Can't Believe this...researching Shitzu's Opinions Wanted

You might google shitzu health problems and read what pops up. My husband works for a veterinary teaching hospital and they often see little dogs with problems with their teeth, respiratory problems, eye problems in addition to the info you'll find online... but this is true of most small breed dogs.

Shitzus are wonderful and very sweet, they need a lot of attention and usualy have a favorite human in the home. They usually have many eye and ear problems, so prepare for lots of eye gunk cleanings, eye drops, eye infections, ear hair pullings, wax buildup and such. They also have nose problems from having short snouts, so you may hear some snorting/grunting/quick breathing. I worked at a vet and have seen many shitzus with their eyeballs had fallen out and had to be popped back in, usually from being squeezed too hard by a child or scrubbed too hard in the bath. They do need constant grooming. My inlaws have a shitzu-pug mix, they groom her about once every few months, but she really could be shaved down and bathed more than that. My inlaws shi (and many others) also have a housetraining problem. She goes in the home at least 2-3 times a day. One way to help with that is to use puppy pads and train the dog to go on those. Many little breeds are easily excitable and have a hard time holding their bladders, especially when company comes over. But little dog poop/pee accidents are much easier cleanup jobs than large breeds!

One thing to consider, is that pure breeds are usually very expensive, and also more prone to disease and weaknesses. A good shizu mix, usually with a maltese, chiuahua, pug, bichon, poodle or the like, makes for a hardier and just as sweet, loving and adorable dog. My large dog (a lab/border collie mix) also loves my in-laws shitzu mix.

I had 2 shih tzus when I was a teenager. They were awesome. I remember my mom having trouble training one of them but in general that dog wasn't very bright...but such a love! The smarter one was so funny, quite a personality on her. The only problem we had with her is whenever anyone came over to visit she'd get so excited she'd pee, no matter where she was. Easy fix...we would usher her outside and ask the guest(s) to pet her...she'd pee...then everyone would come inside. :)

There are dog breed characteristics/dispositions... and then there are also the dog's own personality and if they like children or not, etc.
Each dog, will be different. Though tendencies will occur, each individual dog is not homogeneous, per breeds.
Then there are the health specifics, of a breed.
As Julie K. mentioned.

I have seen Shitzu's (of friends)... that were very snappy.
And barked a lot.
This is the spectrum with any dog.
As is with their upkeep or need for grooming or not, etc.

A rescue shelter person, should know the personalities of their dogs... and IF, the specific dog, regardless of breed, is good with children.

Children... often fall in love with any dog... they are after all, very cute.
But you need to research breeds, and their dispositions etc.

For example: "King Charles" dogs (I have friends who have this dog), are considered to be "lap dogs" and, were bred for this reason, way back, for the Royalty. And they are often good with children and a more 'calm' dog.
Some dogs, like say a German Shepard, are very different and were bred for different reasons. Thus, their tendencies are more for protection and they are very loyal dogs. I had one. But I would not say, our dog was a 'lap dog.' Though he was very loving.

I certainly do!! I lost my 2 years ago to cancer....anyway...they have alot of hair and need to be groomed regularly if not brushed everyday....they need hair pulled out of their ear canal....wax can build up around it and cause disease and deafness. The hair around their eyes and nose need to be trimmed also as well as nails. He was...got to say...the sweetest little fella....mine was not a lap dog...but alot of them are. He loved going for walks and was easy to potty train...never can remember him having an accident. They need alot of love and attention...and was a great companion for my Yorkie. In hindsight....not that I'm gonna have another dog...but if I did...I would not get a dog that has long hair....it is a pain to keep up with the matting unless you have all the time in the world.

