Owning a Shih Tzu: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly 

My shih tzu just passed away. He was 16 years old. He was perfect, never gave us any problems. I miss him so much.

I first saw my little boy when he was just 4 weeks old. I went back when he was 8 weeks old and got him. He is not shy and will bark at strangers. And yes, he is stubborn. He's very playful so we have lots of fun. He'll chase the ball and he'll bring it back but won't give it to me. So, that's another game. He follows me all through out the house. He will not let me out of his sight. He has his own comforter on the bed and loves to cuddle. Frankly, I sleep better when he's by my side. He is now 1 year and he's my baby. I truly love him.

I had a doberman in a shih tzu body. Lost my baby in may 2022 to old age. She woke me up in the middle of the night to be held and peacefully passed in my arms a few minutes later.

There’s is no ugly about owning a Shih Tzu, they’re absolutely perfect!

I had/have 5 shihtzus, they never shed at all. 2 were fussy eaters, 3 eat like vacuums. They are very emotional dogs, they get jealous easy, can get depressed and show anxiety. They make the best companions because they are very much like humans. I recently lost my 16 yr old that was my soul mate…the grief is very hard 💔💔

Always had big dogs but as I got older realised they were to much for me. Was advised to get a shih tzu as it would suit my lifestyle. I hated shihtzu’s anyway I bought one it was the most underwhelming thing ever,(aren’t you supposed to love puppies) anyway 20 months on I absolutely adore him my life revolves around him I suffer from anxiety when I have to leave him.

Our little dixie, was such a blessing. She helped ease the suffering of losing my dad. She was 13 when cancer took her from us. This breed of dog is a remarkable companion for any family.

My shih tzu passed away yesterday. She was 13 years old - i loved her so much and i miss her so much and cant stop crying. R.I.P Charlene

I adopted my ShiTzu from a rescue situation 4 yrs ago . He had been abandoned and left on the street with severe glaucoma in one eye. His eye was removed before he was put up for adoption. We are not exactly sure of his age but we are thinking he’s 12.5 now. So that’s what I am going with. His name Ollie and he’s is the sweetest, smartest, funniest, most loyal loving companion fur baby. Ollie has been completely without vision for 2 yrs now since glaucoma has robbed him of his vision in his remaining eye . He has adjusted very well and I sometimes forget that he can’t see anymore. I take care of his grooming myself. Because his hair needs trimming so often I had to invest in the tools of the trade needed to do so. He still plays endlessly with his toys and enjoys life just the same. He can be stubborn in certain situations and is definitely a picky eater but I’ve gotten used to catering to his meal preferences. We eat heathy regardless. I don’t leave him for very long if I don’t have to and he does have a companion sibling of another breed so he knows he’s not completely alone when I do leave the house. No behaviour issues so far . House training has never been a problem and socially he’s the best. He loves children and everyone else including everyone we meet on our daily walks. I hope to have many more years with my little “lovey”.❤

100% Pro 0% Con Absolute perfect pet😊😊😊

We adopted a shelter dog who was 4 years old. She had been mistreated and was fearful of people. We have had her for 5 months and she is improving every day. She is a super intelligent dog And we are so glad she is part of our family.

My boy Snooby turns 14 in a week. He is stubborn, loves the heat, and does not mind being alone too much. He is quiet and very easy going. Barks at the front door, even brought me out to my neighbors house when they were burglarized the night it happened. He knew what happened and showed me where they broke in. Never made a sound other than to get me up and show me. I cook for him for the last 12 years. Such a good boy.

My first Shih Tzu was given to me last year and it was love at first sight, I fell in love so much that I asked for his little sister, who is identical to him physically, but very different in personality, but both are adorable, I love them with all my heart and I can't imagine my life without them

Bought a Shih tzu at 8 weeks old for my hubbys 60th birthday, hubby reached 70 a couple of weeks ago and they are the best of friends…..

Six months ago I was gifted a Shih Tzu puppy; my very first dog and have I had some sleepless nights and many tears. The learning curve has been steep and discovering the health issues, picky eating and stubbornness has been tough. However, I love her so much more than I thought I could and am looking to get her another shih tzu playmate as soon as I can afford one. They are loveable indeed.

