What is there not to love in a Shih Tzu?

 Their beautiful coat, their loving nature. But, as with all breeds, they have their own set of issues that can make them less than ideal for some people. In this article, I look at the reasons why some may find Shih Tzus a breed that's difficult to manage.

 1. High Maintenance Grooming

One of the most observable traits of the Shih Tzu is their long, flowing coat, which requires regular grooming. This includes frequent brushing, regular baths, and professional grooming every few weeks. The time and expense involved in caring for a Shih Tzu's coat may be overwhelming for an owner who desires a low-maintenance pet.

 2. Stubbornness

What can make training a bit of a challenge is the stubborn streak that the Shih Tzus are known for. Though naturally intelligent dogs, they still have a mind of their own and may refuse to obey any command if they do not see a reason to. This can be very frustrating to first-time dog owners or to people who want an obedient pet.

 3. Separation Anxiety

Shih Tzus are very affectionate dogs, and because of that, they bond exceptionally well with owners. This very nature has made them such nice companions but also means they are far more likely to suffer from separation anxiety. They get quite distraught if left alone for long periods of time, which can lead to destructive behavior or excessive barking, and sometimes even accidents in the house.

4. Health Issues

Like many small breeds, Shih Tzus can have a tendency to be susceptible to a few health issues. Their flat, short faces give them the probability of brachycephalic airway syndrome, leading to breathing problems. Further, they tend to suffer from dental problems, eye conditions, and hip dysplasia. These may make them visit the vet quite often and thus increase certain medical expenses.

5. Not Always Kid-Friendly:

While Shih Tzus can make excellent family pets, they are not always suitable for a family with small children. They may be sensitive and will even put up with rough handling, which may lead to growling and snapping when defensive. Furthermore, their small size may invite injury if they are accidentally dropped or handled too roughly by young children.

6. Picky Eating Habits

The Shih Tzus are well-known for their finickiness in food. They might turn up their noses on food, which other dogs would readily wolf down, thus creating headaches at mealtimes. An owner often has to try different kinds of food to find out what he or she's going to actually eat and stick with that, which may be time-consuming and costly.

7. Exercise Needs vs. Lazy Streak

They don't require that much exercise compared to bigger breeds; Shih Tzus still need an average amount of exercise, which includes walking and some playtime. However, they are often pretty lazy, too—they like to lounge in the house more than take a walk. One of the challenging tasks is how to balance exercise and being a couch potato.

While there can be no denying that Shih Tzus are cute and loveable, they certainly come with problems. On a scale of problems one could have with this breed, their high-maintenance grooming needs, stubbornness, tendencies toward separation anxiety, and health would surely rank higher. They may also not be the best fit for families with young children or those looking for a low-maintenance pet.

That said, most Shih Tzu owners actually love these very characteristics in their own way: the high-maintenance grooming is considered part of the bonding experience, and their stubbornness is a sign of their unique personality. For any breed, knowing pros and cons is not only important but critical to decide whether a Shih Tzu is the right fit for your home.