In 2017, we at AllShihTzu conducted a survey with 2,749 Shih Tzu owners about their pets' personalities, traits, quirks and more. Among the respondents, 68% were from the US, 13% from the UK, 7% from Canada, with the rest hailing from various countries around the world.
The number of male to female Shih Tzu were almost equal, with just slightly more males (54%) than females (46%). The ages of the Shih Tzu were 40% young adult (1 to 3-years-old), 34% adult (4 to 8-years-old), 13% puppy (under 1-year-old), and 12% senior (9+ years).
We asked: How does your Shih Tzu get along with children? The results revealed:
So, it’s clear that this breed generally does very well with youngsters.
Compatibility with Children in General: Shih Tzu dogs are renowned for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them ideal pets for families with children. Known for their gentleness and patience, they generally interact well with kids.
Behavior with Household Children: With children in their own household, Shih Tzu dogs often form strong bonds and exhibit nurturing and protective behaviors. They are usually more relaxed and engaging with familiar young family members.
Interactions with Unknown Children: When encountering children they don't know, a Shih Tzu may initially show cautiousness or hesitation. Supervised interactions are essential until your little guy or gal becomes comfortable around new children.
Puppy vs. Adult Shih Tzu Reactions:
Importance of Socialization and Training: Early socialization and consistent training are important. This helps a Shih Tzu puppy develop into an adult dog that safely and positively interacts with both familiar and unfamiliar children. Proper upbringing ensures that their inherent friendly nature is nurtured for the best interactions with children.
Following some guidelines can help create a positive environment between a Shih Tzu and a child.
Please remind children of some simple rules that will keep your Shih Tzu safe:
Teething puppies, with their intense need to chew, can present a uniquely challenging situation. To navigate this phase effectively, here are some essential tips:
By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and positive environment for both your child and your teething puppy. The key is to promote understanding, patience, and appropriate play behaviors, fostering a harmonious relationship between the two.
If you will be welcoming a new baby into your family and you have an established Shih Tzu, there is some planning to do and some guidelines to follow:
By following these steps, you can help create a positive environment for both your Shih Tzu and your new baby, fostering a lasting bond. Patience and consistent reinforcement are key during this transition.
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