Getting a shitzu

[cheeseisthebest]

So am getting a shitzu puppy in july. It's from family friends who have bred them for years and we see a lot of one of their pups. We love his temperament, size, etc so decided this would be the right breed for us.
However I've never had a dog, I've wanted one all my life am I'm very excited but also nervous! What do I need to know?
I work from home and that wont change.

Shitzus are basically untrainable but full of character. Good luck loved ours.

Once you get one you will be hooked for life. But as above, fairly untrainable but absolutely the most gorgeous darling, unique wee dogs full of character. Soo loveable.

I’ve only had one and she was very easy to train. Super intelligent and knew everything I said to her. Brilliant in the park off the lead, friendly with other dogs but not particularly playful with them. Great with children.

She was often quite ‘sicky’ in the mornings - vet said that’s not unusual. And would never eat until later in the day, was quite a picky eater so don’t buy in bulk just because they like something once !

I too am collecting a shihtzu puppy in a few weeks

I have a shih tzu x bicon frise and the whole family just adores him. Very easy to train, just seemed to pick things up almost immediately. I second the picky eating though.

They are lovely but not the brightest. Very picky and often need hand feeding. They can have choking fits and the way to fix it is by covering the dog’s nostrils briefly. This encourages them to swallow and stops the spasm of the soft palate.

Looking at these replies I'm thinking with my zuchon that the picky eating is from his Shih tzu mum and easy to train from bichon frise dad

We are also getting a Shih Tzu puppy in a few days time. Very excited! Another family member has one, she is absolutely lovable and so funny. Doesn't destroy things and is very sweet but not obedient (sit, stay) etc - although her recall is fine. It's as though she knows what her owner (experienced dog owner) wants but can't really see the point!

Can't wait to get ours though I'm a bit nervous about the first few nights.

Oh me too, so many questions. We just love the one we see regularly. Hes incredibly affectionate and loyal.

We are getting one in a few weeks. There is an amazing Shih tzu & pals U.K. fb page which is amazing by and full of useful information and advice!!!

We have a 16 week old shihtzu, and he is absolutely the greediest little pig I've ever known! He is not picky at all. Very cheeky, energetic in short bursts, then will flop around dozing.
Doing very well with house training in that if we put him out he will go and do his business and then come running for a treat. If the door is open he will mostly choose to go and and go to the loo. But still having little puddles inside now and then too.
He didn't bat an eyelid when we brought him home, no crying or whimpering, he's basically slept through from the first night.
He barks. A lot, but seemingly to talk to us! If you speak to him he barks back. A bit like a cat will meow as you talk to them.
The long hair around his face is a nightmare! I have to trim it weekly or he can't see, and it's quite fiddly.
Needs a bath every week or he pongs, not sure why, might be me not accustomed to the dog smell yet!
But he's amazing and he's fit right in. We have three young kids and he is great with them.

That sounds fantastic!
I do know people who have cockerpoos or cavapoos which we thought of getting but they sound much more lively!