dogcomestoo
Massachusetts
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Joined: 08/19/2006
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I have to put in a vote for a toy or mini poodle. They don't shed. I keep my 2 in short cuts and don't have to do any grooming in between their haircuts every 6-8 weeks. They are so smart that it's almost scary and very eager to please. My 2 were the easiest dogs to housebreak that I ever had. Also very cute and loving. When my husband was undergoing cancer treatment, the one we had at the time was a very attentive nurse- he cuddled with my husband and napped with him the whole time my husband slept- which was at least 16 hours a day at times. When we got the puppy, while my husband was recovering, he did the same even as a puppy. Ours aren't yappy either- we've trained them not to be and it wasn't hard. As with any popular breed you have to be careful about personality- so choose a rescue poodle or a breeder carefully.
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CatandJim
Tulsa, as in Oklahoma
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Joined: 08/23/2004
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Shih Tzus are fabulous little dogs in a home with the right owner. By right owner I mean someone who is willing to keep the dog properly groomed, trained, and loved. Sounds like you might just be that kind of owner "wanda". It's nice to see that you are doing some homework before deciding on a breed.
Grooming appointments aren't cheap but a person can learn to do it at home, especially if the dog is kept in a lower maintenance puppy cut. I groom our three dogs myself several times a year and take them to the groomer in between. Of course, as other have mentioned brushing several times a week is a must.
My favorite breed is the Lhasa Apso, sort of a cousin to the Shih Tzu. I love them! Shih Tzus are not quite as independent as the Lhasa, Tzus are smaller, typically have a very sweet disposition while sometimes a Lhasa can be grumpy, but their coats are similar and they are a lot of dog in a small package like the Lhasa.
Good luck with your decision making and please look for a rescued dog, there are a number of them in shelters or rescue groups simply because people were not willing to do the work it takes for their upkeep or they wanted a high energy dog...which Shih Tzus typically are not.
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Our toys:
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Working our way toward retirement...wishing it was soon.
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ronfisherman
SE Michigan
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Joined: 06/05/2006
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Every Shih Tzu I have met has a different personalty. Ours is a sweetheart. Loves other people and will lick them until they make her stop. Plays with her stuff and does not bother ours. Needs to be groomed monthly. Hair does not mat. Will bark at some other dogs. But not at people. Was easy to house break and train. Does have a little stubborn streak. Will always look for a better option when called. Never has needed a cage. Travels well. Our grandkids can play with her all day. She will allow them to do anything as long as it does not hurt. Has a problem with digestion about one time a month. Throws up and is all better minutes later. Vet has her on a Sensitive Stomach diet.
Is the best dog we have had. 7 years now.
2004 Gulf Stream Endura 6340 D/A
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Pawz4me
North Carolina
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Joined: 06/05/2007
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A few other thoughts:
Educate yourself about the health issues of the breed. Eye and skin problems (allergies) are fairly common. Kidney issues are in the breed. Also the usual issues that go with short-nosed dogs like little tolerance for hot weather and the potential for easily overheating.
I always advise people when researching a breed to consider the worst traits and health issues the breed could have and ask themselves if they could live with and deal with those. It's easy to live with the good stuff.
And my personal pet peeve -- Be wary of any Shih Tzu that's said to be an "Imperial" or "Teacup." There is no such thing recognized by the American Shih Tzu Club or the American Kennel Club. The words are red flags for a dog bred by a puppy mill or back yard breeder. They're generally much smaller than a well-bred Shih Tzu, and smaller often means more health issues. The Shih Tzu breed standard calls for adult dogs with a height of 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder and a weight of 9 to 16 pounds. A well-bred 'Tzu should be small but sturdy, not tiny and fragile. Once you've familiarized yourself with the breed, it's usually very easy to spot the "Imperials" and "Teacups." They just look wrong when compared to a normal specimen of the breed. That's not to say they can't make good pets, and there are certainly plenty available for adoption. But you don't want to be supporting a puppy mill by buying one, and you have to be prepared for the potential for more health issues.
Me and the DH 
Two boys and two dogs (and two cats who prefer to stay home)
2008 Forest River Georgetown 350DS (bunkhouse model)
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dwayneearle
Comox British Columbia Canada
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Joined: 09/17/2007
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As long as Gizmo has his bed to sit in by the fire, he is a happy boy.
2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
2005 R Vision TC26QHB
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Wingn
Augusta, GA
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Joined: 11/22/2008
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Our's has been the greatest companion, wonderful motor home traveler and over 60,000 mile on a motorcycle. He is now over 17 years old and going strong. Shih Tzu, in our humble opinon make a super traveling companion.
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corgi-traveler
Bakersfield, CA
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Joined: 12/14/2007
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A lot of good advice given so far.
As far as grooming goes, here's where the rubber meets the road. Unless you opt for a hairless breed, you are either going to spend money on haircuts or vacuum cleaner bags. And with the hairless breeds, you still have pet dander!
If you decide this is the breed for you, I'd strongly suggest that you keep him/her in a close clip. As a single-coated breed, it won't hurt the dog at all and everyone will be happier.
They are not difficult to train, but do need strong leadership or they will become barky little dogs with "little man" syndrome.
Samantha (the poster)
Tim, spouse and driver of the Corgi-Bus
Buddy, Diva, and Pippin - Pembroke Welsh Corgis
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Pawz4me
North Carolina
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corgi-traveler wrote:As a single-coated breed
Properly bred Shih Tzus are double-coated. A single coat is considered a fault. From the breed standard:
Quote:Coat - Luxurious, double-coated, dense, long, and flowing. Slight wave permissible. Hair on top of head is tied up. Fault: Sparse coat, single coat, curly coat.
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Deb and Ed M
SW MI, USA
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Joined: 06/07/2004
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My daughter's dog Bailey is a super-friendly guy - loves everyone, particularly children (which isn't always the case with small dogs). She keeps him clipped short, which certainly helps keeps him tidy-looking.
The only thing I can fault him for, is that short button nose. He snorts and snores and there's no way that *I*, a very light sleeper, could share a bed with the noisy little beast....LOL! If I was going to opt for a small shedless dog, I think I'd lean towards a poodle.
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Deb and Ed M
SW MI, USA
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Joined: 06/07/2004
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Double post - oops.
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