How to Adopt a Shih Tzu in Pennsylvania

If you want a cute, cuddly little lap dog, then look no further than the shih tzu. This charming breed is known for being affectionate and calm. As such, they’re quite appealing. Unfortunately, purebred shih tzus can get expensive. Luckily, adoption is a great option! It’s much cheaper and provides a home for a dog in need.

Even though shih tzus are fantastic dogs, they aren’t the right choice for everyone. For example, their long coats require regular grooming, and you may prefer a more low-maintenance breed.

In this article, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about the shih tzu so you can decide if this dog is the right fit for your family. Not only will we teach you about the breed itself, but we’ll also share what the process of adopting a shih tzu in Pennsylvania may look like.

What Are Shih Tzus Like?

Shih tzus are the ultimate lap dogs; to them, there is no better place to lie down than in your lap! A dog that loves to be in your lap is likely to be affectionate, and the shih tzu is indeed a lover. This breed simply adores spending time with their families.

They’re very friendly and tend to get along well with strangers, kids, and other animals. Though they’re small, they’re capable of more than you’d think! As long as you’ve built up their endurance, a shih tzu can join you for walks, hikes, or other outdoor activities — as long as it isn’t hot outside, anyway. Unfortunately, swimming is not a good way to beat the heat, as most shih tzus aren’t good swimmers.

What Is a Shih Tzu’s Temperament? Shih tzus are lap dogs, and we don’t just mean their size. Quite literally, this breed loves spending time in your lap. They tend to be very cuddly and affectionate, to the point that one must be careful that their shih tzu doesn’t develop separation anxiety. This breed is also known for being friendly and calm. They’re happy to chill out around the house and don’t bark a ton. That said, shih tzus aren’t just couch potatoes. They’ll happily enjoy going for short walks or playing a game of fetch. This breed is very “go with the flow” and tends to match your energy. Shih tzus are also known for being quirky. Though most are friendly, affectionate, and calm, some shih tzus can have a sassy or stubborn streak.

How Active Are Shih Tzus? Because of their small stature, the shih tzu is not considered the most active of dog breeds. Most are content to laze about the house. However, it is important for dogs to get daily exercise, and shih tzus will enjoy a 20-minute walk so long as the weather is nice. Many shih tzus cannot handle hot weather and will pretty much refuse to walk. Though Pennsylvania is relatively temperate in the summer, the weather can get into the 80s or higher. On hot days, it’s best to walk a shih tzu early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is low and there’s lots of shade. Otherwise, you may find yourself carrying the pup for most of the walk. Though shih tzus aren’t high energy, they are very “go with the flow” dogs. If you like long walks, you’ll be surprised to find out that many shih tzus can keep up with you so long as you’ve built up their endurance. All dogs need mental stimulation, but the shih tzu will be happy with a stuffed Kong or a short training session. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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What Size Are Shih Tzus?

Shih tzus are part of the toy group because they are so small. Most shih tzus weigh between 9 and 16 pounds and are 9 to 10.5 inches tall.

What Are a Shih Tzu’s Grooming Needs?

Shih tzus are somewhat high maintenance because they have a double coat made up of long, flowing hair. This long, silky hair doesn’t shed much, but unless you keep it clipped short, it requires a lot of upkeep. Long coats must be brushed carefully every single day to prevent matting.

Most shih tzu owners prefer to have the coat professionally groomed every four to six weeks; groomers will clip the hair to your preferred length as well as give the dog a bath. Most shih tzu owners prefer short haircuts so that they don’t have to worry about frequent brushing.

Whether you clip the hair or not, it’s a good idea to use a damp cloth to gently clean the corners of the eyes every day; this helps prevent tear stains. Shih tzus also need to have their nails trimmed regularly and their teeth brushed daily.

What Are Common Shih Tzu Health Issues?

Shih tzu are at risk for the following health issues: brachycephaly, heat stroke, patellar luxation, periodontal disease, hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and corneal dryness and inflammation.

Because shih tzus have flat faces (meaning they have short noses), they are at a higher risk of having brachycephaly, which leads to breathing difficulties. Brachycephaly is characterized by structural abnormalities in the dog’s upper airway regions. For example, narrow nostrils, elongated soft palates, or narrow windpipes.