In my opinion, all of the "UGLY" remarks are true of almost every dog! The only two true of my Shih Tzu are the grooming and picky eater. Was also true of my Bichon Frise, and a couple of other small dogs I have owned. My Shih Tzu was easy to house train. Absolutely the best little companion ever! To me, he is the perfect dog.

My shihtzu has an extreme separation anxiety and also stubborn! Whenever i called him he just stared at me and didn't come. He knows his name, but somehow he doesn't want to comply to the call... still wondering why and how to deal with it 😔 but despite all of that i love him a lot and he's a very sweet dog, he obeys and very patient! ♥

I got mine at 4 weeks old in 2004 and he passed at in March 2019 at age 15. Ol Titus was my right hand man everywhere I went. Loved hanging out my truck window on rides,walked 2 miles every day 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening. Smartest dog I've ever owned and overwhelming loyal. I now have his son which is a Jack-Tzu named Loki who is now 6. Titus snuck in to the neighbors yard and mated with there wire haired jack Russell. They produced Loki and he is just as beautiful as Titus was and loyal. Loki is alot more hyper tho in part to being half Jack Russell which can drive you up the wall sometimes, little bugger never runs out of energy 😂

There’s nothing but good about our shih tzu! Miss Easy!!! She doesn’t shed, but I do get her groomed every 6-8 weeks, Super friendly, loves her walks, play time. Yes, picky eaters is right, but easy to find foods she likes. We didn’t get her to guard so no need for that! She was super easy to house train!!! Hardly any accidents! Used potty pad method we moved toward the door gradually. Easy!

Our baby girl is the best. She is independent, stubborn, fussy eater but very smart, affectionate and loves everyone! She brings a lot of joy to our family. We are blessed.💝💐🙏

I agree wholeheartedly with you assessment of the ShiTzu. We have a male and female for ten years and we love them more than anything !

I own a shih tzu. He will be six years old on February 27, 2023. I've had him since he was 5 months old. There is a particular brand dog food that he loves; however, he rather eat chicken; spaghetti, sausages and green beans. I can't let him eat too much human foods or he won't eat his dog food. I can't stand him staring at me while I'm eating. So, I will put a little food in his bowl. His whole demeanor changes. He's letting me know that he likes my food the best.❤💖💥💫

Mine went to live with my elderly parents after I moved work locations. He loved them fussing over him & they loved him as great company but was VERY protective of strangers ringing the doorbell. He was spoiled with lots of toys & when I moved home for a few months allowed him to sleep inside as he used bang on the back door - keeping me awake. He then took turns sleeping on beds but he was the perfect home based companion. He was a pain getting foods he liked & he was fed fresh meat cooked to HIS Temperature. I started him with Chicken as he was a pain to feed but with my parents he got the best foods. There was always a small tray of tiny dog biscuits to nibble on as he liked. He never gained weight during his life & towards the end went to a wetter gourmet food that he gobbled down. He used to get a smoked pigs ear once every few weeks & munched away for a few hours. He was stubborn as he knew WHOM to get to take him outside for a toilet break but knew the routines of my parents with the end of the 4pm news the unique music meant it was walk time. He would jump on my father's bed & walk around waiting for my father to change his shoes then grab his hat. My parents LOVED him & he LOVED them back but after he died their health was affected without him.

My shit tzu is Zion. He is almost 12 years old. Had him since 2012. He was born on Feb 29, leap year! He is so cute, and a bigger species of Shi Tzu than most. He has a wonderful personality, meditates with my Spiritual leader of my yoga group, loves Reggae music, has a feisty attitude but is always game for a new experience! 8 months ago he got Cushings disease. I'm on a limited income and dont have $$$ to get him taking drugs at the Vet which treat the endocrine illness and it negates a healthy immune system! He has so much dander on his body now, lost alot of fur, gets eye infections that don't go away even with medicine. But he is my baby, and I care for him with alternative medicine. It has helped him deal with the symptoms and he eats all his food, he is a trooper! I can honestly say I dont know if I could go on in his circumstances, but we have a solid bond, and are sharing the remainder of our lives together the best we can! I'm sad we can't do the same things we used to do, but we HAVE EACH OTHER! And thats all that matters! ❤🐕

