Shih Tzu

Not everyone wants a Labrador or a Beagle or even a Puggle as a pet. It is a fact that some people love Huskies, Chihuahuas, Terriers, Poodles and adorable Shih Tzu’s. The last breed of dog is not one that would suit everyone but it cannot be denied that there is many a future dog owner looking around for a Shih Tzu puppy to buy.

Of course not everyone looking for a puppy starts off with a Shih Tzu in mind, but when fate drops this adorable puppy across their paths, it seems to be more than they can do to resist the inquisitive faces, the short upturned nose with the hair fanning out in all directions and the gentle adoring eyes staring at them with patent mischief.

A Shih Tzu puppy will make an ideal apartment pet as it doesn’t mind being indoors and in fact, can be quite active when indoors as well. Shih Tzu’s can also be quite indolent if they are allowed to be and more often than not you will find it lying around in various comfortable spots around your house.

Your Shih Tzu Will Get Fat If You Let Him

This is why you shouldn’t over feed your Shih Tzu puppy, as it can become fat and lazy. Keep your puppy well fed and remember to exercise it regularly. If you live in an apartment or flat, try and take him out for regular daily walks. Don’t overtire it however and go for very long distances, as the Shih Tzu breed is a small breed and only needs moderate amounts of exercise. You may find them lying down or fighting the leash when they have gone far enough. Many a Shih Tzu owner starts out on a long walk only to have to carry their dog back!

If you have a yard or garden, whether it’s large or small, you might want to think about letting your Shih Tzu puppy outside to run and scamper for a while. A daily walk is still good, but in this case, your Shih Tzu puppy is getting its exercise in small regular bouts through the day which will suit it quite well.

Shih Tzu’s can also make great watchdogs as they are alert and will tend to bark if aroused by something out of the ordinary. Luckily they don’t normally bark out of turn which is one of the reasons why getting a Shih Tzu puppy is ideal if you live in an apartment.

You might also like to know that although Shih Tzu’s in general are alright with gentle children or older children, they can be snappish if given the right set of circumstances (like a good old fashioned tail-pulling!) and might not be the most suitable of dogs to have around very young and/ or mischievous children.

A Shih Tzu puppy is also an ideal option for the dog lover who is allergic to dogs, or rather dog hair.  Shih Tzu’s shed almost none to very little fur which makes them a great candidate for allergy sufferers. A Shih Tzu's coat is Lovely! So soft and adorable it's hard not to keep stroking them.

You will also find that Shih Tzu’s also make great show dogs. A little bit of spit and shine (not literally of course!), and regular grooming of its coat and your Shih Tzu puppy can become a champion show dog. Many Shih Tzu owners will have their dog's coat cut especially in summer when they can get very hot.