After owning a Sheppard for 17 years. yes 17. When we lost her it was like losing a member of the family. I was also 18 at the time. We swore we would never have another one. Sheppard are big playful dogs, not for you.
About 3 yrs ago, my mother in law got cancer. While they were gone for treatments, I took care of their dog since I was also home for health reasons. I am actually allergic to dogs. But I love them. This dog was a 2yr old Shih Tzu. Now, I always thought of little dogs as yappy annoying things. I liked big dogs that I could take walking, hunting, fishing whatever. So when they said they were getting a Shih Tzu I laughed and said they were getting a rat not a dog.
While taking care of the little guy I realised just how wrong I was. Smart, fun little thing, sweet as hell. Very loyal, nothing like most dogs, almost human-like in their behavoir, they are hilarious to be around. So we ended up getting one . And my allergies aren't too bad at all. Ours is now just over 2 years old, full of energy though and we have 3 in the family and they are together most days so they can play. They will miss you if you aren't home. My evenings do consist of trying to beat him out. If I could, I'd have two so they could keep each other company. Males tend to be more energetic, playful, while the females tend to more cat-like and tend to stick to whoever grooms them. Whereas the Males just play with everyone they see. Honestly, despite the fact that he can consume a lot of time, like any pet, the single best thing I have ever spent my money on. But, Grooming is a big deal. Every 4 weeks he gets cut down, they grow hair quickly. They do not shed, BUT there will be some hairs around the house, but nothing like a shedding dog. I swear that the cure for male pattern baldness is inside a Shih Tzu! We have a Pure Bred, and his fur is the softest thing you'll ever touch though.
at 8 weeks old.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqTO2OMdLEA&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNgJvueeXSE&feature=relmfu
All dogs consume a lot of time. But you get back from them what you put in. I look forward to seeing my buddy every day. The first 2 years you have a puppy, they will all have lots of energy and want to play play play. Let me put is this way, after 2.5 yrs, I'm just now finding some time to actually play guitar again. We have one dog, and no kids.