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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.

The best thing that you can do to make sure that the expectations you have for your dog match and compare that to what the Shih Tzu dog will be able to give based on their personality. It is best to really sit down and think about your lifestyle and how much time you will have to devote one-on-one attention and time to your Shih Tzu dog. Some breeds of dogs require more attention then others so this is something you really must consider. Write out a list of what you would and would not be acceptable from your dog and compare that to the typical personality of the Shih Tzu dog.

Now, it is time to think about the Shih Tzu dog and their breed personalities. Although, not every dog, no matter the breed, will always fit one hundred percent into this well-defined checklist, it is a good guideline to get a feel of what you may expect from this type of breed. You may have written down that you are looking for a dog that does not require a lot of outdoor exercise because of your health reasons. If so, this breed is perfect as they do not require much exercise and they are not as yappy as other toy breeds and therefore will not drive your neighbors crazy.

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.

Even though those beautiful, large, and shallow eyes are amazing to look into, they are very much at risk for infection and eye injuries. Disk problems also generally occur in these breeds because of their long backs and their joints are often times a cause of a lot of pain for them. The Shih Tzu dog is also known to have a variety of skin and kidney problems. So, in thinking of whether or not a Shih Tzu dog is right for you, consider all the good and bad and think hard about if they are truly a good fit for you and your home.