Are shih tzu's good family pets?

Answer 1

No, they can be snappy and irritable with children.

Answer 2

My 10 month old Shih Tzu is calmly laying on the end of my chaise lounge chair with me as I type this. I think she is a wonderful pet, but just because my dog is calm and doesn't bite doesn't mean that a different Shih Tzu will be the same. How good a dog is in the family setting has a lot to do with the time and training it is given, and the breeding of the dog. You do need to know that Shih Tzu's are very manipulative and will try to get their way, but this can be overcome with a good dog obedience class.

Answer 3

ok well I dont know what this people are talking about shih tzu are not mean to kids and they are not yappy !!! I have a shih who is 2 and she is the best dog I could ever ask for she loves my little girl who is now 4 and my son who is 7 to death also loves the cat!!! My 4 yr old even dresses the dog up and does her hair in bows and she doesnt mind at all !!! the only problem was she was a little hard to potty train !! good luck and I hope you get a shih tzu!!!!

Answer 4

They are not known for being the best family dog but it depends on the dog, whether they are well trained, alpha, submissive, secure, insecure, etc. It depends on your family too . . . do you know how to train a dog? Will you be home with it or will it be home alone a lot? It's going to be a family member so you both need to have the same temperments, level of activity, moods, etc. The Shih Tzu requires regular, professional grooming - and this can get expensive. They are prone to several health problems, do not do well in the heat, can be snappy, are small so they're better off with people who are old enough to handle carefully. They can be stubborn about house-training and obedience training. That said, they're a happy little dog though and I love them!

If you have not yet obtained one, you might want to read this:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/shihtzu.htm

or use the Eukanuba website to help find the best breed for your family. http://www.us.eukanuba.com

Check your local shelter also - many wonderful dogs there just waiting for you.

The AKC has this to say about Shih Tzu:

http://www.akc.org/breeds/shih_tzu/index.cfm

Check this site also:

http://www.shihtzu.org

Good luck with your new little one!

Answer 5

All depends... by nature, the breed is very loyal and can be easily incorporated into a family. I have two, with very distinct personalities, and they are both most definitely members of our family. I will caution you that the breed can be very difficult to house train, so that is something you should consider especially if you have very small children. I'd say do some research, maybe talk to a vet and see what their opinion is... but my opinion is that you can't go wrong with the breed. They are beautiful, loving dogs who thrive on attention.

Answer 6

The real question is about your family..... Shih Tzu's have a nice personality, but they are delicate. If you have rambunctious boys who are going to play rough, or step on her, then no...

Answer 7

yes they are.Females are better than males with the littler kids,but as far as older kids if they aren't terrible they love kids.Wheni was 3 and a half my first dog was a shih tzu named savannah,she got stolen though :c

Answer 8

I had to give away my Shih Tzu puppy because if my small kids got their faces even a foot from her, she'd bite them right on the face. The last time it drew quite a bit of blood and we gave her away the next day.
She was very sweet to me and followed me absolutely everywhere. But she couldn't stand it if the kids invaded her space.

Answer 9

My mother has had shihtzu's for around 20 years. They are hyper dogs, but loving (as long as you don't try to make them mean). Any dog will become mean if you irritate them and make them that way. They aren't good protective pets, though. They are cute as a button. They do have to be taken to the vet regularly, though, because they will get sick if you don't. They are also nitpicky. I think that they are good family pets as long as you have the funding to keep up their regular vet visits and you don't plan to keep them outside. They are inside pets.

Answer 10

they are excellent,even better shihtzu maltese cross.i have 2 at the moment i mean crosses,had a nother one that died also.have had a lot of breeds,i mean alot being a real animal lover,would have to say one of the best i have had as a family dog.

Answer 11

yes i have 3 of them they are great family pets , they do need lots of grooming , make it a family thing let the kids help and every thing, will be fine