| Shih Tzus can be a joy or a pain depending on your | | | | trims to keep his coat short and clean. Shih Tzus also |
| situation, and like any breed there are pros and cons. | | | | require a weekly bath and nail clipping. |
| Here are a few things to consider: | | | | Pro: A storied history |
| Pro: They have the ideal temperament for singles or | | | | If you want a piece of history ambling about your |
| couples with older kids | | | | house, look no further than the Shih Tzu. Based on the |
| Shih Tzus are people dogs – outgoing, confident | | | | breed's appearances in ancient Chinese paintings, it is |
| and alert. While they may appear somewhat arrogant | | | | thought that Shih Tzus have been around since 624 |
| on sight, the breed usually possesses a sweet-natured | | | | AD and while the breed's origin is a subject of much |
| temperament. Shih Tzus can go from being the | | | | debate, they were known to be part of the Chinese |
| ultimate TV-watching couch potato companion to | | | | court. |
| playful pet at the dangling of a toy or toss of a treat. | | | | Con: A history of health problems |
| These little guys seem to know they're irresistible and | | | | While generally healthy creatures, Shih Tzus are |
| enjoy being treated like royalty. But all the spoiling their | | | | subject to a kidney disease called renal dysplasia. Also, |
| owners lavish them with is returned a hundredfold with | | | | because of their short faces, this breed has to be |
| their fierce loyalty. | | | | handled with more care than some other breeds – |
| Con: They are not always good for babies or young | | | | a Shih Tzu's respiratory system is compromised by his |
| children | | | | short nose, so don't smoke or use strong chemical |
| Because Shih Tzus are used to being the center of | | | | cleaning products around him. Also, short-faced dogs |
| attention, they can get jealous of babies or young | | | | have a high risk of heatstroke, so minimizing your dog's |
| children who constantly need adult supervision. And an | | | | outdoor activity during the summer is essential. |
| older Shih Tzu may snap if bothered by boisterous | | | | Pro: All the cool kids have Shih Tzus |
| kids who are not respectful of its space. But some | | | | Because Shih Tzus are awesome, they have been a |
| Shih Tzus are more tolerant, and if pup and child are | | | | staple in the American Kennel Club's Top 10 Most |
| introduced properly at an early stage, they may get | | | | Popular Breeds since 2004. |
| along swimmingly. | | | | Con: All the cool kids have Shih Tzus |
| Pro: The breed requires minimal exercise | | | | The burden of any popular breed is abuse by puppy |
| Unlike other action-loving breeds, Shih Tzus are usually | | | | millers and backyard breeders, who damage the gene |
| content with a short walk around the block or indoor | | | | pool by mass mis-breeding dogs for profit and not for |
| play sessions. If you have a yard, letting your Shih Tzu | | | | the betterment of the breed. |
| out for brief periods during the day will thrill him, but this | | | | So if you feel a Shitzu is for you, please start your |
| breed is also well suited for apartment dwellers. | | | | search with a breeder referral from the AKC or a |
| Con: High maintenance when it comes to grooming | | | | breed-specific club (in this case the American Shih Tzu |
| The Shih Tzu is a long-haired breed, and without | | | | Club) – these resources will steer you in the right |
| regular brushing, it can become a matted, knotted | | | | direction. Never buy a puppy off the internet with a |
| mess. If you can't commit to setting time out daily to | | | | "buy it now" tab. Instant gratification is all good and well |
| comb your dog's fur, you'll have to make regular | | | | until you find your puppy is replete with health problems |
| appointments with the local dog groomer for frequent | | | | from poor breeding. |