Tips from shih tzu owners?

Question

hi i'm bringing home a shih tzu puppy tomarrow and i was wondering if anyone had some helpful hints and pointers about this breed. i've done reserch on their temperment and such and feel its the right dog for me but i thought it would be nice to hear from people who have some expearience with this breed thanks

Answer 1

I have had Shih Tzus for yrs. And the worst thing about them is they stink.  You can give them a bath and 5-6 days later they look and smell...like they have had absolutely no atten.  They are the sweetest things imagainable...totally non agressive and dont bark much. High maintenance.  Lots of brushing or they will mat and if you are not into heavy dutry brushing,then have them clipped down, and that costs a fortune.  Can't think of anything else.  they are just a sweet sweet dog.

Answer 2

they are great dogs! i raise chihuahuas and shih tzus they are very good in a house,very smart and sweet, males are sweeter i jusr dont know why. they are alot of work with grooming, and do have some health problems . keep hair out of eyes and hairs in ears trimmed and keep ears clean. you can contact me too for more help anytime

Answer 3

I never had a puppy, but I owned a Shih Tzu for many years. They are wonderful dogs, the main thing you have to watch with them is obviously their coat care, but also make sure you check their eyes, and ears.  They can often get weepy eyes, and you should also be careful as the Shih Tzu is a "bug eyed" dog, and that can sometimes cause eye problems.

Also because they are a lop-eared dog (they have floppy ears) you will need to apply topical ear-ointment to prevent a buildup of wax/gunk that they sometimes suffer from.

Congratulations on adding such a wonderful breed to your family :)