So you and your family have decided that you are ready to bring a Shih Tzu into your home and lives. You have a nice home and plenty of love to give and that is all you need to know when picking a dog, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case, as many different types of dogs have different types of personality. If you select the wrong dog, you may have a situation you did not expect to happen. It is best to know what to expect before selecting a puppy.



Think of it like you are building a blueprint for the perfect dog and compose a list of things that you need your dog to be. Once you have established the type of dog you and your family want, you can compare this to the personality of a Shih Tzu dog and see if you still think that it is the perfect dog for you. For some it will be, but for others it won't. Either way, it is better to know upfront instead of finding out after your dog has been brought home.

Now that you have a better understanding of what type of dog would be the perfect fit into your already busy life, it is time to review the personality characteristics of the Shih Tzu dog. What generally makes this breed a fun one to have is that they are very outgoing and peaceful with other pets and strangers so they can be taken just about anywhere with you. Also, this smaller breed is very sturdy even though they are tiny, with their short legs and long body.

Even with their short legs and long body, the Shih Tzu dog is a sturdy little dog that will carry himself with a proud sense about him. But don't worry that this breed is a snob as they are still very playful and happy, not only with their owners but with strangers and other pets as well. These characteristics often makes the Shih Tzu dog a perfect choice for those who can't get out a lot, but when they do, they want a relaxed and well-behaved dog.

But if you are looking for a breed that will not be prone to a lot of problems, which can require costly vet bills, then this breed may not be for you. The Shih Tzu dog is prone to many things but problems with their breathing are often the most noted issue.

Because of their face structure and upturned nose, the Shih Tzu's have a lot of breathing problems which can unfortunately lead to heatstroke if they are in hot and humid weather for too long.

Their short face and nose that is upturned in structure means that the Shih Tzu dog generally has issues with their breathing which makes them at risk for a heatstroke in hot weather when it is humid.

Their shallow-set, yet large, eyes are at risk to infection and injury. This breed is also known to have some disk problems in their back along with kidney and skin problems so this is something to consider before jumping into owning a Shih Tzu dog.