Wondering what it is like owning a Shih Tzu? It means having a life full of love and some frustration. Shih Tzus are wonderful dogs, but like with everything in life, there is a lot of good but some bad as well.
The Ups and Downs of Living with a Shih Tzu
There are a lot of great things that come with owning a Shih Tzu. They are super sweet little dogs and can bring a lot of joy to your life.
Here are some of the best things about owning a Shih Tzu.
1. Love…Love…Love
Shih Tzus are little dogs, but they are full of love. It’s true that Shih Tzus are one-person dogs, but they will love that one person more than anything else in the world.
All they want to do is make you happy and be near you. Yes, Shih Tzus can be a little clingy following you from room-to-room and even to the bathroom, but that’s a small price to pay to have an adorable little dog living with you that loves you unconditionally.
Now, my Truman doesn’t follow me around too much.
Although if I’m gone from the room for more than a few minutes he comes to find me.
Sammy, on the other hand, immediately follows me everywhere. (You can learn more about Truman and Sammy here.)
Sammy is the one that likes to sit in my lap and look up at me with her giant eyes to show me just how much she loves me.
It is a love that will last a lifetime and grow stronger each day.
And who doesn’t need some unconditional love?
2. Lots of Laughter
Shih Tzus are not only cute, but they are funny. You’ll find this out during playtime as they run and jump and play.
When Truman was a very small puppy, about eight weeks or so old, he had a big belly. It almost reached the ground when he walked.
At my folk’s house, there was a small step up from the walkway that went to their back door and their back door porch.
Try as he might, Truman couldn’t get his big belly over that little step. It was pretty funny watching him try.
Truman also really enjoys ice cubes even though they are a bit big for his mouth.
He didn’t really want to chew on them. Instead, he would hide them in my shoes. Instead of finding an ice cube, I would often just find a wet shoe.
Shih Tzus will find all sorts of ways to amuse you.
You might also enjoy:
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Should I Let My Shih Tzu Sleep with Me?
3. Plenty of Cuddle Time
Most Shih Tzus love to cuddle. Whether it’s sitting next to you watching a movie or sleeping next to you at night, they want to be right there with you.
Sammy never lets an empty lap go to waste. If she can be in my lap that is where she will be.
At night, she also wants to sleep with her back against my back. By morning, she oftentimes has the whole bed and I’m on the edge.
If you’re looking for a lap dog, look no further than a Shih Tzu.
They are happiest when they are with you and they do love cuddle time.
4. A True Companion
Most dogs were bred for a specific purpose. Some were bred for hunting or herding while others were bred for protection.
Shih Tzus were bred to be the companions of Chinese emperors. Their one and only task was to be there as a companion for the emperor.
That’s why even though you might not be Chinese royalty, your Shih Tzu is still going to want to be your companion and they make great ones.
They are happy when you are happy.
Some of the Downs of living with a Shih Tzu
Okay, Shih Tzus are amazing little dogs, but let’s face it they aren’t perfect and can be even a little annoying at times.
1. Frustration at Potty Time
Shih Tzus are notoriously bad at being housebroken. Personally, I believe that it isn’t so much that they don’t understand that they shouldn’t go potty indoors, they just don’t really care.
It can take a great deal of effort and time to completely housebreak your Shih Tzu.
Truman is a little over 15 years old and I think he finally got it down completely about a year ago.
I think part of the problem with Truman is his signal for wanting to go out is the same signal he uses for wanting to play, wanting a treat, and wanting attention.
So, know that you will have to work really hard at this to get your Shih Tzu to comply.
2. Facing off With a Stubborn Little Creature
Shih Tzus are known to be stubborn. If they don’t want to do something, they aren’t going to do it.
If they decide they don’t want to go any further on a walk, they will sit down and stop moving, and refuse to go.
This stubborn streak seems to be bred into them, so there isn’t much you can do about it but laugh.
I think Shih Tzus get away with as much as they do because they are so cute. It makes it difficult to say no to them when they look up at you with their cute little faces.
3. Your Shih Tzu is in Charge
Your Shih Tzu might not be large, but they are still in charge.
I mean let’s face it, they were bred to be pets for royalty, so why wouldn’t they think they are in charge and pretty special.
I know that when my two Shih Tzus want something they expect to get it. That can mean a treat or even sleeping on the spot where I normally put my head on my pillow.
Both Truman and Sammy can be pretty insistent when they want something. Unfortunately, they usually get it.
Related Questions:
Are Shih Tzus Good For First Time Owners?
Yes, they are a great first pet. Just know that you will have to spend a lot of time grooming them due to their long hair and that they can be difficult to housebreak.
Otherwise, they are wonderful and easy to care for. All they need is your love, and they will be sure to give it back to you in bucket fulls.
Do Shih Tzus Like to Cuddle?
Yes, most Shih Tzus love to cuddle. They want to be with you and near you most of the time. Being with you is their greatest joy.
To Sum it All Up:
If you want to know what owning a Shih Tzu is like, it is pure joy. These are wonderful little creatures that bring love and joy into your life. Of course, they have their moments as we all do when they are stubborn and frustrating, but the good always outweighs the bad.
