Shih Tzus are royal Chinese dogs that were originally bred to be luxury pets in the Ming Dynasty. They were given as gifts and were highly favoured as house pets. These dogs are kind-hearted, loyal, and extremely friendly. They love to spend time with their parents and will do anything to please them. Shih Tzus also get along really well with children and other pets if socialised at an early age. If you are looking to bring a floof home, opt for adopting a Shih Tzu dog instead of buying and help a puppy truly in need. Keep reading to know more about this unique breed.
Why adopt a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus are loving dogs that can quickly become everyone’s favourite. This agile and adaptable breed loves spending time with its family and will be all in for cuddling sessions in front of the TV. Shih Tzus love playing with children and get along well with other pets, which is a big bonus for any pet parents looking to adopt a family dog. In addition, these dogs are always alert, thanks to their ability to assess situations faster than any other small dog breeds. A Shih Tzu will alert you as soon as someone approaches your home. The best part about this breed is that they can quickly adapt to apartment living because of their tiny size and low maintenance needs.
Shih Tzu grooming and health considerations
Shih Tzus are known for their cascading, waterfall-like coat. You can keep their iconic long coat or opt for a short-haired makeover. Either way, you will need to tend to their coat every other day. Using a pin brush will help you reach through all the layers and keep your floof’s coat free of mats and tangles.
Shih Tzus are flat-faced dogs that struggle with breathing because of the anatomical changes to their nose and throat. For this reason, regular health checkups are highly recommended. Shih Tzus are also prone to several eye conditions such as dry eye, cataract, and glaucoma. If you notice thick eye discharge or find your Shih Tzu pawing at its eye, take it to the veterinarian immediately. Shih Tzus, like any other dog breed, will need regular health check-ups to diagnose or treat any disease at an early stage.
Training a Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are attention-hungry, stubborn dogs that can misbehave when they don’t get what they want. Therefore, when it comes to training, you need to use praises and treats. Use plenty of positive reinforcements like toys, treats, and more. However, keeping track of how many treats you’re giving it is extremely important as too much of anything is harmful. Make sure that you do not raise your voice as this breed is highly prone to anxiety. Since Shih Tzus are eager to please their parents, training should not be difficult.
Socializing your Shih Tzu is extremely important so that it gets along with other family members and pets. You can also enroll your floof in puppy training classes to help them make more friends and get used to following commands easily.
Are you the right fit for a Shih Tzu?
This breed needs plenty of attention and love from their parents. So, if you are someone who can devote that time and energy to training and raising a dog, then adopting a Shih Tzu is the right decision for you. Since Shih Tzus love spending time with their pet parents and are eager to please them, more time and flexibility will only strengthen your bond with your floof.
Shih Tzus are low-energy and low-maintenance canines, but they still need some daily exercise. Especially because their bladders are small in size and will need a few trips a day to finish their business. Keep in mind that you will have to take your floof out for 2 to 3, 20-minute walks a day.
Finding a Shih Tzu for adoption
If you want to bring a Shih Tzu home but don’t know where to start looking, start with your local shelters that can help find Shih Tzu puppies for adoption. Local shelters will be able to find puppies that are in need of a loving home and are desperate to find a meaningful bond in their life. You can also look for ethical puppy breeders who are motivated to preserve different breeds and want to ensure that each puppy gets a loving home.
Preparing for your new Shih Tzu
Once you’ve decided to adopt a Shih Tzu, it’s time to start preparing your house for its new member. Start with creating a list of essential supplies such as food, treats, water bowls, collars, crates, toys, leashes, etc. Set up a cosy corner for your new family member and place a water bowl right next to it.
Now that your puppy is home, the first order of business is to schedule its first health check-up. Once your veterinarian has given you an overview of your puppy's health, you can schedule regular checkups accordingly. Regular checkups will help you keep track of your puppy's growth and provide it with the right nutrition. Once you’ve got the basics set up, you can proceed to establishing a routine for your dog.
There is nothing better than bringing a new fur baby home. If you have decided to bring a Tzu into your family, get ready for the best ride of your life. Anyone would be honoured to bring a Shih Tzu into their life. We hope that you have decided to adopt a dog in need and are ready to give it all the love and attention that it deserves. If you can’t make up your mind about bringing a floof into your home, take this as a sign and make the best decision of your life.
