I might get a Shi tzu. Any advice?

Question

My grandmothers friend sells them 4 $500, but said he'd give me one free! The problem is, Im clueless about Shi Tzus.

They're are 2 males and a female. the female's kinda nippy, but the males are nice. (According 2 the breeder.

Answer 1

I love the breed, BUT...

I own one and she's going to be 2 and still makes in the house.
She is nippy with my children when she doesn't want to be bothered.
You need to find a reputable groomer from a young age to groom your Tzu every 6 weeks, or you get matting.
Get from a breeder that health tests their stock- meet the parents and make sure those dogs have a good temperament. Just becuase you can get one free, and from family, doesn't mean you should jump at the chance.
You should contact a Shih Tzu rescue and adopt an older Tzu and save a life.

Answer 2

I've got 2 Shih-tzus (a 1 1/2 yr old black and white female and a 2 1/2 yr old gold and white male) and I think they are the greatest breed. Mine are very smart, love to cuddle and LOVE people (they don't know a stranger). Tzus can be stubborn at times though, so they need to be obedience trained. They do require daily grooming if kept in a longer coat or 3 or 4 trips to the groomers a year if kept in a short coat. I also like the fact that they are not yappy dogs. I agree with going and seeing the parents and check out what their temperaments are like, a Shih-tzu should LOVE people and should not be nippy they were bred to be companions.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/yellowhappydog/pups/KittyGizFeb2.jpg

Answer 3

A really great website is www.akc.org. You can get information on a ShitTzu's standard temperment, as well as any other breed too. Make sure that your grandmother's friend is a reputable breeder...meaning that they understand and know how to avoid common health problems (this breed has quite a few), the history of the bloodlines, genetics of the breed, ect. Even if you get a ShitTzu for free, the cost of upkeep is pretty high. Vet visits for a dog that has genetic issues from the get go can quikly climb into the $1000's. They need grooming visits about every 6 weeks...$20-$60 depending on the salon. For a puppy you will be putting in roughly $400 for all of the puppies vaccinations (3 sets of boosters plus the rabies) and his/her spay. That doesn't even cover the cost of food, toys, crate, training,ect. I just want you to be fully aware of the committment but it sounds like you are willing to do the research first to make sure you even want one. Good Luck and I hope you get all the info you need.
PS...when I say the 'standard' temperment I do mean what they should be like, although many times, when a breeder doesnt understand how temperments affect dogs when mixing two different temperments together, you can get a dog with a temperment that is not good.

I 'borrow' my neighbors ShitTzu, Yoshi, for my small dog classes. Even though she is down right funny sometimes and generally very good, she definitely tries my patience sometimes. She can be very stubborn and she tries to be a little manipulitive sometimes too. But overall I do like this breed but make sure your dog comes from good parentage first.

Answer 4

Oh my gosh! I recently got a Shih Tzu and let me tell you how much I love him! The have such a good personality and they are very loving! I would never get anything but a Shih Tzu, because they are so fun and happy! I know from experience that my little shih Tzu which is almost 1 yr. has taken on my personality, and its just so cute! My boss also has two, 3 year old Shih Tzus and they are very relaxed and calm! She owns a electronic recycling center and we bring our dogs to work everyday! They are great!

Answer 5

i have a black and white one. i think she's the cutest thing Ive ever seen and cuddliest pet but everytime someone opens the front door she tries to run out and when she gets out she doesnt come back. They dont seem to be very loyal but they make good toy dogs if that's what you want. imo really cute if you don't let their fur grow too long... and they are indoor dogs if you didn't know already.

and mine doesnt ever bite unless you try to take her food or whatever shes chewing on away from her then she bites. not hard enough to make anyone bleed but hurts still. Otherwise shes nice to everyone cant watch the house at all because she cant bark either... but i dont think thats common

Answer 6

I have a friend that breeds them. They are wonderful little dogs. They do require constant brushing, as their hair gets tangled. Believe it or not, they actually have hair not fur. You wash your dog with hair shampoo not dog shampoo. My friend uses Paul Mitchell shampoo on all her Shi tzu's. They are not yappy, and very well mannered. They are also pretty sturdy for kids, not like some small breed dogs. I think you should accept her gift with open arms, and welcome that sweet puppy into your heart. I hear Shi tzu's have big hearts...

Answer 7

I hate those damn dogs. I have seen a few that were well behaved but all the others were ankle biting, peeing and craping in the floor little @ssholes. No offense to people that have nice shih tzus.

Answer 8

I love my Lily dearly but she is not the brightest crayon in the box. She is five years old and still does not come when her name is called. You have to be prepared to have her groomed every 5 or 6 months. She is my little doll though and very loving, she is a wonderful little companion.

Answer 9

My aunt has one.. Its cute. But the bad thing about it is they really dont listen when it comes to training.. they are kinda dumb.. but on the other hand its free so take it

Answer 10

advice, find the cutest one
a lot of poeple I know and have met have them.
my aunts are mean. be careful