Look, I need to be straight with you. When people ask me "why shih tzu are the worst dog," my neighbor Janet's face instantly pops into my mind. She's on her third vacuum cleaner this year. That white fluff gets everywhere - in her coffee, inside her laptop vents, even in her freezer. Wild, right? But here's the thing: whether you're researching "why are shih tzus the worst dogs" or just stumbled upon this rant, you deserve honest facts before getting one. I've fostered over a dozen, and man, they're not for everyone.
My Personal Wake-Up Call
When I got my first Shih Tzu, Daisy, I thought those big eyes meant easy companionship. Big mistake. The first month cost me $800 in grooming and dental care. She refused to walk if it drizzled, and don't get me started on the time she chewed through my work laptop charger because I left her alone for two hours. That's when I truly understood why some folks claim shih tzus are the worst dogs.
The Grooming Nightmare You Can't Escape
Let's cut to the chase: that adorable fur? It's a full-time job. Unlike labs or beagles, Shih Tzus need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skip one session and you've got a matted mess. Here's what new owners never realize until it's too late:
| Grooming Need | Frequency | Average Cost (USD) | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Haircut | Every 4-6 weeks | $65-$120 | High (requires skill) |
| Daily Brushing | 10-15 minutes daily | Time cost only | Medium (patience needed) |
| Eye Gunk Cleaning | Twice daily | Supplies: $15/month | Low (but gross) |
| Ear Cleaning | Weekly | Solution: $10/month | Medium (sensitive area) |
Seriously, my friend Dave gave up and keeps his male Shih Tzu in a "puppy cut" year-round. Still costs him $90 monthly at PetSmart. And if you think you'll skip grooming to save cash?
Warning: Matted fur pulls skin, causes infections, and requires sedation to shave off ($300+ emergency vet visit). Countless Shih Tzus suffer because owners underestimate this.
Dental Disasters Waiting to Happen
Here's something breeders won't tell you: 90% of Shih Tzus develop periodontal disease by age 2. Their tiny mouths cram teeth together, trapping food. I learned this the hard way when Daisy needed $1,200 in extractions at just four years old. You must brush their teeth daily with special dog toothpaste ($12/tube). Skip a week? Hello, rotting-tooth breath that could knock out a horse.
Stubbornness That'll Test Your Sanity
Ever seen a 10-pound fluffball win a standoff with a grown adult? Shih Tzus redefine stubborn. Why are shih tzus the worst dogs for first-time owners? Their "what's in it for me?" attitude. Key struggles:
- Potty Training Hell: Takes 6-12 months (vs. 2-4 for most breeds). Many never fully get it
- Selective Deafness: They'll ignore "come" command if something smells interesting
- Leash Refusal: Plant like rocks when they don't want to walk
- Resource Guarding: Growling over toys/beds is shockingly common
I swear, some days training my Shih Tzu felt like negotiating with a tiny, hairy dictator.
Why Positive Reinforcement Often Fails
Traditional training books don't work here. Shih Tzus get bored with repetition. You need rotating high-value treats (chicken > cheese > kibble) and 5-minute max sessions. Even then, progress isn't linear. My Daisy mastered "sit" in two days but took four months to learn "down." Makes you understand why shih tzus are the worst dog for impatient people.
Health Issues That Drain Wallets
That smooshed face causing heart-melting cuteness? It's a biological disaster. Brachycephalic syndrome means:
| Health Condition | Prevalence in Shih Tzus | Average Treatment Cost | Prevention Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breathing Problems | 60% develop issues | $800-$5,000 (surgery) | Avoid heat/humidity |
| Eye Injuries/Ulcers | Very Common | $300-$1,500 per incident | Daily eye cleaning |
| Hip Dysplasia | 20% affected | $1,500-$6,000 (surgery) | Keep weight low |
| Allergies (Skin/Food) | 40% suffer | $100/month (meds/special diet) | Limited ingredient diets |
You absolutely need pet insurance ($40-$70/month). My Daisy's eye ulcer treatment hit $1,800. Without insurance? Financial nightmare. This is why prospective owners searching "why shih tzus are the worst" need brutal honesty.
