So, you think a Shih Tzu is the ideal small dog breed for you?
Well, think again. A Shih Tzu is definitely not the right dog for you, and here’s why. Today, I’m gonna show you the top 13 reasons why Shih Tzus are the worst dogs. Trust me, there are many more other reasons, but these would be enough to make you pick another kind of dog.
Why not a Labrador, a Husky, or a Belgian Malinois? Everything is better than a Shih Tzu!
Keep on reading to find out why these little dogs are terrible lapdogs and even more terrible companions.
1. They’re Desperate For Love And Cuddles
If I had to pick one word to describe a Shih Tzu, it would definitely be desperate.
I don’t dislike many things, but I’m surely not a fan of pups that seek human approval in every situation. Shih Tzus are one of those clingy dogs that seem to follow their humans all over the place. They don’t like being alone, and they won’t even give you a break. This means you’ll have a permanent buddy that will be there for you even when you pee.
That sounds pretty awkward, doesn’t it?
Well, Shih Tzus are awkward. I’ve never seen a dog that’s so attached to its humans. If I had a Shih Tzu, I’d feel like I’m suffocating. Too much attention isn’t good.
And, do you know what’s even worse? Shih Tzus demand the same level of dedication in return. Do you really believe you’re ready to take care of a little Shih like it’s a mini canine God? Are they cats or are they dogs, for crying out loud?
2. They Want To Be Buddies With Everyone, Ugh!
No one can be that friendly!
Shih Tzus are considered one of the friendliest companion dogs ever. But, that level of friendliness isn’t normal if you ask me. A dog has to be a good guardian, right? That’s their purpose, isn’t it?
How can a Shih Tzu defend you and your family from intruders when the only thing he’s after are cuddles? Chances are, your Shih Tzu will greet the burglar happily, and ask him if he’s got some treatos.
No dog should be this eager to meet other people as well as other animals.
People who own Shih Tzus claim they get along even with cats. Cats? Not on my watch! Cats and dogs are sworn enemies, and should stay that way. They shouldn’t be friends in any case.
So, enough with the amicable approach. Let your Shih Tzu show its teeth no matter if they’re crooked and uneven. Let them be dogs… true wild spirits!
3. They’ve Been Here For Too Long
Shih Tzus are a super old breed. In fact, they date back to ancient China. The first Shih Tzus were used as bed warmers. They were really royal bed warmers placed by the feet of emperors to warm their feet at night. What a ridiculous role.
Imagine owning a dog that was once used as a warm blanket? No, thank you.
Although they have been here for a while, Shih Tzus did not change a lot. They stayed companions and cuddle buddies as if they had no ambitions of becoming something more.
Shih Tzus have had lots of centuries to develop into something powerful, but they decided they’re just too perfect to change.
No matter if it’s ancient China or modern-day New York, Shih Tzus are Shih Tzus – companion dogs with a warm coat, and nothing more. Perhaps they’d serve a purpose if you live in Alaska or in Canada.
4. Their Size Is Ridiculous
Shih Tzus belong to the club of the smallest dog breeds, along with Chihuahuas, Bichons, and Pomeranians. Technically, Shih Tzus aren’t the smallest, but they’re not compact in size either.
An average Shih Tzu never grows past the 11-inch mark. Also, they usually weigh no more than 15 pounds. That’s as heavy as a bag of feathers!
Some people enjoy the small size of Shih Tzus, but I don’t see many advantages. You always have to be extra careful not to break their little bones. There should be no rough play involved, and your Shih should avoid stairs if it’s possible.
The bottom line is: Shih Tzus are fragile. They don’t make good family pets because young children might hurt them accidentally.
Shih Tzus aren’t that good with kids. They are a much better fit for individuals or girls that love to show off wearing a handbag with a little pooch hiding inside it.
5. …And So Are Their Coat Colors
Shih Tzus and their colors! Pfft! What’s so special in their many coat color options? Are we supposed to adore them just because they come in shades like silver, blue, brindle, red, etc?
I don’t think so.
I like to keep things simple. Whenever a dog breed has more than 10 coat color options, I think of them as posers. Why else would they have so many coat color options other than to steal the show and everyone’s attention?
6. Not To Forget Their Hilarious Haircuts
There’s nothing uglier than a Shih Tzu’s top knot hairstyle… Ugh!
Don’t you just hate when people make hairstyles for their pups?
Let them be dogs! Let them have normal coats!
So what if the hair goes into their eyes. That’s why we have groomers. Simply cut the hair if it bothers your dog.
Putting on different hairstyles makes your Shih Tzu look ridiculous. Are they dogs or are they toys?
7. Oh, And That Underbite Is Hideous
One of the most disgusting things about Shih Tzus is their underbite. Shih Tzus are one of the most popular dogs with an underbite. They’re hand in hand with Pugs and Bulldogs, but only a tad bit more hideous.
No, the underbite is not cute, and it does not make the dog special. The underbite is actually a sign of deformation, and it could bring lots of issues to your dog. Not only do these dogs have dental problems, but they also suffer from breathing issues.
Dogs with an underbite are brachycephalic dogs (or flat-faced pooches). Breathing issues are what characterize these doggos.
