Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus must be watched closely around other dogs and animals. Although the shih tze is a smart animal, they don’t always recognize aggression from other animals. The reason that a lot of the smallest cutest dogs, like shih tzus, are seemingly fearless, even of dogs much bigger than themselves. People began domesticating animals, long before the shih tzu even existed. Some say that dogs domesticated themselves because they could live off humans’ garbage and so became friends with humans and worked for them in exchange for food. So how did big fierce wolves evolve into shih tzus? They didn’t. The transition was not a natural one because humans were controlling the animals’ breeding. If someone found a trait in a dog that they likes, they would breed their dog with another dog with the same trait to increase the chances of that trait being passed on to their children. For instance, your shih tzu might have a beautiful long coat that’s very impractical. We know that shih tzus are not capable of living in the wild, so what is it that makes small cute dogs fearless? When humans first started associating with wolves, they would allow only the tamest ones to hang around their villages and give them food in exchange for work and protection. Soon, dog breeders started breeding dogs for the special purpose of using them for work or keeping them inside the home. The dogs that were chosen were usually the friendliest and the cutest and looked more like wolf pups than wolves. They selected dogs with big eyes and often floppy ears and a soft coat. These puppy traits are maintained in adulthood in dogs that do not fully develop; their brains stop growing very early on so they never learn to fear and mistrust other animals. This is why shih tzus and other popular breeds of dogs make good pets.

Shih Tzu Behaviour

Shih Tzu dogs come originally from China. Shih tzus are also called Chinese lion dogs. They are small lively dogs with beautiful soft hair. Most shih tzu owners cut their shih tzu’s hair short, unless they intend to enter their shih tzu in dog shows, in which case the owners must keep their shih tzu’s hair very long. Shih Tzus are very friendly caring animals and make good family pets. Shih Tzus are usually very obedient and aren’t difficult to train. My first dog was a shih tzu and I didn’t know how to train a dog, so I took it to obedience school a couple times a week. My shih tzu did very well in the class – better than a lot of the other dogs. Now that my shih tzu is older I am glad that I took the time to train her while she was young. Shih Tzus are very gently and want to please their owners, so there’s no need for harsh punishment. Usually just a few stern warnings is enough to make your shih tzu understand when they are doing something wrong.

Is a Shih Tzu the Right Dog for You?

Generally, I prefer small dogs that have a lot of confidence. Shih Tzus are one of them. The shih tzu is a very proud dog and fears no one. They are confident and friendly with other dogs and people, but are sometimes a bit too fearless, which can get them into trouble. Shih Tzus don’t need a lot of exercise but most shih tzus like to go for walks and so should be walked at least once a day, if only for a short while. Shih Tzus do well in apartments because they’re small dogs and don’t cause too much trouble. Shih Tzus, like a lot of dogs, don’t like to be left alone for too long without their owner because they become bored or lonely and this can lead to problems. If you know you don’t have a lot of time for a dog, you shouldn’t get one. Shih Tzus and all dogs need a lot of special care and attention and unfortunately are neglected by their owners all too often. If you know you can handle a dog and will take good car of it, you can start your shih tzu search at the SPCA or a shih tzu rescue group. Shih Tzu rescue is dedicated to finding loving homes for homeless shih tzus that have been abandoned by their owners. Another option is to go to shih tzu breeders. It’s important when looking for a shih tzu puppy to go to a reputable shih tzu breeder because a lot can go wrong if a breeder doesn’t know or care about what they’re doing. Shih Tzu puppies have a lot of energy and need a lot of care, so make sure you have time to look after shih tzu puppies before you buy them. Sometimes people buy shih tzu puppies without realizing the amount of work it takes to raise shih tzu puppies. Shih Tzu puppies can be ordered from a breeder but usually stay with their mother until they’re at least six weeks old. Then the shih tzu puppies are delivered to their new owners.

Shih Tzu Information

If you’d like more information about shih tzus, a good place to go is the Internet. You can find shih tzu clubs in your area where shih tzus and their owners get together to talk about life with shih tzus and exchange shih tzu information. Even if you don’t have a shih tzu but you’d like some shih tzu information to see if a shih tzu is the right pet for you, most shih tzu owners will be more than happy to help you. You can also get shih tzu information from shih tzu books at the library. There are plenty of books out there full of shih tzu information such as where to get shih tzu puppies, how to house train your shih tzu, shih tzu health tips and much more.