The shih tzu’s flat face and predisposition to brachycephaly, coupled with their thick double coats, increase their risk for heatstroke. At the very least, they cannot handle hot temperatures for very long and will not want to be active outdoors during a Pennsylvania summer.

So long as you don’t take them out when it’s too hot and provide them with plenty of water, a shih tzu can survive a Pennsylvania summer just fine. Good thing they like spending time lazing around the house!

What Is a Shih Tzu’s Lifespan?

Shih tzus have a lifespan of 10 to 18 years.

Are Shih Tzus Good With Other Animals or Kids?

It is possible for shih tzus to live peacefully with other pets, but doing so requires socialization. Socialization is most effective during a shih tzu’s puppy years, but it is possible to train adult shih tzus to live with other pets. Of course, this will depend on the individual dog.

Shih tzus are usually great with other dogs and sometimes even cats, but it may take time to teach them to leave other pets alone. This is because shih tzus are dogs, after all, so they do have a prey drive. Small mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, or other rodents may look like prey to a shih tzu.

Shih tzus can be amazing family dogs, especially if they meet a lot of children or live with children while they are still puppies. Most adult shih tzus are also good with kids, but every dog is an individual, and some may find children to be overwhelming or scary.

Shih tzus are also very small, so they need to be treated gently and often won’t enjoy being around children who want to roughhouse. It’s important that children and dogs be supervised when together, and children must be taught to respect dogs and their boundaries.

Are Shih Tzus Good for First-Time Dog Parents?

Shih tzus are a great option for first-time dog parents. This breed is known for being laid back, friendly, and affectionate. They can get along with other pets and are good with strangers and kids. Though they can sometimes be stubborn when it comes to training, there are many issues one does not have to worry about with small dogs (such as table surfing).

So long as you take your shih tzu to a professional training class and consistently work on training at home, they’ll be able to learn basic manners. Shih tzus may take slightly longer to potty train than other breeds, but once again, they will become potty trained so long as you remain consistent, use crate training to your benefit, and keep your shih tzu on a schedule.

How Do You Adopt a Shih Tzu in Pennsylvania?

There aren’t very many shih tzu specific shelters in Pennsylvania, but here at Dog Academy, we are trying to make the process as smooth and pain-free as possible.

Every rescue does things slightly differently, so the process of adopting a shih tzu will vary depending on where you go. However, most rescues will have you start by filling out an application.

Some shelters will also require home visits, meet and greets, references, or vet checks (they’ll ask you to release veterinary records from past dogs) before they’ll let you adopt one of their dogs.

In general, it’s a good idea to fill out an application at any rescue you’re interested in getting a dog from. This way, you can be pre-approved, and you’ll be ready to adopt once the right dog becomes available. Many rescues will require you to sign a spay and neuter contract if the dog is not already sterilized.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Shih Tzu in Pennsylvania?

Many shelters in Pennsylvania are quite affordable with their prices to adopt dogs; most charge between $100 and $425. The variance in price usually has to do with the dog’s age: puppies are more expensive, whereas senior dogs are the cheapest.

How Should I Train a Shih Tzu?

Shih tzus should be trained using positive reinforcement. This breed is very sensitive and should never be physically punished. Because shih tzu are loving and affectionate, they adore praise, so be sure to use lots of praise when they do something right.

You can also use treats or toys to help motivate a shih tzu to learn. Positive reinforcement training is all about rewarding dogs for good behavior and ignoring or redirecting unwanted behavior. This type of training tends to be very effective with shih tzus (and all dogs, for that matter).

If you’re looking for affordable dog training for your future shih tzu, we have an extensive catalog of online dog training classes. All of our classes were created by professional dog trainers, and they all use positive reinforcement methods.

Find the Right Shih Tzu in Pennsylvania for You

Shih tzus are charming little dogs who love spending time in their parents’ laps. They’re cuddly, affectionate, and often laid back. They’re usually good family dogs because they get along well with children and other pets.

Though they can sometimes be a bit stubborn with training, they’re still capable pups who can be taught just about any skill so long as you’re patient, consistent, and use positive reinforcement.

It isn’t always easy to find a shih tzu to adopt in Pennsylvania, so you’ll want to apply to nearby shelters and get preapproved. This way, should a shih tzu show up, you’ll be ready to adopt right away!