My Shih Tzu Adventure: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've been a Shih Tzu owner for eight years, and I've learned a thing or two about this amazing breed. My parents have one too, and I've had a front-row seat to watch her grow and thrive. I'm sharing my honest experience with you, from the good to the bad and everything in between. Rorcha, my furry companion, has been a joy to live with, and I'm excited to share what makes her so special. From her affectionate personality to her high intelligence, I'll give you the lowdown on what you can expect from this wonderful breed. She's always been a bit of a cuddlebug, and she loves making new friends - whether it's people or other animals. Her intelligence and high trainability make her a breeze to teach new tricks, and she's perfect for people with allergies since she's a non-shedding breed. Plus, her small size makes her a great companion for city living. But, like any breed, she's got her quirks. She can be a bit of a beggar, always looking for treats or snacks. And, she requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. She's also a bit of a snorer, but it's worth it for her adorable face. As with any breed, she needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. And, she can be a bit territorial, especially around other dogs. But, she's not the best watchdog, as she's too friendly and outgoing.

settingsSpecifications

KararMükemmel

Kalite9/10

TemelBilgi8/10

EgitimSorunlari7/10

KullanikDostlugu9/10

I've had Rorcha, my Shih Tzu, for eight years now, and I've learned a thing or two about this amazing breed. My parents have one too, and I've had a front-row seat to watch her grow and thrive. So, I can confidently share what you can expect from this wonderful breed.

Hi, I'm Rorcha!Rorcha and her little bro

PERSONALITY AND BEHAVIOR

Rorcha is super affectionate, outgoing, and resilient. I waited till she was 3.5 months old to bring her home, so she could go through the natural weaning process and develop a strong personality. As a result, she's a well-rounded pup who's never aggressive, anxious, or fearful. She's never bitten anyone, growled, or become overly excited - the most you'll get is a playful nip when she's after a snack. Otherwise, she's all love and singing - yes, she sings, but only when I sing with her! She won't belt out a tune on her own, but she loves to harmonize when I start singing or howling.

Rorcha does bark at people on the street from time to time, but I've tried to break her of this habit, and it's not something she's easily trained out of. At home, however, she's as quiet as a mouse - she only barks when someone arrives, knocks, or responds to a command.

Sweetie

CARE AND LIFESTYLE

Shih Tzus have hair, not fur, which means they don't shed and are hypoallergenic. But here's the catch: their hair grows indefinitely if you don't brush and trim it regularly. I take Rorcha to the groomer every month for a trim, nail clipping, and ear cleaning - it's a regular routine for both of us. At home, I wash her with a hypoallergenic shampoo once a week, and occasionally use a shampoo with chlorhexidine if she develops any redness or irritation.

You can train her to go to the litter box in different waysWho of them is Rocky?Potty Training

Rocky's been trained to do her business in the litter box since she was a puppy. She can either go outside, use the litter box, or a combination of both - it's super convenient. After every successful potty break (and it's gotta be in the litter box), she gets a little treat of dried chicken - it's a favorite and doesn't cause any allergies.

IS SHI-TZU RIGHT FOR YOU?

For apartments - it's a perfect fit. For first-time owners - yes, if you're willing to put in the time to learn the ropes (first week, month, year). Don't try to use harsh training methods - it's not the right breed for that. With kids - it's great, as long as the kids are tidy. With pets - Rocky's friendly, but every dog is different. Leaving her alone - you can do it, as long as there's water, a cool spot, and I play some classical music or dog-specific tracks on my Yandex Station. But she loves company - she's not a fan of being left alone.

Someone's happy I'm homeFEEDING AND HEALTH

I feed her twice a day with Brit hypoallergenic food. It's easily available in Armenia, but harder to find in Russia. Shi-tzus are prone to allergies, so if her paws or nose start to get red, it's a warning sign.

Red nose - allergicClean nose - no allergyMy experience with Shih Tzus has been that their paranasal sinuses can be a weak spot, requiring regular cleaning by a vet.

Both of my dogs in the family developed tumors on their mammary glands around the age of 6-7, which were surgically removed. Now, my Rorchi has a benign tumor in her spleen, which is being monitored.

Before surgeryAfter surgery

WINTER AND SUMMER

Shih Tzus aren't built for the heat - my mom's dog once had a heatstroke. I make sure to keep Rorcha cool in the summer by dressing her up and taking her for gentle walks.

My mom made her a sweater for winterShe's freezing

Before getting a Shih Tzu, here are some things to keep in mind.

They're friendly, affectionate, and adorable.

They're relatively low maintenance when it comes to shedding and odor.

They're relatively easy to train (if you're interested in doing so).

They're hypoallergenic.

They adapt well to city life and traveling.

Cons: - They need regular grooming (either by a pro or yourself), - They're prone to allergies, - Heat can be a major issue, - You need to keep an eye on their eyes, skin, diet, and weight, - They're incredibly endearing - you'll want to keep them forever.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Are Shih Tzus good with children?

Rorcha is super gentle and patient with kids, making her a great addition to any family. However, as with any breed, it's essential to socialize her well and teach children how to interact with her gently.

Do Shih Tzus require a lot of exercise?

Rorcha needs regular walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy, but she's not a high-maintenance breed when it comes to exercise. A daily walk and some playtime should suffice.

Are Shih Tzus prone to any health issues?

Like any breed, Shih Tzus can be prone to certain health issues, such as eye problems and respiratory issues. Regular check-ups with your vet can help catch any potential issues early on.

Can Shih Tzus be left alone for long periods?

While Rorcha is generally okay with being left alone, she does get anxious if left for too long. It's best to provide her with plenty of toys and treats to keep her occupied, and consider hiring a dog sitter if you're away for an extended period.

How often should I groom my Shih Tzu?

Rorcha needs regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Aim to brush her at least three times a week, and consider taking her to a professional groomer every six weeks or so.

Are Shih Tzus good for first-time dog owners?

Rorcha is a great breed for first-time dog owners, as she's relatively low-maintenance and easy to train. However, it's essential to do your research and understand the responsibilities that come with owning a dog.

Can Shih Tzus be trained?

Rorcha is highly intelligent and responds well to positive reinforcement training. With patience and consistency, you can teach her all sorts of tricks and behaviors.

Are Shih Tzus good with other pets?

Rorcha gets along great with other pets, especially if socialized well from an early age. However, as with any breed, it's essential to introduce her slowly and under controlled circumstances to ensure a smooth transition.

check_circlePros

•Rorcha is super affectionate and loves to cuddle.
•She's outgoing and makes friends easily, whether it's with people or other animals.
•Her intelligence and high trainability make her a breeze to teach new tricks.
•As a non-shedding breed, she's perfect for people with allergies.
•Her small size makes her a great companion for city living.
•Rorcha has the most charming, intelligent, and loving personality you'll ever meet.

cancelCons

•She can be a bit of a beggar, always looking for treats or snacks.
•Rorcha requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
•She's a bit of a snorer, but it's worth it for her adorable face.
•As with any breed, she needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
•Rorcha can be a bit territorial, especially around other dogs.
•She's not the best watchdog, as she's too friendly and outgoing.