The Heat Danger Most Owners Miss
Anything above 80°F (27°C) becomes dangerous. Their short airways can't cool air efficiently. Signs of overheating:
- Excessive panting (more than usual)
- Bright red tongue/gums
- Collapsing or stumbling
- Thick, sticky drool
I nearly lost Daisy during a 75°F hike because humidity was high. Never again. AC is mandatory in summer.
Why Shih Tzus Are the Worst Dogs for Certain Lifestyles
Let's bust the "perfect apartment dog" myth. Yes, they're small. But here's where they fail spectacularly:
For Active People
Want a jogging buddy? Forget it. Shih Tzus max out at 20-minute leisurely walks. Their short legs and breathing issues make intense exercise dangerous. My marathon-runner cousin returned his after two weeks. He kept searching "why are shih tzus the worst dogs for active owners." Answer: biology.
For Busy Professionals
Separation anxiety is brutal. These are companion dogs bred to be with royalty 24/7. Leave them alone over 4 hours regularly and you'll get:
- Destructive chewing (baseboards, shoes, furniture)
- Constant barking/whining complaints from neighbors
- Accidents everywhere from stress
Doggy daycare runs $25-$45/day. That adds up fast.
For Families With Young Kids
Those protruding eyes injure easily. Toddlers grabbing or falling on them often causes $2,000+ eye surgeries. Their low patience threshold also risks nips when kids get loud. Better breeds exist for chaotic households.
Financial Reality Check: Annual Costs Breakdown
Thinking a small dog means small bills? Here's the cold, hard math comparing Shih Tzus to easier breeds (like Boston Terriers):
| Expense Category | Shih Tzu Cost (USD) | Typical Dog Cost (USD) | Why Higher? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grooming (Professional) | $780-$1,440/year | $0-$300/year | Mandatory frequent cuts |
| Vet Care (Basic) | $600-$1,200/year | $350-$600/year | Breed-specific issues |
| Dental Care | $400-$800/year | $150-$300/year | Prone to severe decay |
| Food (Quality) | $300-$500/year | $250-$400/year | Often need specialty diets |
| Supplies (Eye/Ear) | $150-$200/year | $20-$50/year | Daily cleaning necessities |
| TOTAL/YEAR | $2,230-$4,140 | $770-$1,650 | 2-3X more expensive |
Shocked? Most are. This isn't chihuahua-level cheap. It's why "why shih tzu are the worst dog" searches spike around adoption season.
Budget Tip From Experience
Learn basic grooming skills. Clippers ($80) and scissors ($40) pay for themselves in 3 months. Still takes 2 hours weekly though.
FAQ: Answering Your Raw Concerns
Q: Why do people say shih tzus are the worst? Isn't that harsh?
A: It's usually from overwhelmed owners facing unexpected grooming costs, training frustrations, or vet bills. They're not evil - just mismatched to common lifestyles. Knowing these challenges prevents surrender.
Q: Are shih tzus aggressive? That makes them terrible!
A: Rarely truly aggressive, but prone to stubbornness and resource guarding. Early socialization is non-negotiable. Without it, they can become snappy.
Q: I heard they're hypoallergenic. True?
A: Partial myth. They shed less fur but produce dander (the real allergy trigger). Most allergy sufferers still react unless they're mild cases.
Q: Why are shih tzus terrible for people with allergies?
A: Their long hair traps pollen/dust. Daily brushing releases these allergens into your home. Combined with dander, it's problematic despite the "hypoallergenic" label.
Q: Do they bark a lot? My apartment has noise rules.
A> Yes. Alert barking at every hallway noise is common. Training can reduce it, but expect complaints if walls are thin. White noise machines help.
Q: Why are shih tzus the worst dogs for hot climates?
A> Their short snouts prevent panting efficiently. Heatstroke risk skyrockets above 80°F. AC becomes a survival necessity, not luxury.
Final Reality Check: Should YOU Get One?
After all this, why shih tzu are the worst dog? Only if you're unprepared. They shine for:
- Retirees home most days
- Patient owners willing to groom daily
- Climate-controlled living
- Those with $3k+/year pet budgets
But if you travel often, hate grooming, need an active companion, or budget tightly? Honestly? Consider a different breed. My Daisy's cuddles are magical, but knowing why shih tzus are the worst match for many might prevent heartbreak (and financial ruin). Do your homework.
Sometimes loving dogs means admitting they're not right for everyone.
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