Are shih tzus as unhealthy as frenchies

[Letmeout21]

I’ve pretty much narrowed my search down to a shih tzu (or shih poo if I can find a decent breeder)
After ruling out others on my list for reasons such as excessive barking, bad health, bad breeders, too sensitive, or suffers more with seperation anxiety, not great for first time owners ect

Now I’m finding out more about shih tzus breathing issues due to flat face. Is this as bad as French bulldogs as I’d ruled them out early on because of how many health issues they have and I didn’t want a dog that couldn’t go on longer walks or run about due to that.

Are shih tzus on par with frenchie or nowhere near as bad??

Other breeds on list were cavs, cavapoos, mini schnauzers, bichon frise, or a terrier (westie, cairn or border)

IMO, they are on a par.
Schnauzers and bichons and Westie/border/cairn are probably the healthiest out of your list

My Shih Tzu is 8 years old and no health problems so far. He is an absolute delight with such a happy personality

Have you considered a Lhasa apso? Similar to shih tzu's but without the flat face. I had one growing up he had a wonderful temperament and very good health. Lived until he was 15. I have various family members with them and all very good family pets and well natured. I wouldn't even entertain the thought of a french bulldog after what I've heard from them and the fact they're some bad fashion statement.

You might find this interesting.

The skulls are from a wolf and a Westie

Now compare to a wolf, a frenchie and a shih tzu

I have a hard time believing a shih tzu (or frenxhie) won’t have some degree of BOAS/breathing difficulty.
Even if it doesn’t appear obvious

Shih Tzu's are healthier imo (been a vet 9 years). Try to pick a long nose one, or a mixed with a JRT. they seem prone to hernias but they are usually straightforward to correct. Also probe to medially luxtating patellas, but many small breeds are and it can be managed so wouldn't put me off. Would never own a Frenchie and I personally would never entertain getting one. Good luck!

I have a Jack Russell Shitzu cross. It's a good combination, not as lively as a JRT or as needy as a Shitzu! He doesn't have a flattened face this bit of him is more JRT but less pointy!

I don’t think shih tzu are healthy at all. Lots of eye and skin problems, patella issues, dental problems due to not enough jaw space and most have some degree of breathing problems.
I’ve met lots of owners who believe their brachy breathes fine however compared to say a border collie there’s a world of difference.

I’ve also seen a fair few who have had mild injuries such as being ran into by another dog and their eyes have displaced and had to be removed, presumably due to a lack of socket. Eye damage and ulcers are common due to the way the eye isn’t protected as it should be.

I don’t understand why people think brachy dogs are cuter, there’s plenty of lovely dogs out there with normal skulls!

@purplepencils

Have you considered a Lhasa apso? Similar to shih tzu's but without the flat face. I had one growing up he had a wonderful temperament and very good health. Lived until he was 15. I have various family members with them and all very good family pets and well natured. I wouldn't even entertain the thought of a french bulldog after what I've heard from them and the fact they're some bad fashion statement.

Lhasa’s are also brachycephalic...

Schnauzer or terrier would be the healthiest. All flat faced dogs have some degree of decreased breathing, but frenchies and pugs are obviously the worst. Cavs are also notorious for heart problems and (I don’t know the technical term) their brains being too big for their skull. What about a rescue? I too would never buy a flat faced puppy but I rescued a pug and he can run about. It’s not unethical to give a home to a flat faced dog that needs one, the dog already exists rather than being bred for money

I would avoid a shih tzu - breathing problems aren’t as bad as some breeds (they don’t usually require corrective surgery, although they’re not usually athletes) but the short skull does mean they seem to have awful teeth, and they are prone to eye problems. Some of them are also little divas...

Most of the ‘toy’ breeds have been quite selectively bred for appearance over function, so a lot of them do have some health problems in the breed. Terriers were bred more as working dogs so if you want a dog who likes lots of exercise, a terrier or terrier cross is probably a better bet.

