really yappy like most little dogs. Heat is a problem for them, they have trouble keeping cool if the temperature is over 20 celcius, about 70 degrees farenheit. I live in Edmonton, Canada and he loves to go outside in the winter when the temperature is well below zero.

Answer 5

As far am I'm concerned, we are the perfect pet. We don't shed, although you can sit and watch our hair grow. So be ready to sit aside time for brushing and trips to the groomer. We're pretty much self centered so barking is pretty much on an 'as needed' basis. We are pretty healthy and if taken care of properly can live 15 to 20 years. I hate cats, but if I had been raised with one I could probably tolerate it, after all I think I'm human, and am not really interested in other animals. Lap dog, never miss a chance to curl up in a lap ! Good Luck !

Answer 6

Get a girl! the girls are the easiest, i had a boy for about 12 years, and now i have a girl, the girls are way better and easier. when they are pups, they are REALLY playful, so you better hide your shoes, because they will chew them up. They don't shed. Give them a bath once a week, and make sure to get him/her (hopefully her) some toys. They don't get along with cats, but i guess every dog is different, so i am not sure about EVERY shih-tzu. some are lap dogs, see my boy dog wasn't a lap dog, but my girl shih-tzu is. good luck.

Answer 7

Shih tzu shed like humans. In fact I lose more hair than the two of mine put together. My little girl is more of a barker than my boy. Neither of mine has any problems. but they are known to be born with hernias (my boy was but it closed up). Dry eye and breathing problems. Mine play with my cat always have. In fact now we call the cat Lexi's kitty. Because my little girl has really taken to the cat. Mine are lap dogs. They don't go to bed until I do. If I stay up late they will fall asleep in my lap or next to me or on the floor under my chair. Its been the best breed for me, Its like having a best friend. They are bred to be companion dogs and for nothing else beside companionship. And funny!!!! omg these little guys get themselves into some of the funniest situations. My boy talks back and grumbles to himself when I make him do things he doesn't want to do.

Answer 8

The biggest problem I've seen is that their eyes get bad fairly early a lot of the time... Lots of glaucoma... Other than that, shedding was mild, major lap dogs, fun with cats... Sometimes grouchy with big dogs though...

Answer 9

Hi!
They are the best little dogs ever!! If you are not going to show her, I would suggest that you have her hair cut. They get hot easly and are more comfortable with their hair cut shorter.
Hope I helped some and good luck!
~habu_chabu

Answer 10

, they take forever to groom because they are long haired, and as they're white its a nightmare keeping them clean, it depends on the dog whether they get on with cats, http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=Shih+Tzu&btnG=Google+Search&meta=
loadsa sites bout these dogs