We owned our Shitzu for 14 years. She had a wonderful way about her. She was the most spirited loving little dog. She got her name for that very reason Peppi.
We got her when she was allowed to leave her mom. We started to house train her straight away. We used potty pads and such and just like all dogs that little had a little time to adjust but she did just fine. The reason your SIL could be having trouble is once it becomes habit to go inside it is twice as hard to break.
Each and every Shitzu has their own personality. So if you do a rescue just make sure your daughter might not get that sweet and loving cuddly one she loved so much now.
Peppi when she hit about 10 years of age she started having eye problems and was completely blind at about 11.5. She started to lose her hearing about the time she went completely blind. Other than that she was a very very healthy pup. We did groom her every week with a bath and during the winter let her hair grow long and gave her a "puppy cut" in the summer so she was able to keep cool.
She loved to play and ride in the car. She wasn't the best as she aged with small kids but was fine when she was younger. She was definitely my moms dog but anyone could sub as her favorite if my mom went on vacation. She got along well with all other types of breeds of dogs while we had her at one time we had a mutt, Chihuahua and a Maltese. She got a long very well as well with a lab that is in the family along with a few other random breeds.
She was adaptable if we took her places and didn't forget her manners. She did have a attitude problem at times but that's the breed I think.
I loved her very much and miss her even more. I hope this helped!

The ones I've known don't seem very bright, and can be kinda mean..especially to children! We love our mini pin..he's little, gentle with kids but very protective/watchful, doesn't shed, and is super smart.

Our Shitzu has not had any trouble in the training department. But his skin has been horrible from day one. I hear that it is common problem in bad breeding situations. But yes, ours is gentle, sweet, and I honestly don't believe this dog has barked more than a handful of times in the 9 years we've had him. He's a wonderful dog.

We have had our male 6 yr old Toby since he was 9 weeks old & he is the best dog we have ever had. He only barks at us when we walk in the door & we like in a neighborhood w/a ton of yappers. The only problem we have had is that he basically tries to herd or 8 yr old daughter who was 2 when we got him - it's almost like he wants her to go a certain way when he is walking down the hallway. He sometimes nips at her heels if she doesn't go the way he wants, but nothing more then him playful.

We used to let him go on wee wee pads, but had no problem potty training him. He actually was housebroken w/in a day from the time we moved into our new house. The only thing you need to realize is the expense of grooming that breed of dogs. It costs us about $45 every 8-10 weeks which really isn't that expensive. Their temperment can be somewhat questionable, I have been told by our groomer that our dog is an exception to how most shitzu's are. I think a lot of it has to do w/the amount of attention they are given. My girls have put his ears in ponytails, dressed him up in babydoll clothes, you name it, they've done it! He's never snapped at anyone and is such a great part of our family. He was originally was in the kitchen at night (for about 3 days) but has slept w/my husband & I since then. I honestly can't say enough good about this type of dog. The only thing I would do though is contact a rescue specific to that breed of dog that way they are familiar w/the situation in which the animal was surrendered etc and that you aren't getting someone else's discipline problem in a dog b/c sometimes people can be extemely dishonest when surrendering animals and you end up getting attached which only makes for a much harder situation. Best of luck to you, not that I think you'll need it.

We had a Shitzu - Charlie - he was a love!!! He loved to play - we would rub our hands on the carpet in front of him in a circular motion and he would chase after our hands.

They need to be brushed regularly - especially if you keep their hair long. We had to trim Charlie's "bangs" so he could see better!

We didn't have any problems house training Charlie. He was a yipper. He loved to bark at shadows...but overall?? loved him!! He was my mom's dog. He totally favored her.

We have a Maltese, Shitzu, poodle mix and he is the EASIEST dog EVER! He's super sweet with kids and adults, loves to just cuddle on the couch, and doesn't have problems with accidents! He only barks if he thinks someone or thing is around the house. He loves chasing balls and is the perfect companion for my 11 year old. He even runs along side my sons bike in the front yard! Even though I totally wanted a bigger dog (and still might get one!) He's a great dog, and I'm glad we have him. (oh, and his best friend is a CAT! How random is that?!)

I have one that we rescued. He was mostly potty trained when we got him. He and I went rounds for a time. I won. He does his business outside. I kennel him at night because that was when he seemed to think he could get away with it.

He is the best dog I have ever had. He plays with the kids and tolerates my toddler. As I type she has found him an napkin blanket and has covered him up. We never feed him form the table so he never begs for food. We have a big family so someone is nearly always home with him. I don't know how he would be if he were left home alone for long periods of time. He is very attached to us and doesn't care for being left a great deal.

He was a runner before we got him fixed.

Hope that helps.