Your guide to finding and caring for a Shih Tzu in Concord
A Shih Tzu suits the walkable parts of Concord well. In Afton Village, a stroll through the village center and a loop on the short paved Afton Run Greenway toward Dorton Park is plenty of exercise for a dog this size. Downtown's Union Street homes and the townhomes near Christenbury Parkway work too, since a Shih Tzu doesn't need much room. What it does need is brushing most days, and a spot on the couch afterward.
A Shih Tzu is ready for you
While we don't have enough dogs near Concord, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
M, 10 y., 524 miles
Shih Tzu, Dachshund
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 529 miles
Standard Poodle, Shih Tzu
M, 3-7 y., 530 miles
Shih Tzu
M, 3-7 y., 530 miles
Shih Tzu
F, 12 y., 530 miles
Shih Tzu
F, 9 y., 530 miles
Shih Tzu
F, 3-7 y., 530 miles
Shih Tzu
M, 9 y., 531 miles
Shih Tzu, Cocker Spaniel
F, 3-7 y., 533 miles
Shih Tzu, Mixed Breed
F, 10 mo., 534 miles
Shih Tzu, Mixed Breed
Shih Tzus were developed at the Chinese imperial court from Tibetan dogs and kept purely as companions, which shows in how closely many of them stay to their people. They're sturdy toy dogs of 9 to 16 pounds, with a short square muzzle, large dark eyes and a long double coat in nearly any color.
Most are affectionate, outgoing and good with visitors and other pets, though some are stubborn about housetraining. The coat sheds little but mats quickly, so plan on brushing every day or two, or a short trim every four to six weeks. The flat face means the eyes, teeth and breathing need attention, which matters most in humid summers. Dogs vary, so a Shih Tzu's own personality counts for more than the breed label.
Having a Shih Tzu in Concord
Shih Tzus are sociable, low-exercise companions, which suits Concord's apartments and townhomes. The trade-offs are heat sensitivity in humid summers, a coat that needs steady upkeep, and eye, dental and breathing care that every adopter should plan for.
Many Shih Tzus are affectionate, outgoing and playful, and they usually greet guests and other pets warmly. That makes busy greenway paths and shared apartment hallways easy for many of them. Housetraining takes patience, and some dogs dig in stubbornly, so short, upbeat sessions with small treats work best. Each dog's personality still varies.
Plan on short daily walks plus indoor play. A leashed loop on the paved Riverwalk greenway is plenty for most Shih Tzus. Because of the short muzzle, walk early in summer, when mornings are coolest, and skip strenuous play once the pavement is hot. Puzzle toys and sniffing walks add enrichment without taxing the breathing.
Common concerns include eye problems such as corneal ulcers and dry eye, flat-face breathing trouble, dental disease, ear infections, and knee and back problems. Check the eyes daily, brush teeth, and keep weight lean. A veterinarian can check the eyes, teeth, airway and kneecaps after adoption and set up year-round heartworm, flea and tick prevention.
A Shih Tzu does well in Concord's apartments, townhomes and houses alike, since it needs little room and doesn't require a big yard. Some bark at hallway noise, so early training helps. It should live indoors with air conditioning for summer, and pet steps protect its back and knees.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $15 to $35 per month | $180 to $420 |
| Pet insurance | $35 to $70 per month | $420 to $840 |
| Routine vet care | $200 to $400 per year | $200 to $400 |
| Other* | $940 to $2,340 per year | $940 to $2,340 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,740 to $4,000 | |
Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.
* Flea, tick and heartworm prevention, a dental care allowance, toys and bedding, and professional grooming every four to eight weeks.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have Shih Tzus available.
Concord's county shelter and local rescues list their adoptable dogs here, so you can browse small breeds like Shih Tzus together. Here are the rescues & shelters in the Concord area where you can find Shih Tzus and other dogs available for adoption.
Yes, with precautions. Concord has about 60 days a year at 90°F or higher, with July highs near 92°F and humid nights, which is hard on a flat-faced dog. Walk at dawn, keep outings short, avoid hot pavement and keep the home air conditioned. Never leave a Shih Tzu in a parked car, since heat becomes dangerous within minutes.
Yes, a Shih Tzu is one of the easier breeds for Concord apartments. Renting is common here, and a dog of 9 to 16 pounds usually fits typical weight limits. Landlords may charge a reasonable nonrefundable pet fee, and the city noise ordinance covers loud barking, so build quiet habits early. Short greenway walks cover most exercise.
Yes. No breed bans are known in Concord, and dangerous-dog rules are based on a dog's behavior rather than its breed. You'll need rabies vaccination after four months, a leash in public and a tether setup that follows city rules. No numeric pet limit is known, but your lease or HOA may set its own.
Weddington Road Bark Park has a half-acre small-dog lot, and the paved Riverwalk greenway starts from its parking area. Leashed dogs are allowed on the Moss Creek segment of the Hector H. Henry II Greenway. Downtown, Les Myers Park and McGee Park connect to the McEachern Greenway. In summer, go early so the pavement stays cool.
Sometimes, on patios. North Carolina lets restaurants allow leashed dogs in outdoor dining areas if the dogs don't pass through indoor areas, but each restaurant decides, and dogs stay out of indoor dining rooms. A small Shih Tzu can settle under a chair. Bring water, and skip hot patios at midday.
Not on Rider buses, which prohibit animals other than service animals, and Concord has no subway or rail. Even a small Shih Tzu isn't covered by a carrier exception. For vet visits and outings, plan on a car, and keep your dog secured in a crate or a seat belt harness.
Brush every day or two, and plan a professional trim every four to eight weeks. A short puppy cut makes upkeep easier in Concord's humid summers, and a wet coat after rain mats quickly, so dry and comb it. Grooming is the largest part of the $940 to $2,340 yearly Other costs shown on this page.
A Shih Tzu is a small companion dog developed in China, known for its long flowing coat, short square muzzle, large dark eyes and plumed tail curled over the back. It belongs to the AKC Toy Group and usually weighs 9 to 16 pounds. Many Shih Tzus are friendly, outgoing and affectionate, bred for centuries purely to keep people company.
We have 1 rescue with Shih Tzus available: Cabarrus County Animal Shelter. You can see every rescue with Shih Tzus available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the Shih Tzus near Concord.
Expect roughly $1,740 to $4,000 a year for a Shih Tzu in Concord. That covers food at $15 to $35 a month, insurance at $35 to $70 a month, routine vet care at $200 to $400 a year, and other costs of $940 to $2,340, mostly professional grooming and dental care.
Expand your search to find Shih Tzus available for adoption near Concord.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other dogs available for adoption in Concord.
