If you are planning to get a Shih Tzu as a pet at your home, you should think about it very carefully. Remember that owning any pet comes with a big responsibility. You and your whole family at home should be well prepared for all the needs of your new family member. Before you finally decide to get a Shih Tzu, here is a checklist of the things you should take into consideration.
1. Do you have, or plan on having, small children in your home? The Shih Tzu can be a poor choice as a pet for a new and growing family. Like many other toy breeds, they are very possessive of their owners, and may become jealous of a small child and vie for attention. In addition, the breed's small size does not allow her to stand up physically to the rough-and-tumble abuse she can receive from a rambunctious child.
2. Are you the nervous type or easily excited? The Shih Tzu is a very active and alert dog, and can become very excited very easily. During these times they may run around and bark a lot. Although these are good watchdog qualities, they may be upsetting to some people.
3. Do you have the time, patience, and energy needed to properly raise a dog? The long coat of the Shih Tzu requires daily grooming, and puppies need to be trained and housetrained.
4. Are you willing to devote some of your free time to the dog? The Shih Tzu require significant human companionship for their emotional well-being. If you travel a lot, or take long vacations away from home, you must be willing to either take the dog with or find a sitter for your pet.
5. Do you intend to keep your dog in an outdoor kennel? The Shih Tzu is a house-dog, and must be kept indoors. Although he/she will need to go outdoors to do her business and get some exercise, you must not expose this breed to harsh weather for a prolonged period of time. Shih Tzu are not very tolerant of cold weather.
6. Do you understand the long-term commitment of owning a Shih Tzu? A dog may live with you for as long as a child and will likely spend more time at home. The life span of this breed is ordinarily 13-14 years, and is sometimes longer.
7. Can you afford to keep a Shih Tzu? In addition to the initial purchase price, you will need to buy supplies. Food alone can cost as much as $40-$50 per month. You will also have to pay for those annual visits to the veterinarian.
Source: Jaime J. Sucher Shih Tzu - A Complete Pet Owner's Manual
1. Do you have, or plan on having, small children in your home? The Shih Tzu can be a poor choice as a pet for a new and growing family. Like many other toy breeds, they are very possessive of their owners, and may become jealous of a small child and vie for attention. In addition, the breed's small size does not allow her to stand up physically to the rough-and-tumble abuse she can receive from a rambunctious child.
2. Are you the nervous type or easily excited? The Shih Tzu is a very active and alert dog, and can become very excited very easily. During these times they may run around and bark a lot. Although these are good watchdog qualities, they may be upsetting to some people.
3. Do you have the time, patience, and energy needed to properly raise a dog? The long coat of the Shih Tzu requires daily grooming, and puppies need to be trained and housetrained.
4. Are you willing to devote some of your free time to the dog? The Shih Tzu require significant human companionship for their emotional well-being. If you travel a lot, or take long vacations away from home, you must be willing to either take the dog with or find a sitter for your pet.
5. Do you intend to keep your dog in an outdoor kennel? The Shih Tzu is a house-dog, and must be kept indoors. Although he/she will need to go outdoors to do her business and get some exercise, you must not expose this breed to harsh weather for a prolonged period of time. Shih Tzu are not very tolerant of cold weather.
6. Do you understand the long-term commitment of owning a Shih Tzu? A dog may live with you for as long as a child and will likely spend more time at home. The life span of this breed is ordinarily 13-14 years, and is sometimes longer.
7. Can you afford to keep a Shih Tzu? In addition to the initial purchase price, you will need to buy supplies. Food alone can cost as much as $40-$50 per month. You will also have to pay for those annual visits to the veterinarian.
Source: Jaime J. Sucher Shih Tzu - A Complete Pet Owner's Manual
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