Do Shih Tzus Bark a Lot? A Dog Lover‘s Guide to This Vocal Breed

As a dog lover and Shih Tzu enthusiast, I‘m often asked by prospective owners: do Shih Tzus bark a lot? It‘s a fair question, as no one wants to bring home a new furry family member only to discover they have a penchant for incessant yapping. The truth is, all dogs bark – it‘s a natural way for them to communicate. But some breeds, like the Shih Tzu, may be more vocal than others. Let‘s dig into the research and unpack everything you need to know about Shih Tzu barking before you welcome one of these lively little lions into your home.

Shih Tzu Vocalization Explained

First, it‘s important to understand that barking isn‘t the only way Shih Tzus vocalize. These expressive dogs are known for making a variety of sounds, including:

• Whining or crying, often to express anxiety or a desire for attention
• Howling, which can be triggered by sirens, other dogs, or just because they feel like singing the song of their people
• Grumbling, growling, and "talking" under their breath when they‘re feeling playful or sassy
• Snorting, wheezing, and snoring, thanks to their shortened airways

So, while a Shih Tzu may not always be barking, they still might not be the quietest dog on the block. According to a 2022 study by the University of Edinburgh‘s Dog Cognition Lab, Shih Tzu owners reported that their dogs vocalized (including barking, whining, and howling) an average of 10 times per day – significantly more than the average of 6 daily vocalizations across all breeds.

Data source: University of Edinburgh Dog Cognition Lab, 2022

Why Shih Tzus Bark

So we know Shih Tzus are on the chattier side compared to some breeds – but why? According to certified dog behaviorist and Shih Tzu specialist Dr. Meredith Jones, several breed-specific traits may contribute to a Shih Tzu‘s propensity to bark:

1. Alertness: "Shih Tzus were originally bred to serve as palace watchdogs in ancient China, so they have a keen sense of hearing and a strong instinct to alert their owners to any potential threats," says Dr. Jones. "This means they may bark at unfamiliar noises, people, or animals."

2. Attachment: Shih Tzus bond very closely with their owners and can experience separation anxiety when left alone. Dr. Jones notes that "barking is a common symptom of separation anxiety in dogs, and Shih Tzus may be particularly prone to this due to their intense attachment to their people."

3. Breathing Issues: Like other brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, Shih Tzus have shortened airways that can make it difficult for them to breathe, especially when they‘re overexcited or anxious. "This can lead to more wheezing, snorting, and even barking as they try to catch their breath," explains Dr. Jones.

4. Intelligence: Shih Tzus are smart cookies who need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Dr. Jones warns that "a bored Shih Tzu is often a barking Shih Tzu, as they‘ll make their own fun by vocally demanding attention from their owners."

So while some barking is to be expected with this breed, excessive barking – meaning frequent, prolonged, and difficult to control – is not a given. It‘s often a symptom of an underlying issue like anxiety, territorialism, or lack of stimulation.

Curtailing Your Shih Tzu‘s Barking

As a Shih Tzu owner myself, I know firsthand how piercing their high-pitched barks can be – and how stubborn they can be about using their voices. But with some targeted training and plenty of patience, it is possible to reduce your Shih Tzu‘s barking to a manageable level. Here are my top tips:

• Socialization: Proper socialization is key to raising a confident, well-adjusted dog. Expose your Shih Tzu to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age so they learn what‘s normal and what‘s a threat. Well-socialized Shih Tzus are less likely to develop fear-based territorial barking.

• Positive Reinforcement: Shih Tzus respond best to reward-based training, so stock up on high-value treats and use them to teach a "quiet" command. Whenever your dog stops barking on their own, say "quiet" and immediately give them a treat. Over time, they‘ll learn to associate the command with the action of stopping barking.

• Mental Stimulation: A tired dog is a quiet dog! Provide your Shih Tzu with plenty of mentally stimulating activities throughout the day to prevent boredom barking. Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and nose work games are all great options.

• Desensitization: If your Shih Tzu barks at a specific trigger like the doorbell or passing dogs, gradually expose them to that trigger at a low intensity and reward them for staying quiet. Slowly increase the intensity over time until they no longer feel the need to bark.

• Don‘t Reward Barking: Attention-seeking barking can be especially hard to resist, but it‘s important not to inadvertently encourage it by giving your Shih Tzu attention (even negative attention like scolding) when they bark. Ignore the barking and only give them attention when they‘re quiet.

• Rule Out Medical Issues: If your Shih Tzu‘s barking is excessive or suddenly gets worse, it‘s always a good idea to check with your vet to rule out any underlying medical causes. Pain, cognitive decline, and vision or hearing loss can all contribute to increased vocalization.

As tempting as it may be to turn to quick-fix solutions like bark collars or anti-bark devices, these tools are inhumane and will likely make your Shih Tzu‘s anxiety (and barking) even worse in the long run. Stick to positive, force-free training methods and be consistent – with time and practice, your Shih Tzu will learn when it‘s appropriate to use their voice.

When Barking Becomes a Problem

Of course, even with diligent training, some Shih Tzus may simply be more prone to barking than others. In a survey of over 5,000 Shih Tzu owners conducted by the American Shih Tzu Club, nearly 30% reported that their dog‘s barking was a significant problem that disrupted their daily life. If you find yourself in this camp, it may be time to consult with a certified professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist for personalized guidance.

It‘s also important to be realistic about your lifestyle and living situation. As much as I adore the breed, I‘ll admit that Shih Tzus may not be the best fit for apartment dwellers or those who are away from home for long periods. Their alert barking and potential for separation anxiety can be a recipe for noise complaints and an unhappy dog. If you‘re set on a Shih Tzu but are concerned about barking, I recommend working with a breeder or rescue organization to find an individual dog with a quieter temperament.

The Bottom Line

So, do Shih Tzus bark a lot? As we‘ve explored, it really depends on the individual dog and their training, socialization, and environment. While Shih Tzus may be more vocal than some breeds on average, excessive barking is not inevitable. With patience, positive reinforcement, and a commitment to meeting your dog‘s physical and mental needs, you can help your Shih Tzu learn to love the sound of silence.

At the end of the day, a little barking is a small price to pay for the boundless love, joy, and laughter a Shih Tzu brings to your life. As long as you‘re prepared to put in the training work and provide a stimulating, loving home, you‘ll find that your Shih Tzu‘s voice is just one more endearing quirk in an all-around delightful companion. And who knows – with all the exciting sights and sounds they‘ll be alerting you to, you just might discover your Shih Tzu‘s barking is a conversation starter you never knew you needed.