What I Wish I Knew Before Getting My First Shih Tzu (2026)

When I first decided to bring home a Shih Tzu, I thought I had done enough research.

I had watched videos, read blog posts, joined pet groups, and spoken to a few dog owners. By the time Alex came home, I felt reasonably prepared.

At least that’s what I thought. The reality was very different.

Nothing was particularly difficult, but there were dozens of small things nobody had really explained. Things that only started making sense once I was responsible for a puppy every single day.

Looking back now, there are several things I wish I had known before getting my first Shih Tzu. If you’re planning to bring one home or have recently welcomed a Shih Tzu into your family, I hope these lessons help make your journey a little smoother than mine.

A Shih Tzu Needs More Attention Than I Expected

Before Alex arrived, I assumed small dogs would be relatively easy to manage.

After all, he wasn’t a large breed that required huge amounts of exercise. Like many first-time owners, I initially worried about how much activity Alex needed. Understanding exercise requirements became much easier once I learned how different dogs balance activity and rest.

What I underestimated was how much companionship Shih Tzus enjoy.

Alex quickly became interested in whatever I was doing. If I moved from one room to another, there was a good chance he would follow. If I sat down to work, he wanted to be nearby. If someone came to visit, he wanted to know exactly what was happening.

Over time, I realized that Shih Tzus are not just pets that live in your home. They genuinely want to be part of your daily life.

For many owners, that’s one of their most lovable qualities.

Every Piece of Advice Online Isn’t Meant for Your Dog

One of the biggest mistakes I made as a first-time owner was assuming there was always one correct answer.

Food recommendations were a perfect example. Food was another topic that felt far more complicated than I expected. While this article focuses on my personal experience with Alex, I cover the broader nutritional fundamentals in my Dog Nutrition Guide.

One article recommended a particular feeding approach while another suggested something completely different. The same thing happened with training advice, grooming routines, and even toy recommendations.

Eventually, I stopped trying to find the “perfect” answer and started paying closer attention to Alex himself.

Was he energetic?

Was he eating well?

Was his digestion normal?

Was he maintaining a healthy weight?

Those observations often told me more than endless online debates.

Of course, veterinary advice always came first when it involved health concerns, but I learned that every dog is an individual.

Grooming Isn’t Optional

I knew Shih Tzus had long coats before bringing Alex home. Grooming was one of the areas I underestimated the most. Over time, I developed a routine that worked for Alex, although many of the general grooming principles I follow today are discussed in my complete Dog Grooming Guide for Beginners.

What I didn’t realize was how quickly small tangles could appear.

The first areas I noticed were behind his ears and around his legs. Missing a few brushing sessions didn’t seem like a big deal until I found myself spending extra time trying to remove knots later.

Eventually, grooming became part of our routine rather than something I remembered occasionally.

If you’re considering a Shih Tzu, it’s worth understanding that coat maintenance is part of the commitment.

You can learn more about my experience in my detailed guide on grooming Alex at home.

The First Vet Visit Feels More Stressful for Owners Than Puppies

Before Alex’s early vet appointments, I often prepared a list of questions on my phone.

I didn’t want to forget anything important.

Questions about vaccinations. During Alex’s first veterinary visits, I found it helpful to understand the broader vaccination timeline before discussing his individual schedule with our vet.

Questions about food. Whenever Alex left food in his bowl, I immediately started wondering whether something was wrong. Thankfully, not every missed meal is a cause for concern. I have mentioned about the same in one of my articles about Why Is My Dog Not Eating?

Questions about weight.

Questions about growth.

By the time I walked into the clinic, I was usually more nervous than Alex.

Looking back, those appointments gave me confidence. They helped separate genuine concerns from normal puppy behaviour.

If you’re a first-time pet parent, don’t be afraid to ask questions during veterinary visits. Most of the things you’re worried about have probably been asked hundreds of times before.

Expensive Products Don’t Automatically Mean Better

Like many new owners, I bought more things than Alex actually needed.

Fancy toys.

Extra accessories.

Products that seemed essential after watching a few videos.

Some were useful.

Some barely got his attention.

One of Alex’s favourite toys ended up being one of the simplest.

That experience taught me an important lesson.

It’s easy to spend money when you’re excited about a new puppy, but practical purchases often matter more than expensive ones.

Puppies Don’t Follow Schedules Immediately

When I first imagined life with a puppy, I assumed routines would form fairly quickly.

Reality had other plans.

Feeding schedules took time.

Potty training took patience.

Sleeping patterns changed as Alex grew.

Some days felt like progress.

Other days felt like starting again from the beginning.

That’s normal.

One of the most helpful things I learned was that consistency matters more than perfection.

Small improvements add up over time.

Owning a Shih Tzu Is Incredibly Rewarding

For all the questions, mistakes, and learning experiences, bringing Alex home was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

He has taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of adapting when things don’t go exactly as planned.

More importantly, he’s given me a completely new appreciation for the bond people develop with their pets.

The relationship grows gradually.

One routine at a time.

One walk at a time.

One ordinary day at a time.

And before you realize it, life without them becomes difficult to imagine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about getting a Shih Tzu, my advice is simple.

Do your research.

Listen to your veterinarian.

Be patient with yourself.

Accept that you won’t know everything immediately.

Most importantly, understand that every dog teaches you something new.

Alex certainly did.

And even today, I’m still learning.

Raju

Pet Care & Dog Training Expert – PetInfoGuide Pet care writer sharing expert dog training tips, puppy guides, cat care advice, and practical pet health information for responsible pet owners.

PetInfoGuide Editorial Team provides well-researched and practical pet care advice based on trusted sources and real-world experience. Our goal is to help pet owners make informed decisions about their pets’ health, nutrition, and daily care.