The Shih Tzu is a cute breed of dog that nearly anyone can love. Characterized by their small size and beautiful coat, Shih Tzus just make you want to snuggle with them. While these dogs love to snuggle, there is also far more to their personality and temperament. If you're considering bringing a Shih Tzu into your family, it's important to understand their personality traits. This will help you determine if this dog is the right pet for you. If their personality is a match for your household, you can rest assured that you'll have a longtime friend.
Things to love about Shih Tzus
These dogs are known for being very loving, and they enjoy snuggling with their family members. They are not overly active, and they only require a little bit of exercise. This means you can spend a lot of time relaxing with and enjoying time with your dog. Walks are still a necessity, but you don't have to worry about constant stimulation as you do with more active breeds.
Their size should not fool you, either. Unlike other small dogs, they are relatively sweet and quiet. They will not become aggressive or loud when around other dogs or strangers. In fact, they are peaceful and polite around others. Typically, they will actually be sweet. That is not always the case, but they tend to react positively to other dogs rather than aggressively. It is important to note, however, that they still require training to be the perfect new family member.
Things to watch out for
While Shih Tzus have a lot of positive traits, there are some negatives that you will have to learn and live with as well. This breed is known for being a bit arrogant and stubborn. They can even be selfish, demanding you spend all of your time with them or simply demanding to get what they want. Training can be a bit of a pain, but it is manageable, especially when you come prepared with treats. They are still very sweet and loveable, but these aspects of their personalities can be a bit frustrating.
Housebreaking and training top the list of Shih Tzu owner frustrations. Doing either of these will require a lot of treats and patience. Due to their stubbornness to have things their way, housebreaking and training a Shih Tzu may take some time. If you are up for it, it is worth it. They are sweet dogs that just need a little extra effort.
The personality traits of this breed make them perfect for easy-going individuals. They want to relax with you and have some fun cuddling or playing. They may be stubborn in certain areas and require more effort and time to train fully, but you get a great companion out of that. These dogs will stick by you and will be great furry companions if you are willing to put in the effort to train them.
