If you enjoy keeping company with tiny dogs, you could consider making a Shih Tzu part of your family. Be careful. Do you know why I am telling you this? You won’t believe me if I tell you they are considered the worst dogs!!
Really? Then what about their cuteness? Shih Tzu are small pups with long, flowing, shiny coats, unique faces, and big gazing eyes that attract pet owners all over the world. Although their cuteness is overloaded, they are often described as the worst dogs.
There are several aspects that lead to the question why Shih Tzu are the worst dogs? Let’s try to answer this.
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What Makes Shih Tzu Dogs So Popular Yet Problematic?
These small dogs named Shih Tzu have their origin in ancient China. These have thick and shiny hairs that make them royal. They are affectionate towards people and that is why owners fall in love with Shih Tzu. Over recent years, Shih Tzu owners have increased by 16%, turning it into a preferred family pet.
Many people find Shih Tzu rewarding because they are loved for being kind, lovely, and faithful. However, sometimes, these pets act out with stubbornness or anxiety when not with their owners.
Do you know why Shih Tzu are considered the worst dogs? The reasons are many including their behaviour, their temperament issues, frequent health problems, grooming needs, and so on. Let us discuss these reasons in detail.
Characteristics Of Shih Tzu
If you want to pet Shih Tzus, you need to understand their basic characters. These dogs are famous for their specific physical characteristics and unique temperaments that make them loyal companions.
Physical Attributes:
The weight of these dogs is only about 9 to 16 pounds (4 to 7 kgs). Though they are small they have a lustrous coat that needs to be groomed regularly. Shih Tzus have cute flat faces with large round eyes: that stare at you constantly! They often possess health issues including breathing problems because of their short snout and short size. They also get dental problems. They get affected by internal and external parasites and need regular vet visits.
Temperament Traits:
They are known for their friendly and affectionate behaviour. They can understand human interactions and bonds easily with humans. But apart from these positive behaviours they too have some negative behaviours like showing stubbornness while training. The other negative character of Shih Tzu is separation anxiety that can turn into destructive behaviour if left unattended.
Why Shih Tzu Are The Worst Dogs: Let’s have a look
Despite being beloved partners to humans with their attractive personalities, they carry some factors that make people believe that Shih Tzu are the worst dogs.
Its Health Issues
Shih Tzus often face some health issues that become the main concern for the dog owners. They struggle with eye problems like cataracts and dry eyes that are common in these dogs. There are also problems such as dental problems, allergies, and patellar luxation (when the kneecap dislocates).
Grooming Demands
Their luxurious coats need regular grooming because it leads to matting and tangles. Because they shed a lot, the effort is required to brush and vacuum the house often. In their grooming routine, make sure to cover bathing, dental care, and nail care. It can become difficult for anyone who is not ready to meet the maintenance needs of a Shih Tzu.
Behaviour Problems
The other fact why Shih Tzu is considered the worst dogs is their behavioral pattern. They like to be independent and are stubborn. It makes it difficult while training. When they are left alone they develop separation anxiety and that leads to negative traits like barking and chewing.
Excessive Barking
They can bark excessively. This nature has developed from their alertness or territorial instincts. They have to be trained early to stop unwanted noise. Training sessions that include commands and reinforcement helps in controlling the behaviour.
Training And House-breaking Difficulties
Due to their stubborn nature, they need longer time for training that necessitates our patience and commitment. To control their house-breaking process, they need regular reinforcement strategies and patience throughout their training.
Why Do People Think Shih Tzu Are the Worst Dogs?
Some people feel that Shih Tzu are the worst dogs because they don’t like small dogs. Their loud and continuous barkings can be tough on our ears. They fail to reach certain heights because of their small size.
Their continuous health issues can make them have a regular visit to the vet. Their health problems such as intervertebral disk disease, in which the cushion between the vertebrae moves towards the spinal cord, and hypoglycemia, or the sudden drop in blood sugar.
The small dogs with small snouts including Shih Tzu, Brachycephalic airway syndrome occurs more often. In this, the dog is born with compact airways that causes difficulty in breathing. If the dog becomes overweight the situation will become even more worse.
Final Views
Shih Tzu, you’ve seen those tiny, attractive bundles of joy, stress-relievers, and affectionate partners. They adore people with their charm and can easily bond with their owners. Sounds perfect, right?
However, despite their cuteness and loving personalities, there are many reasons why Shih Tzu are the worst dogs for some pet owners. Their stubborn attitude, frequent health concerns, grooming demands, and separation anxiety make them challenging to raise.
So, while Shih Tzus may win hearts with their looks, it’s important to understand the commitment they require. What are your takeaways from this article? Share your feedback!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why are Shih Tzus considered the worst dogs?
They are often seen as the worst due to their health issues, stubborn behavior, grooming demands, and excessive barking.
Q2: Are Shih Tzus hard to train?
Yes, Shih Tzus are known for being stubborn and can be challenging to house-train without patience and consistency.
Q3: Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?
Yes, they are vocal and bark frequently due to separation anxiety, excitement, or alertness.
Q4: What health problems do Shih Tzus have?
Common issues include breathing trouble, eye problems, dental issues, and allergies.
Q5: Is grooming a Shih Tzu difficult?
Yes, their long coats require daily brushing, regular bathing, and frequent grooming appointments.