So you and your family have decided that you are ready to bring a Shih Tzu into your home and lives. You have a nice home and plenty of love to give and that is all you need to know when picking a dog, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case, as many different types of dogs have different types of personality. If you select the wrong dog, you may have a situation you did not expect to happen. It is best to know what to expect before selecting a puppy.

The best thing that you can do to make sure that the expectations you have for your dog match and compare that to what the Shih Tzu dog will be able to give based on their personality. It is best to really sit down and think about your lifestyle and how much time you will have to devote one-on-one attention and time to your Shih Tzu dog. Some breeds of dogs require more attention then others so this is something you really must consider. Write out a list of what you would and would not be acceptable from your dog and compare that to the typical personality of the Shih Tzu dog.
After putting together your list of things that are and are not okay in a dog it is time to compare them to the typical personality of the Shih Tzu dog. At first glance, you already noticed that this dog is a small breed and even with their size, they are extremely sturdy animals. The Shih Tzu dog generally carries himself with a dignified presence about them although they do remain happy and playful.

Something that makes these breeds so wonderful for certain people is that they do not require a lot of exercise and they are not as yappy as one may expect from toy breeds. And there is generally little or no fear of strangers or other animals, which makes the Shih Tzu dog a companion that is social and friendly. This proud dog does carry with them many qualities in their personality, which would make them a wonderful addition to your family.
Now on the flip side, there are things about the personality of theShih Tzu dog that may make it hard for them and your family to have the best relationship. This breed is well known for having an extreme case of separation anxiety. Often times, this toy breed can not stand being left alone for more then a few hours at a time. If they are left alone for hours on end, they may end up showing their frustration with destructive chewing. Shih Tzu dogs are also known for having difficulty in house breaking. With their independent attitude, they don’t often like being told what to do so housebreaking may take up to six months to complete.

One thing to keep in mind that when owning a Shih Tzu dog, you might run into the costly issue of vet bills as their short face and their nose structure can lead to breathing difficulties. Their shallow-set, yet large, eyes are at risk to infection and injury. This breed is also known to have some disk problems in their back along with kidney and skin problems so this is something to consider before jumping into owning a Shih Tzu dog.

With pointing out the pros and cons to owning aShih Tzu, buyers will be better equipped to handle any problems if they occur. Even with the health risks that the Shih Tzu faces, these dogs have a heart of gold. Even after bringing a Shih Tzu dog into your life, it is vital that you continue researchingShih Tzu information so that you are ready for any issues or concerns that arise.