The Shih Tzu is a small, fluffy, and adorable dog that has been loved by many families for centuries. These dogs were once royal pets in China and are now found in homes around the world. But not everyone thinks Shih Tzus are perfect. In fact, some people say Shih Tzus are the worst dogs for them.
Why do some people feel this way? Is the Shih Tzu really a bad dog? Or is it just a poor match for certain owners?
Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why shih tzu are the worst dog, and whether those reasons are really the fault of the dog — or simply a matter of preference and lifestyle.
1. Stubborn and Hard to Train
One of the biggest complaints people have about Shih Tzus is that they can be stubborn. Unlike breeds like Border Collies or Labradors that love to learn tricks and follow commands, Shih Tzus often do things their own way.
Why this happens:
- Shih Tzus were bred to be companion dogs, not working dogs.
- They don’t have a strong desire to “please their owner” like some other breeds.
- They may ignore commands or act like they don’t hear you.
Result:
- Housebreaking (potty training) can be slow and frustrating.
- Obedience training takes more patience and treats.
- Some people give up and call them “bad dogs.”
But are they bad dogs? No. They’re just independent thinkers. They learn differently and need more time.
2. High Grooming Needs
Shih Tzus have long, flowing hair, and while it’s beautiful, it comes at a cost.
Grooming problems:
- Their coat tangles and mats easily.
- They need daily brushing if you keep their hair long.
- Even with short hair (“puppy cut”), they still need regular grooming every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Their eyes water often, which stains their fur.
- Their face must be cleaned regularly to prevent infection.
Result:
If you don’t keep up with grooming, your Shih Tzu will look messy and may suffer from skin and eye problems.
For some people, this daily grooming is too much. That’s why they say Shih Tzus are “high-maintenance” and not easy dogs to care for.
3. Barking and Noise
Shih Tzus are not usually aggressive, but they are alert and vocal. Many Shih Tzus bark a lot.
Why they bark:
- They want attention.
- They hear a sound or see a stranger.
- They’re bored or lonely.
- They want food or play.
Shih Tzus may bark at every little noise, and once they start, it’s hard to stop them. This makes them not ideal for apartments or shared living spaces where noise is a problem.
4. Separation Anxiety
Shih Tzus are very attached to their owners. That sounds sweet, but it also means they can suffer from separation anxiety.
Signs of separation anxiety:
- Barking or howling when left alone
- Chewing furniture or scratching doors
- Peeing or pooping inside the house
- Constant pacing or whining
These behaviors can be very stressful for the owner. If you’re gone all day and can’t spend a lot of time with your dog, the Shih Tzu might not be the right breed for you.
5. Breathing Problems
Shih Tzus have flat faces (brachycephalic). While cute, this face shape can cause health issues, especially with breathing.
Common issues:
- Snorting and snoring
- Trouble breathing in hot weather
- Cannot exercise for long periods
- Prone to heat stroke
- May need surgery for narrow nostrils or long soft palate
These problems can lead to costly vet bills and stress for both dog and owner. Some people say Shih Tzus are “unhealthy dogs” because of their breathing problems — but this is really due to how they were bred.
6. Expensive to Maintain
Shih Tzus may be small, but they can be expensive to care for, especially when it comes to:
- Grooming costs
- Vet visits for skin, eye, or breathing problems
- Teeth cleaning (small breeds often have dental issues)
- Special food for sensitive stomachs
- Medication for allergies or joint pain
So while they don’t eat a lot, their other care costs can add up fast. Some owners are surprised by how high-maintenance this little dog can be.
7. Not Ideal for Small Children
Shih Tzus are generally loving dogs, but not all of them enjoy being handled by small children.
Possible issues:
- May snap or growl if handled roughly
- Don’t like loud noise or chaos
- Prefer a calm, gentle environment
- Small size makes them easy to injure
This makes them less ideal for homes with toddlers or rowdy kids. They are often better suited to older adults or quiet families.
8. They’re Not Very “Sporty”
If you want a dog to go hiking, running, or doing agility courses, a Shih Tzu may not be the right fit. They:
- Get tired quickly
- Don’t like intense exercise
- Overheat easily in hot weather
- Often prefer cuddling on the couch
That’s not “bad,” but it means active people may feel frustrated by the Shih Tzu’s low energy level.
So, Are Shih Tzus Really the Worst?
Let’s be fair — Shih Tzus are not bad dogs.
But they do have unique needs that make them a poor match for certain people.
Shih Tzus may NOT be a good choice if:
- You don’t like grooming or can’t afford regular grooming
- You want a dog that listens and trains quickly
- You live in a hot climate
- You’re gone from home all day
- You want a jogging partner or working dog
But Shih Tzus ARE a great choice if:
- You want a loyal, loving lap dog
- You live in a calm, indoor home
- You enjoy grooming or can pay for it
- You want a companion, not a worker
- You’re okay with their little quirks
Final Thoughts
why shih tzu are the worst dog, this is what people say. However, the reason some people say Shih Tzus are the worst dogs is usually because they were expecting a dog with different traits. Maybe they wanted a sporty dog, or one that trains fast, or doesn’t need grooming.
But the Shih Tzu is not that dog. This breed was created to be a royal lap dog, not a farm worker or protector.
Yes, they bark, snore, shed, and need haircuts. But they also love deeply, stay close to their family, and bring comfort and cuteness wherever they go.
If you understand the breed and give them what they need, a Shih Tzu can be one of the best dogs you’ll ever know — just not for everyone.
Interesting Article here: Chewy Dog Food