So, next time someone mentions how cute a Shih Tzu looks with those tiny white teeth peeking out, remind them that this is a serious fault. Unfortunately, it’s not something that can be avoided by buying one from a trusted breeder. All Shih Tzu dogs come with an underbite, and it couldn’t be more disgusting. Eww!
8. They’re Super Clingy
Shih Tzus are super clingy dogs, always so attached to their humans. This is something you’ll hear about Shih Tzus a lot.
But, did you know that all of this clinginess comes with a huge price, and that is separation anxiety.
Shih Tzus hate being left alone, and they can develop separation anxiety rather quickly. They want to be in the center of attention, always around humans.
See how ill these pups are? The moment you don’t pay attention to them, they will develop a serious behavioral problem that could lead to depression and manic episodes of aggression. Socialization has zero importance with Shih Tzus.
9. …And Not Funny At All
No, all that jumping around and begging humans to play is not attractive.
While some may consider Shih Tzus hilarious clown dogs, I don’t find them funny… not even a bit.
Shih Tzus are just… desperate.
They will try to find ways to make you laugh, even if it means bending over backwards. If you could ask them what to do all day long, they’d pick playing games and finding ways for you two to have fun together. What posers! As if the happiness of another human being is that important…
10. They’re Super Yappy
Do you know what one of the most annoying things is about Shih Tzus? They are yappy dogs.
Man, these pups can talk! Seems like they really can’t shut up. A Shih Tzu will always have something to say, whether it’s enthusiastic yapping about their treats or a detailed report of their day.
No one wants to hear how many squirrels they’ve seen today. No one wants to know how many doggy butts they’ve sniffed in the morning.
Why can’t Shih Tzus just shut up for a moment?
And, what’s even more tragic is that professional dog training doesn’t really help these pooches. You can train them to be quiet as much as you want, but they won’t listen to you. If a Shih Tzu has something to say, he will say it loud and clear.
The only thing you’re left to do is either not get a Shih Tzu or get some sort of a shock collar that will prevent him from barking.
11. They’re Fancy Hypoallergenic Dogs
Ugh, don’t you just hate when we have those fancy, hypoallergenic dogs? Shih Tzus and their hypoallergenic hair. They think they’re so much better than the rest of the canines. Well… they’re not!
Just because Shih Tzus have silky hair instead of standard dog fur doesn’t mean a thing. They’re not better than Chihuahuas or Golden Retrievers. They’re just snobbish for having a special coat that doesn’t shed all over the place.
Personally, bragging with a physical feature is so overrated. Shih Tzus should really stop making a big deal out of their soft, silky hair that stays exactly where it belongs.
Ugh, they think it’s so cool that their hairstyle stays intact from one groomer’s session to another. I’d like to see them try to handle their fluff if they were Chow Chows or Samoyeds! It’s easy to take care of hair… but fur? Oh, God no!
12. You Won’t Housebreak Them Easily
You’d think housebreaking a small dog would be a simple task. Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. Did you know that Shih Tzus are notoriously bad for training around the house? I don’t want to point fingers and call them names, but it seems like their intelligence is… limited.
How come they don’t know how to figure out where their potty area is? How many times do we need to repeat not doing business in the hallway?
Shih Tzus are terrible for living indoors. They will destroy everything that comes their way, from fancy leather slippers to the legs of your new chairs. And, they won’t even be sorry about it.
But, that’s not the only thing wrong about Shih Tzus and their living arrangements. They’re also a menace to your neighborhood because Shih Tzus enjoy serenading loudly at 3 AM on weekdays! Oh, those pricks!
13. You Will Get Stuck With A Shih Tzu For Many Years
Isn’t having a dog for a decade and a half just the worst? People get tired of the same pooch after a while, don’t they? If only there was a breed that doesn’t live so long. Shih Tzus are known for living up to 15 years. That’s quite a lot. Eventually, living with such a bad pet gets too boring.
And, you know what’s even worse? When you take extra good care of your Shih Tzu, he will not release you from his presence. These guys live even longer the better you take care of them. Ugh, nothing goes according to our plans!
Do not get a Shih Tzu. You will end up stuck with a small dog that’s good for nothing. There’s no real value in cuddles, tiny wet kisses, and looking at their humans with adornment. No real dog owner would want that from a dog, and especially not for so many years.
Conclusion
I hope you realize now why Shih Tzu are the worst dogs.
Gotcha!
Shih Tzus aren’t that bad! I was just kidding. In fact, Shih Tzus are one of the best dogs and great companions, no matter what kind of lifestyle you’re leading.
The Shih Tzu dog breed is truly wonderful. I really can’t think of a single downside about these dogs. Of course, every Shih Tzu puppy requires lots of time and dedication, but that’s not a big deal for any dog lover.
There’s no way that a Shih Tzu is the worst dog breed ever. Okay, if we ignore potential health problems, we’ll see that Shih Tzus are spectacular. Any Shih Tzu owner can agree with us!
This toy breed is blessed to be an intelligent breed with a lovely appearance and even lovelier temperaments. People fall for their silky, long coat, but decide to stay because they’re hypoallergenic, too.
This is only the tip of the iceberg as to why Shih Tzus are great. More is about to come so stay tuned!