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Shih Tzu
Breed Stats
Weight/Height:
9-10 inches, 9-16 pounds
Coat Type:
Long double coat
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Loving, friendly, gets along with everyone.
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
10-18 years
How Do You Adopt a Shih Tzu
Anyone with a passing knowledge of dogs is at the very least vaguely familiar with shih tzus. An incredibly popular breed that has been around for over a millennium. It has developed a couple of aliases over the years, such as the Tibetan lion dog, which is due to the shih tzu resembling lions painted in the style of the time in Tibet and China.
It was also known as the Xi Shi dog, Xi Shi being a famously beautiful Chinese woman.
The breed came to the Western world in the 1920s on a ship set for England. The breed grew massively in popularity, and by the end of the Second World War, they were being brought over to America. The breed has become recognized by the UK Kennel Club (1940) and the American Kennel Club (1969), and has its own club in both countries.
Shih tzus are common anywhere in the world. Whether you are in the countryside or dodging passing pedestrians, you will see a Shih Tzu in your day-to-day. Regrettably, this will not lower the price of a shih tzu if you want to adopt one. On average, a shih tzu will cost between $500 and $ 1,800. shih tzus with an impressive pedigree, or “show dogs,” can cost as much as $5,000.
Because the breed is so common, prospective owners can often find it in shelters and get a considerable discount on the adoption cost. This price drop comes with the trade-off that you will not be as aware of the dog’s medical background or their ancestry. Similarly, purebred dogs may not always be easy to find in local shelters.
If you are considering getting a shih tzu, you aren’t the only one. Shih tzus are beautiful, brilliant dogs with great personalities. For those who want to pet a fluffy dog without suffering the puffy-eyed grip of canine allergies, shih tzus have a luxurious but hypoallergenic coat. To learn everything you need to know about how to adopt a shih tzu, check out our quick summary!
Shih Tzus For Adoption
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How to Care for an Adopted Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzu’s are not going to be a difficult breed to care for, as long as owners know what to expect. The breed has a strong aversion to heat and should avoid long hours spent outside during the peak summer heat. Their nutrition should also be moderated and split to ensure that they do not gain weight, as the breed has a predisposition to obesity and weight-related health issues.
Speaking of a shih tzu diet, let’s briefly discuss what an owner should be giving their little lions. First things first, ensure that you don’t go cheap on your dog’s diet. They require high-quality, nutrient-rich food that offers protein, calcium, and various vitamins. Depending on your dog’s activity level, stick to ½ or a whole cup of food divided into two daily meals.
They don’t require a ton of exercise and will be happy with a lengthy walk after work or some playtime with their owners. Getting them socialized from a young age is essential, as the breed can be timid and shy to newcomers if they don’t break free of their shell in their younger years. Like all dogs, you will need to devote time to basic obedience training to prevent bad habits from forming.
Shih tzus are one of the quieter small breeds you can adopt, though some will have the urge to bark. Considering how many people love the dog for its adaptability in smaller living arrangements, keeping them quiet can help keep you in the good graces of your neighbors.
Finally, they will need to be brushed once or twice a week. While their coat is hypoallergenic, it is also very long, luxurious, and prone to thick, annoying tangles. Their teeth should be brushed regularly to avoid dental issues in the future, and their nails need to be maintained as soon as you start hearing the dog tapping on hard surfaces.
Is It a Good Idea to Adopt a Shih Tzu As Your First Dog?
Shih tzu is a fantastic choice for a first-time owner for several reasons. They are incredibly sweet and eager to please, which can lessen the initial struggle for dominance that some dogs insist upon. They are great with families, deeply intelligent, and attentive enough to learn commands quickly and without much headache.
They are also a great fit for many lifestyles, and are suitable for those with dog allergies. The breed is hypoallergenic, comfortable in most housing arrangements, low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, and they make genuinely amiable roommates. The breed was designed to live as human companions, a task at which they excel.
The biggest thing to watch out for when adopting is who you are adopting from. Don’t choose the first individual you come into contact with, unless they have good reviews and don’t raise any suspicion from you or other experienced dog owners. While there are several good Samaritans who prefer it, there are considerable challenges to adopting a puppy mill dog. Still, with the right care and rehabilitation, adopted dogs can become great companions.
The only people who may not like the breed are those who do not want long-haired dogs, folks who live in hot, arid climates, and people looking for a larger, task-oriented dog. The breed is a small companion animal with more hair than a L’Oréal commercial; they will not work as a guard dog, an outdoor animal, or a durable playmate for rambunctious adolescents.
Adopt the Right Shih Tzu for You
If you are looking for a constant, cuddly companion who is easy to look after, the shih tzu is a great choice for those looking for a smaller breed. Often sought after for their elegant hypoallergenic coat and agreeable dispositions, folks can expect to pay $500 to $1800 on average for adoption alone. Local shelters are a great alternative for those looking for cheaper options.
You may not get as extensive a background on the dog as you would with a breeder, but you are ensuring that a dog finds a good home and a future stray has an available room down the line.
Keep an eye out for breeders with good reviews and a reputable background. Do not buy the first shih tzu that you see, and never purchase a dog from a breeder who doesn’t let you interact with the animals. Buying a dog is expensive, especially when you have a specific breed in mind. To lessen the likelihood of making a bad purchase, perform adequate research on breeders beforehand.
