Shih Tzus, the small and seemingly adorable breed, have been melting hearts for centuries with their big round eyes and luxuriant coats. Some people might argue that this small dog makes the perfect companion – many, though, would beg to differ.
In the realm of dog breeds, Shih Tzus have outgrown their welcome and have earned a rather unflattering reputation for being “the worst dogs.”
As we delve into the world of Shih Tzus and their misadventures, it’s important to remember that it’s all in good fun. After all, each dog is unique, and some people mesh better with certain breeds than others. So let’s take a light-hearted poke at the many reasons people have come to deem Shih Tzus as the worst dog breed out there.
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The Stubborn Streak
Shih Tzus may be small and lovable, but don’t let their size fool you! They are known for having a stubborn streak that could rival a mule’s and a high energy level. This tiny breed’s tenacity presents its fair share of challenges, particularly when it comes to training and living harmoniously with humans.
Training Challenges
Training a Shih Tzu is often described as an exercise in patience. Some common issues encountered during training sessions include:
- Selective hearing: Shih Tzus may conveniently “forget” that they’ve already mastered a command, leading to numerous repetitions of the same whispered pleas and frustrated sighs.
- Independent thinking: The Shih Tzu’s innate stubbornness often translates to an exceptional ability to think for themselves, meaning they aren’t always eager to follow their human’s lead.
- Bribery susceptibility: While most dogs will happily accept a treat as a reward for good behavior, Shih Tzus are notorious for demanding treats before they even consider performing a task.
Despite these training challenges, Shih Tzus can still be properly trained with consistent effort, clear expectations, and a seemingly endless supply of tasty treats. With determination and a good sense of humor, Shih Tzu owners can navigate the complexities of training their stubborn canine companions and they can make great companion dogs.
Size Matters
Little Dog Syndrome
Shih Tzus may be small, but they have big personalities. In fact, they often suffer from what is known as the “Little Dog Syndrome.”
You might be asking yourself, what is this syndrome? Well, it’s when these pint-sized pups think they’re the alpha dog in any situation. They quickly develop an inflated sense of self, believing they have the right to boss around dogs ten times their size.
Now, this Little Dog Syndrome isn’t always a walk in the park (pun intended). It could lead to some not-so-amusing altercations at the dog park, as our brave Shih Tzus pick fights they can’t possibly win. Keep in mind, your larger-than-life character could transform into a puffed-up pup amid bigger furry friends.
Fragility and Fearlessness
It’s not just their outsized egos that can be a problem. Shih Tzus are known for their fragility as well. Weighing in at a meager 9 to 16 pounds, they are more at risk of being injured during rough play or simply by accidents.
One might think that being fragile would make them more cautious around larger dogs, yet these tiny titans frequently forget their own vulnerability. Their fearlessness, combined with their selective memory when it comes to size discrepancies, can sometimes be a recipe for unnecessary injuries.
So there you have it, the tale of the Shih Tzu and why size matters. While every dog has its quirks, these small fur balls with big personalities prove to be a unique challenge for owners. Regardless, their cuteness and loyalty might just make up for all the headaches they cause.
The Picky Eater
Mealtime Fiascos
As if shih tzus’ adorable faces and lively personalities weren’t enough to make owners swoon, these dogs up the ante with their undeniable ability to be the pickiest eaters on the planet. It’s a common sight to see a shih tzu turn up its snub little nose at the very same gourmet dog food that the owner spent hours researching and days waiting on a delivery for.
The picky eating habits of shih tzus can turn even the simplest of doggy dining experiences into a culinary catastrophe. Owners often become five-star chefs in their own right, trying to craft the perfect blend of nutrients and taste for their shih tzu’s discerning palate. This often involves introducing fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, blueberries, kale, or spinach – because shih tzus apparently know that Beyonce doesn’t include plain kibble in her rider.
Getting Them to Eat
To help get a shih tzu to actually eat this feast, owners may even resort to using meat-based food toppers or other tempting tricks. But often, despite all these efforts, the shih tzu still takes a few bites and walks away with an air of indifference that leaves owners scratching their heads and wondering if they missed a secret message from the dog food sommelier.
In a survey of 135 shih tzu owners, around 55% worried that their dog’s picky eating could be detrimental to their health. It’s no wonder that mealtimes with a shih tzu can be a persistent source of stress and frustration for even the most patient dog parent.
Only the Best
While other dogs may be content with a daily diet of the same-old kibble, the shih tzu demands nothing less than a tailor-made menu to satisfy their exquisite tastes.
And when owners decide they’ve finally concocted the perfect dish, the shih tzu nonchalantly changes its mind, turning its fickle gaze to a new entree that promises to be even more delectable than the last.
This culinary ballet can go on and on, leaving owners feeling more like a harried sous chef than a pet parent.
For those who believe they have the patience, culinary skills, and flair for the dramatic required to share their home with a shih tzu, then bon appétit!
But remember, your life may quickly turn into a rotating menu of mealtime fiascos, as the shih tzu food critic watches you scramble to find the next gastronomic delight to meet their ever-evolving gastronomic desires.
That High Maintenance Hair
Grooming Galore
Ah, the famed locks of a Shih Tzu, so luxurious and enchanting. However, this particular breed’s hair can be quite the challenge for its owners. Taking care of that adorable mane requires intense grooming sessions which can last hours.
The Shih Tzu’s coat grows rapidly, leaving you to schedule grooming appointments every six weeks or so. This continuous cycle of styling, brushing, and trimming their hair can lead to mounting expenses, with an average of $60 per grooming visit. Say hello to that $600 bill on an annual basis!
It’s no secret that Shih Tzus adore human attention, and they do not enjoy being left alone for long periods. Consequently, their grooming sessions become quite the social event. But be careful, because a lonely Shih Tzu might develop separation anxiety or other issues when left to their own devices.
Nevertheless, the importance of proper care for a Shih Tzu’s coat cannot be understated, as they are more prone to matting and tangles. Ignoring these issues can lead to skin problems and discomfort for your furry companion.
So, while Shih Tzus may be lovable little fluffballs, their high-maintenance hair can be quite the handful. One can only imagine the time and effort it takes just to keep up with these pampered pets’ grooming needs. But hey, at least they look fabulous, right?
A Symphony of Snorts
Shih Tzus are often known for their peculiar snorting habits, making them stand out in the canine kingdom. Some might describe this snorting as a melodious symphony, while others might find it rather annoying. Let’s explore the potential reasons behind these snorts and how they can contribute to the common sentiment that Shih Tzus are the worst dogs.
Breathing and Snoring Issues
Shih Tzus belong to the category of brachycephalic dogs, which means they have a “short-headed” skull shape. This particular facial structure, characterized by a short muzzle and flat face, makes them prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). The result? A whole lot of snorting!
BOAS can cause partial obstruction of the airway, leading to difficulties in breathing and, you guessed it, snoring! Imagine trying to share a peaceful night’s sleep with a Shih Tzu sawing logs beside you. The struggle is real.
So, are you amused by the snorting sounds, or do you find yourself drowning in the cacophony? Either way, one thing is for sure – a Shih Tzu’s symphony of snorts is an experience like no other.