Is the shih tzu dog breed right for you?

Flat nose, slightly protruding almond-shaped eyes, and a distinctive personality: that’s the Shih Tzu! Known for being very companionable, Shih Tzus are not hunting dogs or athletes; the purpose of their lives is to love and be loved by their human parents, serving as an incredible companion dog. Always ready to receive affection, they are very gentle and friendly with children and other dogs. They are definitely indoor dogs and adapt very well to apartments because they are small and do not need much space to move around. However, this does not exclude the need for regular physical exercise. Shih Tzus adapt very well to different “types of tutors”; when you want to go for a walk, they will be by your side, or when you want to take a nap, they will be there as they have always been since they first appeared.

Coat

The coat of the Shih Tzu, if not groomed, is characterized by long and abundant fur, which can be slightly wavy, especially in length. There are various color variations, but they generally have a white band on the front of the head and white fur on the tail as well. Due to their grooming, we may not notice loose hairs around the house, but they also shed their fur at certain times of the year. Mats can occur frequently when not brushed correctly, so many owners opt for the puppy cut, which not only gives adults a puppy-like appearance but is also easier to maintain.

Due to their very exposed eyeballs, Shih Tzus need special attention to this area to avoid injuries such as keratitis, corneal ulcers, dry eyes, etc., as well as accidents. Hygiene in this area should be done weekly by cleaning the eye corner secretion with specific pet products. Regarding the coat, the owner of a Shih Tzu should be committed to brushing to prevent the hair from tangling and forming mats that can hurt the dog’s skin. Grooming can be a good friend, as it keeps the hair in order and does not compromise movement due to length. Dental care is also important, and brushing should be a habit from an early age. The main dermatological diseases of Shih Tzus are superficial pyoderma, contact dermatitis, and otitis. Coprophagia (the habit of ingesting feces) is also extremely common in the breed. Some specialists even believe that this is genetic. Regular visits to the veterinarian are recommended, especially for good monitoring, conducting feces and urine tests to check kidney function.

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