Have you considered a Parson Russell terrier (basically a JRT with long legs and less attitude) or a Bedlington terrier?

If you like Cavaliers then American Cocker spaniels are quite dinky for spaniels, and don’t have the associated heart issues of a Cavvie.

@purplepencils I had, but it seems llasas are not recommended for inexperienced owners. Which I definitely am.

@Leonberger Ive read about eyes falling out freaks me out! But my choices are not to do with them being cute. But things like temperament, exercise needs ect. They seem to tick all my boxes.

@TedMullins I couldn’t have a schnauzer unfortunately due to the likelihood of it being a barker! Neighbours would complain. I’m still looking at terriers but they seem a bit unpredictable and again maybe not best for someone inexperienced. Also read tbey can be sensitive.
I’ve sadly let the idea of a cav go as the health issues are just to common.

From your list I would probably look at the border terrier and the bichon. Both seem to be reasonably healthy and there aren’t too many savages within the breed either

Have you thought about a whippet? Generally lovely healthy little dogs.

I would avoid the westie, too many health and temperament.

Issues that last word should say

I love my lazy shih tzus. They're rescues, I adopted them because they were two dogs needing a home, not because of their breed. They're now 11 years old, no health problems yet. Perfect dogs for lazy people! They do snore like little warthogs though. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they last a while yet, healthy and happy.

They're now 11 years old, no health problems yet. Perfect dogs for lazy people! They do snore like little warthogs
Classic symptom of BOAS 🤦🏻‍♀️
Healthy dogs don’t snore like little warthogs...

@Leonberger I will look at borders again. I get so confused with the terriers. Get lots of recommendations, then Research and find things that put me off. They all sound pretty similar too.
I wrote bichons off a bit as I kept reading they are more prone to separation anxiety and are quite sensitive dogs.

@EiffelPower I don’t want a high energy breed, as realistically couldn’t meet their needs every single day. But I do like longer walks when I can, and occasionally (when I have time) would love a dog that could spend a few hours strolling round a park or through a forest. But I do work part time.

"there’s plenty of lovely dogs out there with normal skulls!"

Exactly - nothing wrong with a giant breed 😂

Shih-tzus are not especially healthy and are prone to quite a few health problems.

They're brachycephalic, which is why they snore and snort. Sadly too many owners think this is cute or funny, and don't realise that it's a health concern in the breed (similar to the pugs who have to sleep upright in order to breathe properly).

They suffer from overcrowded mouths and often have dental issues.

They're also prone to several eye conditions including PRA and cataracts, as their eyes bulge out of their heads.

@EiffelPower

I love my lazy shih tzus. They're rescues, I adopted them because they were two dogs needing a home, not because of their breed. They're now 11 years old, no health problems yet. Perfect dogs for lazy people! They do snore like little warthogs though. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they last a while yet, healthy and happy.

Healthy dogs shouldn't "snore like little warthogs". It's such a shame that people think dogs that snore/snort are cute and funny. It's a sign of BOAS and can require surgery.

From your list OP I would go for a cairn terrier.

"Have you thought about a whippet? "

I suggested this already...am guessing it's not small enough for the OP

@blowinahoolie Unfortunately a small dog will be part of my tenancy agreement . Plus I wouldn’t have the space for a large dog. I could probably get away with medium.

If it's a stipulation of tenancy agreement, probably a bichon is your best bet out of the list. I know one nearby and he hardly barks, always greets me with a waggy tail. Lovely dogs.

I know someone with multiple bichons and the males have always been confident and never suffered with SA. Only one girl is shy out of 4, and none have had SA.

If you go on the KC website you can contact breeders and they should be able to give you the information on the breeds your more interested in. Good breeders will do this for you to make sure their puppies are rehomed to responsible people. People’s personal interactions with breeds might end up with you getting the wrong type of dog for you.

I also know someone with a soft coated wheaten terrier and he’s more a spaniel size but doesn’t bark, is chilled with or without people and has been easy to train.