Dog's Name & Age
Charlie, 10
In a Word, My Shih Tzu Is…
peculiar
Best Characteristics of the Breed
Affectionate, loyal, playful and teddy bear cute.
Most Challenging Characteristics of the Breed
Stubborn, even elitist at times
When, Where and How I Got My Shih Tzu
I bought him as a puppy from a breeder in South Texas. I love him to death, but my next dog will be a "pound puppy" as I now realize how many animals are in shelters and need love, too. Breeding can be bad for dogs as it's easy to pass on unhealthy traits.
I'd Describe My Dog As…
He's super affectionate with people he loves, but with everyone else he's aggressive. He loves to either be on a human's lap or out running in a field. He should have been more socialized with other dogs /people when I had him as a puppy (oh, the mistakes a first-time dog owner makes!). He has had some skin allergies, and one major medical problem: a herniated disk, which was fortunately treated with cortisone shots and he's OK now. Other than that he's been very healthy.
Advice
- My Shih Tzu is not good with kids, which is difficult because kids think he's a stuffed animal! He also is very anxious when anyone else takes care of him -- he really prefers being with his "pack" and isn't adaptable to new people or places. I love him in spite of his many flaws, of course.
