Are shih tzus hard to train? Also are there alot of good breeders of are they hard to find? Are male shih tzus different in termperament than females? What is the tendency towards agression? More independent or clingy? How much exersize do they need?
And if you have a breeder reccomendation please feel free to share!!
Thank you so much for your time!!
Here is some information on the dog =)
Description: The name "Shih Tzu" means lion dog in Chinese
and they received the name because of their long, flowingmane-like coat. The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, toy dog with a long flowing double coat. They have a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the
back. They may display an arrogant personality, but are actually playful and gentle. Shih Tzus adapt well to any family situation and will enjoy a cuddle in your lap, doing tricks, or fetching a tennis ball. Shih Tzus are an intelligent dog who will make a good family addition. Despite their small size the Shih Tzu is a confident and dignified breed.
Other Names: Chrysanthemum Dog
Type: Companion Dog
Height: 8 – 11 inches
Weight: 8 – 15 lbs.Shih Tzu
Colors: All colors.
Coat: Long, dense, not curly with a good undercoat
Temperament: Shih Tzus are gentle, loyal, proud
With Children: Yes, loves children.
With Pets: Yes, gets along well with other animals.
Special Skills: Family pet
Watch-dog: Very High
Guard-dog: Very Low
Care and Exercise: Daily grooming is essential for the Shih Tzu. Bathing once a month. Clipping of matting on feet. Basic training when puppy is young. Minimal exercise is needed, but they will love to play outdoors.
Training: Shih Tzus may be obstinate but patience and consistency will help over come the problem and achieve a reasonable level of training.
Learning Rate: High, Obedience – Medium, Problem Solving – Low
Activity: Indoors – High, Outdoors – Low
Living Environment: Apartment is adequate provided they receive some type of exercise. An owner of a Shih Tzu should be a consistent leader who desire an active, curious breed.
Health Issues: Kidney disorder, otherwise no major health problems.
Life Span: 10 – 14 years
Litter Size: 2 – 4
Country of Origin: Tibet
History: Shih Tzus may have originated from a cross between the Tibetan Mountain Dog and the Pekingese. They were a favored dog of the Emperor and is portrayed in Chinese paintings. They were first imported to England in the 1930's. Then after World War II they made their way to the United States by military officers going home. It wasn't until 1969 that the AKC recognized the breed.
First Registered by the AKC: 1969
AKC Group: Toy Group
Class: Toy
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 9), KC(GB), UKC
Google these words:
Shih tzu dogs as pets
When the page opens up you will find a wealth of information that will answer all your questions
References :
Google search
shih tzus are not very hard to train at all. the males and females are not really that different from each other, just pick one with a personality you like!
They have almost no aggression tendancies. They are just happy go-lucky little bundles of cuddly-ness. They can be independant and clingy at the same time. They like attention, like most dogs, but are not overly attatched to a constant presence. Though if you would take one with you, he would love it!
These dogs will almost exercise themselves, so their energy requirements are pretty much taken care of. You can wear them out just tossing a toy back and forth in the front yard. Or let them go crazy jumping off the couch after something, and then jumping back on to bring it back to you. They are very playful, but are not out of control. They will calm down if you ask them to.
References :
Here is some information on the dog =)
Description: The name "Shih Tzu" means lion dog in Chinese
and they received the name because of their long, flowingmane-like coat. The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, toy dog with a long flowing double coat. They have a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the
back. They may display an arrogant personality, but are actually playful and gentle. Shih Tzus adapt well to any family situation and will enjoy a cuddle in your lap, doing tricks, or fetching a tennis ball. Shih Tzus are an intelligent dog who will make a good family addition. Despite their small size the Shih Tzu is a confident and dignified breed.
Other Names: Chrysanthemum Dog
Type: Companion Dog
Height: 8 – 11 inches
Weight: 8 – 15 lbs.Shih Tzu
Colors: All colors.
Coat: Long, dense, not curly with a good undercoat
Temperament: Shih Tzus are gentle, loyal, proud
With Children: Yes, loves children.
With Pets: Yes, gets along well with other animals.
Special Skills: Family pet
Watch-dog: Very High
Guard-dog: Very Low
Care and Exercise: Daily grooming is essential for the Shih Tzu. Bathing once a month. Clipping of matting on feet. Basic training when puppy is young. Minimal exercise is needed, but they will love to play outdoors.
Training: Shih Tzus may be obstinate but patience and consistency will help over come the problem and achieve a reasonable level of training.
Learning Rate: High, Obedience – Medium, Problem Solving – Low
Activity: Indoors – High, Outdoors – Low
Living Environment: Apartment is adequate provided they receive some type of exercise. An owner of a Shih Tzu should be a consistent leader who desire an active, curious breed.
Health Issues: Kidney disorder, otherwise no major health problems.
Life Span: 10 – 14 years
Litter Size: 2 – 4
Country of Origin: Tibet
History: Shih Tzus may have originated from a cross between the Tibetan Mountain Dog and the Pekingese. They were a favored dog of the Emperor and is portrayed in Chinese paintings. They were first imported to England in the 1930's. Then after World War II they made their way to the United States by military officers going home. It wasn't until 1969 that the AKC recognized the breed.
First Registered by the AKC: 1969
AKC Group: Toy Group
Class: Toy
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 9), KC(GB), UKC
References :
http://www.puppydogweb.com/caninebreeds/shihtzu.htm
Shihs are really over-populated right now, so they are easy to find, and they are wonderful little dogs. They are very sweet, easy going, not clingy, not too yappy, etc. For the toy breeds, I would say this one has the very best all around disposition along with the pug. They get along with young and old alike.
References :
I LOVE my shih tzu, they are a great all around little dog, love to cuddle and play but not hyper and in your face annoying. just clingy enough…they dont really have to have special care and attention if you work they will tend to their own needs for the day. I did crate mine when i was gone through the day while she was a younger puppy because they will eat ANYTHING!! whether its edible or not! she even found and ate an entire tube of neosporin one day (fyi neosporin is not toxic to dogs it turns out lol (thank God))
I came across mine for free i rescued her from a corn bin that her a**hole owners had thrown her in with her 2 litter mates and left there there and fed them about half the time, soooo i kind of liberated her and then turned them in and had the other two taken away(and the parents). I may have been wrong but the poor little things were the size of guinie pigs and just matted and skinny and horribly unhealthy and i did what i felt i had to.
References :