My children have been nagging for a dog for a long time, we have two cats and my children are aged 2, 5, and 14. I recently came across a Shih Tzu belonging to a friend of my daughters who was gorgeous and since then I have been looking into the breed as a potential.
I'm not about to rush into anything so I am taking my time and from what I have read, a Shihtzu would fit well with my family. My two-year-old adores dogs and is very gentle with our cats, but my five-year-old is currently starting the assessment process for SEN so I obviously want to make sure that this is the right decision and a positive for him especially.
Can any Shihtzu owners give me any advice or am I completely mad even considering having a puppy? I have been advised that because of the noise etc a puppy would be a better idea, although of course I appreciate, that puppies are hard work. From what I have read housetraining can be a problem with shihtzus so I am wanting to find out as much as I can before I make a decision.
Any advice from Shih Tzu owners would be much appreciated.
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Shihtzu puppy?
WarmSound · 22/04/2016 12:11
Why not look into a retired greyhound? Large but so, so gentle. Fabulous with children. Largely unshockable, don't need much exercise at all. Might have to wait for a cat friendly one, but they do exist. You'll need plenty of sofa space though 
Go for it! I have a Shih Tzu boy, now 11 months, and I love him to absolute bits. Best thing I ever did. He is lying beside me in bed snorting and snuffling away. Brilliant with the children (they ADORE him), great with other dogs, the easiest first dog I could have hoped for. Happy to walk for miles (although as a young pup he wouldn't walk the length of himself!), or take as little exercise as you can offer on any given day. Non shedding, which is blissful. I'm pretty house proud and would hate to have doggy hair everywhere.
Can you tell I love him and think he's the best?!
Okay, here are the less than perfect points:
- I look back to his younger days and fucking shudder, shudder I tell you, when I think back to the toilet training. He wasn't reliably trained until 8 months old.
- they hate being alone, but Teddy's separation anxiety has got much better, I must admit. Forget the whole crate thing
- they 'aint the brightest, but make up for it in looks! Teddy has nailed the 'drop' command and will release whatever is in his mouth immediately when asked. However, I have given up on teaching him to give a paw, as it was absolutely beyond his comprehension
- the grooming. Teddy is off to the groomer's tomorrow, as he currently has the smell of a damp mop that's been left lying too long! It costs me £35 every 5 weeks or so, as his fur grows as fast as a bloody mushroom. He doesn't require much brushing though, once a week or so.
- contrary to what you may have read about them, Shih Tzus aren't always cuddly little lap dogs. Teddy certainly isn't. He likes to be near us, but not ON us. I've definitely met more outwardly affectionate dogs than the Shih Tzu, but they show their love with their stalker like tendencies!
Honestly, we absolutely love our Tzu to pieces. No regrets.
Thank you all for your help, sorry it's been a while, had loads going on but after much consideration we decided to go for it! And here he is! He is only 3.5 weeks but is possibly the cutest dog I have ever seen. I love him so much already . I'm obsessively watching every Shihtzu video on YouTube and have been learning how to do clicker training. He just needs a name now.
We obviously haven't got him yet, I'm counting the days till he comes home. Just in case anyone thought I was going round nicking tiny puppies
Screeeeam!! He is so cute! You won't regret it. I luffs mine to bits, as if you couldn't already tell by my previous posts! They're the easiest wee dogs in the world, once past the toilet training and separation anxiety Good luck.
He's lovely isn't he? You convinced me Dieu. The poor breeder is going to be sick of me, went to see him twice last week (once to choose a pup and then with DD to put a deposit down) and have asked them to send me pics today. They are lovely though and happily obliged. Had a tough week this week and every time I think of him it makes me happy
Aw thanks so much that's really kind. 
will have to write a list of all my questions haha! Teddy is a lovely name, I would have gone for that but DS's best friend at school is called Teddy. Buddy is looking likely
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