My Dog Training Secrets 

The Shih-Tzu is a smaller, but sturdy dog, whose body is a little longer than it is tall. Their ears are larger and are pendant-like, hanging down and covered with hair. The tail is covered in hair and high-set over the back. This brand has a double coat of fur and is often kept long and flowing down the dog. If the hair on top of the head is kept long, sometimes the owner will tie that hair off in a topknot at the top of the head. The dog’s coat can come in many colors.

This dog will usually stand about 11 inches high at the shoulder and weigh in at about 9-16 pounds. The Shih-Tzu can live up to 15 or more years. Smaller dogs tend to have longer life expectancy than larger dogs.

The Shih-Tzu tends to be an active, attentive, joyful dog that is typically calm and faithful to their owner. This breed can make friends easily and enjoys being with people. Most of the time, if well socialized, they are good with other pets.

As far as living space, these dogs can live even in an apartment fine, as long as they have a place they can get some exercise and use some energy. They are prone to heat sensitivity, so use caution when outdoors, and do not leave them in a kennel outside. They are a better indoor dog.

Training your dog can be a little more involved with a Shih-Tzu, but most respond very well to training. Some of these dogs can be a little more difficult to housebreak. This dog will do best when all of the family uses the same rules and commands with the dog. For instance, use the same word when telling the dog to go outside—“Go potty.”

Owners who do not appear to be the leader of the pack will often find they have a dog who will not respond well to surprise or uncomfortable situations, and the dog will often snap or bark. Daily walks will help to curtail the feisty nature of the dog and give them an outlet for their energy. Playing in a fenced yard, or in a large room with the family is also very good, but walking tends to fulfill more of their needs on a regular basis.

Since the Shih-Tzu has such long hair, they will require daily brushing with a bristle brush. If the hair is kept long, then a topknot is usually tied at the top of the head in order to keep the hair out of the dog’s eyes. Some owners prefer to keep the hair trimmed shorter so the hair is not so much of a grooming issue. Be sure to keep the ears clean of hair and the area around the eyes clean. Their eyes tend to be sensitive.

Since this breed sheds very little, many people with allergies can be around them. Health concerns for the Shih-Tzu are weight problems if overfed, back and neck issues due to their longer body, and eye and ear infections.

The best training method for the Shih-Tzu seems to be a praise method, where the owner is constantly praising good behavior. This dog tends to respond best to constant touching and petting, as well as words of praise. They can try to “take over” if not trained properly, and do not respond well to loud commands. A gentle, but authoritative instruction will be fine. Be careful to offer treats when training as they may become expected constantly, and may lead to the dog coming to the table for scraps.

The Shih-Tzu is a big dog in a small package. They are energetic, playful, but can rule the roost if not trained well. They are very lovable and enjoy being with their owners. Potty training may be a difficult thing in this breed, but can be achieved with early and proper training.