I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH THE LOVE OF TWO SHIH TZU'S, ROCKY FOR 16 YEARS AND BHUDDY FOR 10 YEARS, TWO MONTHS AGO I LOST MY LIL PUPPY. YOUR VIDEO IS VERY TRUE; BUT THEY ARE THE SWEETEST LIL PUPPYS YOU SHALL EVER MEET OR SEE. THESE TWO WONDERFUL PUPPIES PLAYED WITH ALL MY GRAND AND GREAT GRAND KIDS AND WERE STILL DOING SO UNTIL BHUDDY'S END. ROCKFORD FLEW ALL OVER THE WORLD WITH US SITTING IN THE MIDDLE SEAT. HAD TO BE IN TRAVEL CAGE FOR TAKE OFFS AND LANDINGS. TO BE HONEST, MOST OF THE TIME EVEN IF THERE ARE 'NO DOGS' SIGNS YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH A CUTE LIL SHIH TZU. IF YOU CAINT FALL IN LOVE WITH A SHIH TZU YOU ARE PROBABLY A COMMUNIST. LMAO🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😍😍😍😍😍

There is nooo bad n ugly I had a shih tzu he was a beautiful, sweetest furbaby🐾❤ I miss him everyday 😢 😔 💔🐾

Great video! I have a seven year old Shihtzu. Hes a great dog abd yes he has a stubborn streak but you just have to be patient. Such a loving breed❤️

I brought Snoop home when he was just a few months old. After he turned 4, I brought 10-month old T, home. I loved them dearly! T developed mitral valve disease at 11 yrs of age. This is common in smaller dogs. I spent approx to $8-10K in vet visits and medication. He beat the original diagnosis of 6 months, by another 8 months. Sadly, he didn't make it and passed away at 12. Truly devastating! Snoop had hip surgery in his later years and developed glaucoma and eventually lose his eyesight. Snoop also had to deal with a collapsed trachea for the last few years of his life. He passed away at 17. The memories I had with them with forever be cherished and they will always be missed.

Aww they're just the most adorable dogs!!!

Since1982 the only pet I have had were shih tzus. I love each of them so much. I greive just think about them and how wonderful they are.

My puppy is 4 months old. She is a havernese/shih tzu. These are very similar breeds. She isn't stubborn and seems easy to house train. Although we got her when she was 3 months old and I'm slightly concerned that it may take a long time to house train. She is sweet, gentle, and fun. Both breeds are adorable.

My dearest Shihtzu boy passed after 8 years from heart issue.He was loving,quiet,stubborn and the worst - unpotty trained whenever he decided not to be...Still I am getting another Shihtzu puppy...

thanks a LOT for the USEFUL information and to be COMPLETELY honest i did do and/or PROBABLY will really LOVE shih tzu's

This was excellent info

I luv my shih tzu

We have a ship Tzu puppy. It is exactly the same to what all you mentioned. Such a lovely and smart puppy. Melts our hearts ❤️

I saw that shih tzo last night we played & I cried my eyes out because of his heart issues. I’m planning to have one in two months that is way your content was so helpful. Thanks.

Thanks for sharing this information, I have a shitzu and your information was helpful and I can understand why he does certain things and why he breath like he does , I love him , he’s my baby.

We have a shih tzu and a mix between shih tzu and toy poodle , they're both great companions ❤

I adopted my shitzu 5 years ago she was a rescue and did not know what to expect. she had been found roaming the streets in a small town. no one claimed her. she obviously had had puppies. when I visited the shelter she came over to me and sat on my foot. I was sold! I knew nothing about shiTzu my last dog was a Rottweiler guard dog. after picking her up from the shelter where they had her spayed I took her to my vet. she was perfectly healthy. and what a wonderful little dog. friendly so playful she was two years old according to her collar information. she came with lots of issues. but we conquered them together. she is such a wonderful little dog. she is 7 now and still playful she learned to play with toys and learned what a treat was and how to get one. she obviously was mistreated in whatever home she ran away from. she was however extremely well potty trained. she has stomach issues which my vet has treated her with medications. she now vomits only occasionally. I love my Giselle. and thank you for posting this video which clarified many things about my Shi-Tzu. I thought that maybe she was so stubborn due to a possible mix of terrier. but now I know she is pure breed and and I love her so much, so do all the people in the neighborhood.

