The Shih Tzu is one of the few breeds of dogs that you can fall in love with at first sight. He is a lively, loving and loyal dog who is the perfect friend for life. Unfortunately, they are not immune from abuse and neglect, causing them to be turned over to animal shelters and rescue groups. The lucky ones end up in a shelter where later, a loving family looking to adopt a dog would come and give it a good home. However, the unfortunate are either released into the wild, where they fall victim to the elements and other dogs, or are euthanized because they remain in shelters for too long.
Therefore, if you are someone who is in the market to adopt this adorable dog, you must first decide if he is the right one for you. These dogs were bred for a life of luxury, have perched in the laps of emperors and empresses, and were given as gifts to important dignitaries. These dogs cannot survive exposed to the elements. They depend a lot on human contact and their only job is to be your friend.
Adopting this royal breed may not seem like a difficult decision, but you must understand that these dogs require some work on your part to maintain them. Here are some things to keep in mind before adopting one of these cute little packages:
The first thing to know before adopting a Shih Tzu: These dogs are high maintenance. They require constant care to keep their hair tangle-free and knot-free. You will also need to cut their hair on a monthly basis if you are going to keep the hair up to show.
The second thing to know before adopting this dog: they are very sensitive to heat; therefore, keeping them indoors during the hottest hours of the day is crucial. You should also protect them from the cold. So it would be a lot easier if you left them inside all year long.
Third that you should know before adopting a Shih Tzu: they do not like to be left alone for long periods. Remember, they were raised to be companions. Therefore, if they are left alone for long periods, they can develop behavior problems.
Fourth thing to know before adopting a Shih Tzu: Unlike most other dogs, they are very susceptible to allergies, which can be a big problem. You should refrain from feeding your dog corn-based foods, which can cause itching, shedding, gas, and loose stools.
Fifth thing you should know before adopting a Shih Tzu: keep in mind that health problems are also going to be a factor as with any other dog, but the Shih Tzu is a breed of dog that is more prone to certain diseases such as hip dysplasia. , kidney problems and cataracts.
Now that you have a little idea of what you may be getting into, I hope you are still willing to adopt one. If you go ahead with the adoption, don’t abandon them like their previous owner did. I don’t think any dog can go through that trauma multiple times.