Shih Tzus are a popular breed and are loved for their affectionate, friendly, and social nature. But Shih Tzus also have the reputation of being the worst dogs. At Puppy Hero, we believe there are no bad dog breeds, just bad combinations of dog breeds and humans. So, let’s get to the bottom of whether Shih Tzus really are the worst dogs, and some of the reasons they have been labeled as such.
With their adorable appearance and charming personalities, Shih Tzus can easily capture your heart. But before you bring home a Shih Tzu puppy, there are some things you should know about this breed. Learning more about Shih Tzus will help you make an informed decision about whether this dog is right for your family and lifestyle. So, here are some bad things about Shih Tzus (again, these characteristics are not necessarily bad for everyone):
Shih Tzus are a popular breed, which means it’s not uncommon to pay upwards of $750 (and up to $3,000) for a Shih Tzu puppy. Of course, there are ongoing costs involved in taking care of a dog. Make sure you understand both the upfront and recurring costs involved before bringing home a Shih Tzu dog.
Shih Tzus are infamous for being one of the most challenging breeds to housetrain. This is not the ideal breed for people who lack patience or don’t have any experience with puppies. If you have your heart set on a Shih Tzu, be prepared for the occasional accident even after the training process is over.
Shih Tzus give a new definition to the word clingy. They need constant attention and tend to follow you around the home, getting easily depressed if left alone for long periods of time. This breed may not be a good fit for you if you want an independent dog who gives you lots of space.
A Shih Tzu is everyone’s friend, be it a four-legged creature with a wagging tail or a two-legged one that hands out treats. This is a dog breed that will be pals with strangers in the blink of an eye and may even happily greet intruders into your home. Therefore, Shih Tzus could well be the worst dogs for people who want a guard dog.
Given that the name Shih Tzu means Little Lion, it’s not surprising that this breed can be quite vocal. If you live in a noise-sensitive environment, such as an apartment, you might want to carefully consider if a Shih Tzu is right for your family. You don’t want your neighbors to go around telling everyone that Shih Tzus are the worst dogs!
Shih Tzus have a beautiful long coat, but the catch is that it needs a lot of grooming. This can prove to be overwhelming for some people, both in terms of time and cost. If you want a low-maintenance dog, you might want to consider other breeds that don’t need as much grooming care.
Shih Tzus are prone to health issues, including eye, dental, stomach, and respiratory problems. These health challenges can prove to be expensive in the long run. They can also put a strain on busy individuals who do not have time for to take their pooch for frequent veterinarian appointments.
Still not sure if a Shih Tzu is right for you? Read our tips on finding the right breed for your family.
10 February, 2024