Thank you. This information was/is very informative and helpful. I am planning to buy a 😮Shih Tzu in March\ from a breeder, so I’m preparing now.

I’m going to get a shih tzu tmw and I’m so excited

I had a shih Tzu she passed away in 2012 at 13 years old. She was very stubborn I was always nervous letting her out to the bathroom at night because of her stubbornness and coyotes around where I lived. Then after my shih tzu I bought a Bearded Dragon from a pet store had him for 9 years I miss them both.

I got a shih tzu In June last year so it will really help me see this video

Shih Tzu’s are the Sweetest and Best little Dogs, I have ever owned. This is my second little Girl and I am so in love. Her name is Luna and. I just rescued her in September at 8 months old. She was very shy and blossomed into the out going, loving little Girl of 1 year old today. I miss my first little Girl Lineke who passed in August of 2022 she was 13. I miss her so much. I know Lineke and God sent me Luna, they saw how much I was missing Lineke and Luna was the perfect fit. They are the best snuggles, lovers and make your best little shadows ever♥️♥️♥️😘🐶👅

Yes I had a shih-tzu. He was so sweet. He was almost 11years old. He passed away 2 weeks ago

Outstanding advice…

I'm thinking of getting one,I have a puggle who I think would benefit from one of these adorable pups 😍

I am getting a Shih Tzu , she is a rescue dog , the people that had her treated her mean, I fell in love with her when I seen her picture, she is getting a good home, I go get her next month ,

Thanks for the info.they are great dogs I have one and considering another a playmate for him

Good video. Thx. I wouldn’t know what to do without my lil Shih Tzu sir Charles (Charlie) He’s a very loving, loyal lil dog. Also, he loves hanging w/ me but sure hates storms!

Our shih tzu is 4mths and having such a hard time potty training her. My husband and son did not want another dig but soon fell in love with her (GE GE) is her name. She is literally part of our family and we love her very much!!!

We rescued Moose 2 years ago. He is now 4 years old. We have only one problem with him. He is a very picky eater. When left alone, he bothers nothing. He is everything you would ask for in a pet. We love him dearly.He is very loving to both of us.

I don't know what you are talking about in the guard dog part. They were bread as watch dogs, and will definitely bark when strangers approach your house. True, they are too small to attack, but they will alert.

I love that they are such a small breed it seems like you always have a puppy look either them

Planning on getting one❤

My shitzu poodle feels like an angel to me.

I got my Shih Tzu-Bichon mixed breed pup just as Covid started, so she didn’t get the opportunity to socialize & we’ve had some bad experiences with big dogs (local dog park; pet stores; on our walks), so she’s very clingy. I wonder what I can do?

My 3-month old shih tzu was quick to be house-trained, thank goodness! She is a very picky eater, tho that I can't buy food in bulk because she constantly changes her preference

I have the pleasure of sharing my home with a Shih Tzu and I will never have another breed. Boo Boo is eight years old and he’s my constant companion. Extremely smart yet woefully stubborn, Boo keeps me on my toes. He requires a lot of one on one time which I provide by playing with his toys (he knows them all by name) and cycling through his tricks. Boo walks with me, plays with me, sits with me and sleeps with and we love each other dearly. ❤

They are so adorable. I’m looking for a companion to my Silkie Terrier. After the loss of her favorite family member, she is really upset and acting out. I think this breed would help her. And me! 🐾❤️

I have 3 shitzu all 3 have different behavior i love them so much I started with 1 than adopted another and she had 3 puppies i gave my daughter 2 a boy and a girl cause her beautiful shitzu pastaway so thats how i now have 3

I hv 4shih tzus in my life, they are beautiful n stubborn dog, love them

My shih tzu died of cancer 10 years ago. She was everything to me. She would bring her bowl and drop it in front of me when she was hungry. She played hide and seek and went just about everywhere with me. I will always miss her, but now it's time to look into getting another one. I'm ready.

