Are Shih-Tzu's Good with Little Children?

The Shih-Tzu is a wonderful family pet. There are factors to consider before introducing a new Shih-Tzu puppy to one's household. If you have little children and want a Shih-Tzu, it is important to introduce the Shih-Tzu into the household at an early age.

My first dog Misty was jealous of little children. Yet there were no children in my household. She did not grow up with children of any age. If I showed the slightest bit of interest in her presence to a small child who visited, she would become insanely jealous. Little children could be around us, only I dare not fuss over them!

Now my second dog Kissy, seems to like children. She cries for them when we go to the park and she sees the children at play. She never bit me or anyone else for that matter, not even a nip. I really think compatibility with children depends on the individual dog.

The bigger dogs, like the noble Golden Retriever, have the patience to be around small children and other dogs, and may be a good choice to pair up with the Shih-Tzu; if you want the big and small dog mix in your household.

If your family is pining for a Shih-Tzu, get the dog associated with the child as their main person from the start. This early identification will establish the relationship in its early stages; thus the dog will have bonded with the child and not feel like they need to compete for attention with the authority figure in the house.