Shih Tzu - My Favorite Breed
by Beata
(Brooklyn, NY, USA)
My favorite dog breed is the Shih Tzu.
They are a miniature dog and they do not shed ( they are considered to be hypoallergenic) which is perfect for apartment living.
This breed is a good choice for older people or couch potatoes, like myself, because they do not require a lot of exercise.
But, the fact that most of their exercise needs can be met while playing at home does not mean that Shih Tzus do not need to be walked. All dogs have a need to be walked, just like people, we all should get some daily activity that is different than sitting in front of the TV.
Shih Tzus are great with kids, their friendly nature and sunny personality makes them perfect companions.
This breed is mostly a quiet dog - not a barker, but they are more than ready to alert their owner when someone is at the door.
There are some things to consider before buying a Shih Tzu and being aware of eye care issues is an important one. Their huge round eyes are very expressive and beautiful, but they are susceptible to infections, allergies and sharp edges.
Because the Shih Tzu has hair and not fur, you have to make sure that you groom them regularly and brush their hair daily, otherwise you will be faced with a very unpleasant task of taking out the knots or even shaving your Shih Tzu bald.
The ST dog is noted for its intelligence and can be trained easily. They do have a short attention span, so you have to keep them interested in training. One way to do that is to make your training sessions fun for the dog with lots of toys and treats.