They are so perfect ❤️🎉

I would say another con is the breed's overall intelligence, when we take ours outside to use the bathroom in the winter, he will just stand outside after peeing, shaking like a leaf, even though we are telling him to come inside with the door wide open.

The 3 I have do not have any bad or ugly....however the 1st one I got has never been clingy....only wants scratched sometimes...never dreamed I would like a small dog

Have owned two Bichon Shih Tzus so far and they are great dogs. Very good disposition although second one has only been around older people, so doesn't like kids. Stubborn...lol, yup! Picky eater, yes can be. Both mine have had skin issues, as in cysts and/or warts; something to be aware of too.

My shit suit just passed away. I had Charlie 5 years homalmost in 6 years in our home. So he was 11 when I had to put him to sleep peacefully, pass him over to the lord. Inshot I had found him as about a 3 to 6 month old puppy living on the side of the house, but behind a little bitty piece of plywood. I found him on Thanksgiving Day. There was a bunch of ice, a bunch of sleit. I don't know how the sweet little puppy survived out on the side of the house. But I am grateful he did , This shit too named charlie Would become a part of me. I've had dogs before. But Charlie was something special. I mean he never barked only when I would queue him to do so. Not a great guard dog but charlie would definitely let me know if something was lingering for we were homeless for 5 yrs. I knew Charlie was smart, the first 5 years that we lived or 6 years. We lived in a house it's only after I became homeless charlie and I That I would soon learn just how smart and intelligent. His breed is. I can't say enough. I'm 60 and I had to put Charlie down and it broke my heart. Absolutely broke my hebut i've got to say,:" Little lion, you go rest And know that you served your master well. I am so very proud of you. View, it's been almost a month now and I cry still every day. But but I celebrate your life charlie. You broke a lot of hearts the day you passed so many hearts. You were incredible rest in peach charlie

I had a shi tzu he past away in my arms. Never had any problems he was prefect.

We’re here is we have a Shih Tzu name was Murphy who is my mothers dog but actually, it was my dog I took care of her. I took her to the vet. I bought her the food she was on a special diet because of her stomach which I knew, but she was an amazing dog was it a dog actually is actually a person but in a dogs body I would call her Mr. Bunny, even though she was a female she’s to chase rabbits that’s why I named her Mr. bunny We had her for 18 years of the Bred only lives for 14, I would call her the green mile dog because she was over and above her age she probably could’ve made it to 20 but my mothers attitude and everything changed and she is becoming a different person. Maybe that’s from the dementia of her or coming in but I didn’t notice it just yet until later, but if I had my own house and I lived out in the country, I have a whole bunch of them I like animals always have. I grew up on a dairy farm where we had lots of animals.

I have 1 year old Shitzu and I love him so much. He is perfect living in the apartment and he gets all the attention from me and I always make sure he gets his nutrient food and constant water. I take him for a walk once or twice a day.. in fact.. I’m getting another Shitzu puppy in couple weeks time so he will have a friend to play with as well as myself. They are the most adorable and smart dog

Sundae boi is the perfect dog. He eats, he uses the restroom, he’s amazing, but he’ll give you the most dirt look if you disrespect him. Now that we give him eye drops, we have to wake him up from his sleep but he’s gotten used to the schedule so either way he’s a good boi

Our Shih Tzu mix is a velcro dog………sticks to my wife 24/7………. Max is a great companion

I’ve had 4. First 2 picky eaters last 2 eat anything and everything. They are easy to train and don’t shed. Sweetest most loyal dogs ever

Oh yes to everything u just said!! They r all that! I have one n I wouldn't trade her for a million dollars! I love my little girl! She's worth it!!

I am planning to get one.

Our dog is our security guard sits at the front room window and barks at everyone that walks by. And he’s stubborn when it comes to his meals , but he’s a great dog don’t know what I’d do without him.

I have two shih tzu one is a male age 16 and a female age 10 and I won’t trade them for all the money in world. They are best little dogs them love you as much as I love them.

The best Doggo ever!

