About the Shih Tzu

Character:

The Shih Tzu is a lively little dog with great character but as a puppy they should learn that you are ‘pack leader’.

Because they are very intelligent dogs they would take over this role if you allowed them to and therefore become the boss over you – which is no good for either of you!

With firmness and love
they will develop into a really lovely dog.

Shih Tzu’s are not usually lap dogs as they are quite independent, but for all this they love human company as well as the companionship of another dog.

Therefore they are not the breed of dog to have if you are working away from home all day and they are to be left alone.

Each Shih Tzu has their own individual character; it is seen even in the ‘nest’ as early as 4 – 6 weeks of age.

Shih Tzu’s will often have a mad time of running around the house jumping over the furniture and you can often see them lying on their back waving their paws in the air – which I call ‘doing their exercises’!

Grooming:

It is best that they learn as a puppy to be groomed. For this you need to be able to get them to stand still, as well as getting them to lie on their back to groom their underside and legs. You will find that if you ‘fiddle’ with their ears when they are very young it will get them used to having their ears touched thus making the job of plucking out the ear hair easier.

After a grooming session
have a playtime too!

This means they soon become accustomed to ‘grooming = fun’ and will look forward to their daily grooming session rather than dread it.

Temperament:

Shih Tzu’s are not always the most obedient of dogs but they will try to please you if they can. Although I have said be firm with them this is NOT to be done in any way which would ruin their character.

Rescue Dogs:

Rescue Shih Tzu’s are a different thing altogether. When you adopt a rescue dog they have already developed their character. This is of course dependent on how they were treated by their former owners. But with love and firmness they become a very nice dog and a wonderful companion.

Never immediately try to cuddle a rescue dog thinking it needs to be shown you love it – this can unnerve the dog. Give him/her time to settle in and trust you first.

When you have their trust,
all the hard work and waiting
will be worthwhile.

You can find out lots more about the Shih Tzu breed & Rescue dogs on our recommended Shih Tzu books page.

We also have online information on Why Shih Tzu need to be rescued, What happens when a dog comes in to the rescue and about living with a rescue Shih Tzu.

Also see our Adoption information including How to apply to adopt a Shih Tzu

Joyce Ellis
Chairperson
Southern Shih Tzu Rescue