Well, my parents are thinking about getting a dog. One of my father's clients owns a pet shop and he is offering a free dog. The choices were maltese or a shit zhu. We have had dogs before which was a brown and white Jindo. We had to give both away because of moving issues. I trying to tell my parents not to get the dog because it's like having another kid. Plus I can't handle taking care of pets. My parents haven't finally decided, but I am trying to convince them otherwise. I guess my question is, are maltese or shit zhus a hassle to begin with. I never had any experience with toy breed types.

Both breeds are cute. I'd go with the maltese. Zhitsu's get those nasty eye grunks.
As a side note, you've never smoked weed and you don't care too much for dogs, but you're avie and name say the opposite?? lol

"Live Free or Die"

I love playing with puppies though. They're so cute. I love dogs and cats. I don't want to have the responsibility of feeding and taking care of them though.

The sn was just a attention grabber.

If your parents insist on that breed, advise them to adopt a purebred from a rescue.
Even though your friends own a pet shop, please dont get your puppy there, you will be supporting puppy mills, and that is something that has to stop.
although im sure the poor little guy needs a good home, and to get out of a *$&%(# cage.

obviously both breeds have long hair that MUST be cared for,
maltese, have a very cotteny texture to their coat that causes a lot of matting, shih tzus are a bit easier,

they can both be temperamental and barky like any breed, i would be much more concerned about health issues. if they get the puppy, get it to a vet immediately.

I had a Jindo when I was a kid, but you know dogs. They bark so much, the neighbors complained. And when you go on vacation trips, you always worry who will take care of the dog. I decided having dogs is too much of a hassle due to my past experiences.

Thanks for telling me about the long hairs on maltese Sunny. I'll use that against my parents.

Me: Dad, did you know you have groom and comb malteses every day! How committed are you.

Me: Mom, both dogs are fucking noisy. Surely you like peace and quiet at nightime.

LOL, maltese, yorkies and shih tzus have the longest coats in the dog world..
cept maybe afghans

if you arent diligent on keeping it up, they must be clipped regularly like a poodle.

but
the biggest red flag i see here, is, as you mention, the lack of committment

DOGS ARE A LIFE TIME COMMITTMENT

as is any pet.

animals are not disposible, that is what people forget, and im glad you acknowlege that here. maybe if they really want a pet..something that takes less care?

Exactly! Thank you for pointing that out. I want to make sure the dog get a better owner than us. I felt so bad about our previous Jindo dogs. We weren't the best of owners and that guilt ate me. I don't want the maltese or shi zhu to go to us.
I don't believe my parents and I are commited pet owners either.

Yeah, I was going to mention the exact same thing!

Bad choice of screen name! You're going to spend the rest of your time on these boards explaining that you don't actually smoke weed.

I think the same can be said for you. I don't think you have a automatic booty.