My Rascal is my life, my service dog. Without him I would not be able to do what I do. He won't let me out of his sight line. He is stubborn when he wants to be; but is able to tell me what is wanted!

I’ll be bringing mine home in 3 weeks🤗

I’m planning on getting one in a year or so

Our boy is almost 4 years old, and the best pet we’ve ever had. He does have two issues that are just annoying but not serious - he never gives kisses, and he likes to lick our wood floors. The floors can get slippery if we don’t stop him, but he quickly goes back to licking. He loves to snuggle and he loves to play. Sweet, sweet boy.

We have two boys one 2.5 years old the other 8 months old great little characters.

i really want a shit zu but im scared of shedding nd constan barking or it getting depressed , plus i dont have large space

I’m getting one today

My little Strudle is going on 8 years old. When I'm away from him I just finish my work and can't wait to get home to be with him. If anything happens to me and I have to go to heaven first I'll just say;" If you don't mind I'll just sit here by the gate until Strudle comes along for you see... Heaven just wouldn't be the same without him." I dread the sadness of him having to go first.

I love all Shih Tzu, coz my beloved baby is mixed ShihTzu + Terrier puppy. He stayed with me for about 9 years and sadly left me a year ago. 🐕 I miss you baby. 💖💞💖

I have a 2 year old shih Tzu and I think she's acting kinda stubern but that does not keep me away from loving her in fact I love my shih Tzu out of all23 dog I had this breed is my favourite one

Picky eaters? All 5 that I have had (still have two) will eat damn near everything. I really believe there is only one thing on their mind is: "You has foods? I has nones. I can has?"

Got 3 Shih,Tzus they've all got different personalities.

I love my Lil boy Gizmo 🥰🥰🥰 He's amazing

I have a pitbull who has a sister which is a mini dachshund, they get along great... looking to add a shitzu to the family. What do yall think?

We adopted a year old Shihtzu about 2 months ago. He came with no story, but, well he bites me but seldom my husband. Any ideas what I can do about this.

My aunt's friend had a shih tzu and died last month he was 18 years old I really miss him cause I never met him before

LOVE LOVE LOVE MY ❤❤️Shih Tzu......had seven for 14 years .....same blood line for 36 years .... mother father and all 5 of their puppies ..... Then lost the last one.... nothing for four years ....now my surprise me on Christmas with a 7 week old female .....named her BELLA CHRISTMAS ANGEL.....

mine is tall but he is a shihtzu so is there different breeds

My friend passed away and I promised to take his mother's dog, which is a shih tzu. My friend was dead for 3 weeks before it was discovered and the dog was left with his dead body. When I discovered him, the dig came out if the house nearly dead...half if his fur missing, bleeding from flea infestation. Animal control took him away and told me I could claim him in a month. I was sick to my stomach. He had minimal treatment at the pound, but I took him home. Mind you I had two Shelties...ive had 6 of them, and to be honest they are the perfect dogs 🐕! I knew nothing about Shih Tzus, but I promised my friend I would take care of his mother s dog. Found out he could hardly see or hear. He had a tumor on his kidney which required surgery which he may not survive...he was 12. We had the $12,000 surgery and hes very healthy now, but has to be on 2 heart meds, eye drops, and skin care. He needs a bath once a week, as he has very greasy skin with small pimple/moles all over his body. That being said hes a lot of work. He also likes to mark, and pees and poops in the house. We have a pet door and an enclosed yard. He likes to sit at the open door but doesnt like to go outside much. Hes ruined my hardwood floors. The good things about him is he will eat anything and gets along fine with my Shelties. He loves to go for zhirt walks. Hes very independent....doesnt like to cuddle or play. Just likes to lay around and stare outside. Doesnt respond to his name or anything else. We've become very attached to our special needs boy and give him lots of love. His fur has grown back and we keep him well groomed. We adore him....but in the end I think well always have Shelties as our preferred dogs.

Is kinda true when he say picky eater bc when I give him he's food he declined and but later he have no choice but to eat it anyway and also I have a dog I didn't know that they can be stress when left alone but I have to bc I have school tho but only not that long I came back in lunch so I can eat and see my dog too at the same time and after school I give him a lot of attention