Princess

The Shih Tzu is small, popular, and friendly, so what more could you ask for in a companion dog? Their intelligence and loyalty, along with their independence, will have you cuddling up with this bunch of cheerfulness in no time. Full-grown, they typically weigh 9-16 pounds and stand 9-11 inches tall.

Shih Tzus are generally excellent with children of all ages. Shih Tzus are indoor dogs who get along with other pets very well and love to cuddle in your lap, making them great family companions. You would never want to limit these small dogs to just the outdoors. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Shih Tzu need short, daily walk but should also occasionally be exercised indoors. They do not adapt to hot weather very well, so they must be a primarily indoor dog. Care must be taken not to over or under exercise them as well. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

Shih Tzus' long coat is somewhat high maintenance and requires everyday brushing to prevent tangles. These dogs should be taken to a professional groomer every couple of months. They are usually easier to maintain when their coats are clipped short, but you can't argue that those who have the long, dreamy coats are dramatic and eye catching. Grooming-wise, this breed is fairly high-maintenance. Shih Tzus are considered hypoallergenic, which can be a plus for allergy sufferers.

Shih Tzus are best suited for apartments and smaller homes. Since they are small, this breed can adapt to apartment living or a big house. Shih Tzus are indoor dogs who get along with other pets very well and love to cuddle in your lap, making them great family companions. They are fairly easy to train.

The Dachshund (pronounced dak-sund; also known as a ‘Teckel’) originated in Germany in the sixteenth century. They were bred and trained to chase down prey, such as a badger (Dachshund means ‘Badger Dog’) or fox, enter its burrow, kill it, and retrieve it. Full-grown, they typically weigh 9-11 pounds and stand 5-6 inches tall.

Miniature Dachshunds are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. The Miniature Dachshund is somewhat reserved around strangers and may bark at them, but forms a strong bond with family. It can be too courageous around larger dogs. They're very vocal and bark quite a lot.

The Miniature Dachshund needs a small amount of exercise; medium length walks or a fair amount of play in the yard should be sufficient. Miniature Dachshunds may tire easily so exercise should be spaced out throughout the day. Miniature Dachshunds can live comfortably in an apartment, but it is best if they get an occasional view of the wild. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

The smooth- and long-haired Miniature Dachshund should be brushed occasionally to remove dead hairs. Long-haired Miniature Dachshunds are prone to tangles, so they should be groomed more often. The coat of the wire-haired Miniature Dachshund should be plucked twice a year. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Miniature Dachshunds are best suited for apartments and smaller homes. They are fairly easy to train.