Shih Tzus are small dogs that hail from Tibet, and they have an awesome nickname, the Lion Dog. These dogs have been prized members of Chinese royalty for centuries, but today, they make their way into the homes and families of millions of people around the world. Still, you may be wondering if a Shih Tzu is right for you and your family, and that’s understandable.
So, are Shih Tzus good family dogs? In short, yes, Shih Tzus are good family dogs. However, it’s often a lot more complicated than that. To find the complete answer to this question, stick around and read our guide.
Shih Tzu Breed Traits
Before we dive into how good or bad they are for families, it helps to evaluate Shih Tzu breed traits. After all, this is one of the simplest ways to evaluate if a Shih Tzu is right for you and your family.
Learn more about a Shih Tzu’s temperament, size, and care needs below.
Size
If you’re going to adopt a Shih Tzu or purchase a Shih Tzu puppy, knowing how big they might get is important. The good news is that if size is a concern, it shouldn’t be with these dogs. Shih Tzus are only around 8-11 inches tall, and they tend to weigh around 9-16 pounds.
Make sure you keep an eye on them later in life to avoid obesity and other health issues that may come from their small size.
Temperament
Family dogs need to have the right temperament. The good news is that Shih Tzus shouldn’t give you too many issues. They’re loyal, empathetic companions that get along well with families, even if you have small children.
Plus, they drive indoors, and this applies to both apartments and homes; this gives them flexibility for families.
Care Needs
One area where Shih Tzus can be a little much is when it comes to their care needs. For example, Shih Tzu puppies need frequent grooming. This ensures that their ears don’t get infections, their nails remain short, and their coat doesn’t get too long.
Sure, you can brush them daily, but make sure you bring them to a professional every four to six months. Also, keep an eye on their health for signs of obesity (due to their small size) and breathing issues (due to their flat faces).
Are Shih Tzus Good Family Dogs?
Yes, Shih Tzus are good family dogs. You’ll find that they get along well with young children and that they don’t have a lot of care needs – aside from grooming and keeping an eye on their breathing in hot and cold weather.
In fact, Shih Tzus thrive on emotional interactions with people and children, so you shouldn’t run into too many issues here.
Things to Consider About Shih Tzus As Family Dogs
It’s important to note that Shih Tzus are great family dogs, but there are some factors to consider when you welcome one into your home.
The biggest factor to consider is their small size. If you have children, make sure you keep an eye on them when they play with Shih Tzus to avoid injuries. It’s also important to note that while they’re smart and lovable, it can be difficult to train Shih Tzus.
Finally, availability can be a problem. Sure, breeders will be happy to charge you several thousand dollars for a puppy, but if you want to go the adoption route, you have to get lucky.
For these reasons, we recommend leveraging Dog Academy to help you find Shih Tzus to adopt.
Are Shih Tzus Good Family Dogs? The Verdict
So, are Shih Tzus good family dogs? Ultimately, yes, Shih Tzus make good family dogs. They love to play with children, thrive on emotional connection, and are small enough for most home sizes. Plus, they’re easy to care for if you regularly groom them and keep an eye on their weight and breathing.
That said, you do need to watch them when your children are playing with them. You also need to consider how difficult it can be to find one and how challenging they can be to train if you don’t know what you’re doing. Fortunately, Dog Academy can help you find and train Shih Tzus.
