What are the good and bad points of having a Shih tzu as a pet.

I do wish my friends would buy them selves a computor, then i wouldnt have to keep asking questions on their behalf.

They are both retired but have grandchildren who visit. They are used to large dogs, but want something smaller now.

All replies welcome. 

what kind of dogs did they have previously? i know nothing about shih tzu's but maybe between everyone we can figure out some smaller suggestions?

The dogs they had before were an Irish setter and a golden retriever. They dont want a dog that needs a lot of walking, another breed they like is the Maltese. :)

I have a shih tzu and would not have another breed of dog, they are very sociable, friendly and loving dogs, mine is very quiet and laid back but they can be very stubborn, my friend has one and hers is very very stubborn. They'll take a walk at whatever pace you go at, if you want a gentle stroll, they are happy, if you want to hike up a few hills they can be found tearing up and down the hills as if to say "hurry up whats keeping you". And its funny at the amount of twigs, leaves and debris you end up coming home with after a walk in the park.

They are fairly cheap to feed too, I feed mine on JWB and a 2kg bag lasts me almost 2 weeks and it costs about £6.50. However they do require daily grooming as their coats which constantly grow can easily get terribly matted, which I imagine is then a nightmare to try removing. Also if you don't want them in a long coat they need trips to the groomers every 6-8 weeks or so, about £25 a time depending on where you live.

As for bad points, errrm errm can't think of any to be honest. I should have called mine shadow, coz everytime I turn round she is by my side.

> I feed mine on JWB and a 2kg bag lasts me almost 2 weeks

Sorry meant to say almost 3 weeks

theres nothing in the terriers they might like? my sister swears by her whippet (wee bit bigger but not exactly enormous). she was mad as a puppy but now shes mature shes really chilled out and just sleeps all the time until you choose to walk her. as long as she can run around like a loony off lead she's fine and doesn't need taken for a long one. shes an oddly cat like dog (if that makes sense?) very dainty and delicate about things, but is sturdy enough to play fight with our bullies (thinking of the grandkids you mentioned). though for me (if i had the money) it would have to be a french bulldog-sooo cute!!

Thank you for all your replies.

> Sorry meant to say almost 3 weeks

I did wonder as I can feed my four 20kg Elkhounds for 3 weeks on a 15kg bag of food.