Why People Don’t Like Shih TZU Dog As a Pet Compared to Other Dogs – All in One Guide

Shih Tzus, a toy dog originating from China, has gained popularity for its adorable appearance and friendly demeanor. However, some individuals find certain aspects of their temperament and care requirements challenging. So let your hair down, we will explore why Shih Tzus are often considered challenging pets.

Why Shih TZU Are the Worst Dog?

A Shih Tzu’s high grooming requirements make them one of the most challenging pets. Their long, flowing coats require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Moreover, their coats need to be trimmed, cleaned, and free of debris regularly by professional groomers. 

Shih Tzus need frequent grooming, which can be time-consuming and costly, making them less suitable for those with limited availability or tight budgets.

Moreover, Shih Tzus are prone to various health issues, which can concern potential owners. Common health problems in this breed include respiratory, eye, dental, and allergies. These health conditions may require regular visits to the veterinarian, specialized care, and additional expenses, making Shih Tzus more demanding in terms of time, attention, and financial commitment.

Though Shih Tzus may look cute and tiny, they can be surprisingly stubborn and independent. Due to their strong personalities and tendency to challenge their owners, they are more difficult to train than other breeds. 

As a result of this independent nature, housebreaking, obedience training, and overall behavior management can be difficult. Consistent and patient training methods are essential to establish a harmonious relationship with a Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate nature and strong attachment to their owners. While this is endearing to many, it can also lead to separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. 

Separation anxiety can manifest in destructive behaviors, excessive barking, and even self-harm. Owners must provide proper mental stimulation, socialization, and gradual training to help Shih Tzus cope with being alone.

Shih Tzus have a delicate bone structure, which makes them more susceptible to injuries. Their small and fragile bodies require careful handling and supervision, especially when interacting with children or larger pets. This fragility also means there may be better choices for households with boisterous activities or rough play than Shih Tzus.

While Shih Tzus possess an undeniable charm and can be wonderful companions for the right owners, their high grooming needs, potential health issues, stubborn nature, separation anxiety, and fragile build make them challenging. Prospective owners should carefully consider their lifestyle, commitment, and ability to meet the unique requirements of this breed before bringing a Shih Tzu into their home.

7 Top-notch Reasons to Avoid Any Bread Shih TZU Dog

Instability

Training Shih Tzus can be challenging due to their stubborn nature. Owners of these dogs may have difficulty establishing dominance and control because of their independence and strong-willed personalities. 

They may resist or ignore commands when they are not kept on their terms. People inexperienced with dog ownership or prefer a more obedient companion may find this stubbornness frustrating.

Shih Tzus are the worst dogs because of their stubborn nature. As companion dogs, Shih Tzus are stubborn in part because they were bred for companionship. Some people have felt entitlement because they were born to be pampered and treated like royalty. 

Also, they are sensitive to smells and sights, and their prey drive makes redirection difficult. A strong bond can be established with your Shih Tzu with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement training.

Intensive Grooming

Their beautiful coats have high maintenance grooming requirements, as Shih Tzus have long, thick hair. Keeping these dogs groomed daily is vital to preventing matting, tangles, and other issues related to their hair. 

Matted long hair can be uncomfortable for dogs, causing pain and discomfort. If their facial hair is not cleaned correctly, it can cause eye irritation, staining, and infection.

Shih Tzus must also take regular baths, trim their nails, and clean their ears as part of their normal grooming routine. Moisture and debris can be trapped in the hair around their ears, causing ear infections. To prevent irritation and infection, their skin folds also need special attention.

The owner may have to spend much time and effort on all these grooming needs. The Shih Tzu is susceptible to various skin and coat problems that can be uncomfortable and harmful to their health if not properly groomed.

Anxiety about separation

Their loyal nature makes Shih Tzus excellent companion dogs due to their affectionate nature. Separation anxiety can also be a result of this trait.

The owner and the dog can both be stressed by this condition, making it difficult to leave the house without them. 

You need to train and socialize your Shih Tzu properly so that they can adjust to being alone. Decreased separation anxiety and positive reinforcement training can be achieved through gradual desensitization and training.

Barking excessively

Shih Tzus tend to bark excessively, which is a significant drawback. Dogs of this breed are known for their vocalizations, and they will bark at anything that catches their attention, whether it be another dog, a person, or a leaf blowing in the wind. Barking excessively can be frustrating for neighbors as well as stressful for owners.

They bark excessively because they were bred to be watchdogs. Their barking was encouraged so Shih Tzu owners could warn them of danger. The barking of these dogs can only become unmanageable with the proper training and socialization.

A Shih Tzu should be trained to know when to bark and when not to bark. You can also reduce their excessive barking by teaching them the “quiet” command and providing them with mental and physical stimulation.

Medical issues

The Shih Tzu breed is generally healthy, but some health concerns may arise occasionally. Short snouts contribute to respiratory problems in Shih Tzus, one of the most common health issues. They may have difficulty breathing, snorting or wheezing during exercise or in hot temperatures. The skin of these animals is also prone to irritations, itching, and infections due to allergies.

The Shih Tzu dog breed also suffers from dental problems. 

In the absence of dental care, they may suffer from heart and kidney problems as well as tooth loss. Dental chews and regular tooth brushing are essential to maintaining their dental health.

Aggression

Due to their small size, Shih Tzus may develop aggressive behavior. To defend themselves, they may act aggressively towards larger dogs and unfamiliar people. The stubbornness of these dogs can also make them harder to train, contributing to their aggressive nature.

Challenges in training

Shih Tzus are the worst dogs because of their stubborn and independent nature, which can make training them hard. Training them may require more patience and consistency since they are less likely to obey commands and follow rules.