What Is Your Shih Tzu Really Thinking?
Bred for emperors, and still fully expecting to be treated like royalty.
Once the pampered companion of Chinese emperors, the Shih Tzu remains every bit the little aristocrat: affectionate, dignified and utterly charming. Bred purely to be a loving companion, this is a dog that lives for cuddles. Ever wonder what regal thoughts pass behind those big, soulful eyes?
Shih Tzu temperament and personality
The Shih Tzu is an affectionate, outgoing and gently dignified companion dog, bred over centuries in imperial China purely to be a loving lap dog, and it has never forgotten its royal calling. Friendly and sociable, they thrive on human company and form devoted bonds, happiest when snuggled beside their people. They are playful and cheerful yet generally calm and content indoors, with modest exercise needs that suit flats and quieter homes. Beneath the sweet nature runs a streak of stubbornness, a legacy of their pampered past, which can make training a test of patience. Shih Tzus are typically friendly with everyone, including children, strangers and other pets. Loving, charming and comfortably lazy, the Shih Tzu asks only for companionship, a warm lap and the admiration it feels is rightfully due.
- Affectionate - A devoted lap dog that lives for cuddles and closeness.
- Dignified - Carries itself with the quiet confidence of imperial ancestry.
- Sociable - Friendly with children, strangers and other pets alike.
- Playful - Cheerful and fun-loving between its many restful naps.
- Stubborn - Charming but wilful, a legacy of a pampered past.
- Adaptable - Content in a flat, happy with modest daily exercise.
Typical Shih Tzu quirks and behaviour
Shih Tzus are dedicated lap-seekers, treating any available knee as their rightful throne and settling in for the long haul. Many have a comically expressive face and a habit of tilting the head to charm you into whatever they want. They can be gently stubborn, developing a convenient deafness when asked to do something they would rather not. Plenty snuffle and snore thanks to their short muzzles, and most adore a warm, cosy spot, hunting down radiators and sunbeams with royal entitlement. Some do a happy little bounce or spin when excited, and many enjoy carrying a favourite toy about. Behind the flowing coat and grand manner is a dog that simply adores being adored.
What is your Shih Tzu really thinking?
A Shih Tzu's thoughts are those of a contented little aristocrat, revolving around comfort, companionship and being cherished. Its guiding wish is to be close to its people and comfortably settled, so much of its thinking is about securing the warmest lap and the most attention. Bred for no purpose other than to be a beloved companion, they think in affectionate, sociable terms, tuning into the household and quietly expecting to be included and adored. There is a stubborn, self-assured streak too, so a good deal of Shih Tzu thinking is deciding whether your request really suits its plans. When it gazes up at you, it is usually hoping for a cuddle, a treat or simply your undivided admiration.
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Are Shih Tzus intelligent?
Shih Tzus are reasonably intelligent, but their stubborn, independent streak makes them one of the more challenging small breeds to train, particularly when it comes to house-training. They learn well enough when motivated, but they see little reason to obey a command that does not benefit them. Short, fun, reward-based sessions with plenty of treats work far better than repetition or firmness. Patience, consistency and good humour are essential, and a well-motivated Shih Tzu can be surprisingly charming and cooperative.
Shih Tzus with families
Shih Tzus make affectionate, easy-going family companions, gentle and sociable with children and generally friendly with other pets. Their calm, loving nature and modest exercise needs suit families, older owners and flat-dwellers alike. Because they are small and sometimes delicate, interactions with very young children should be supervised. They crave company and dislike being left alone for long, thriving on closeness and cuddles. Give a Shih Tzu the companionship it adores, and it becomes a devoted, charming member of the household.
Frequently asked questions
Are Shih Tzus easy to train?
Not especially. They are intelligent but stubborn and independent, which makes training, and particularly house-training, a test of patience. Short, fun, reward-based sessions with plenty of treats work best, along with consistency and good humour.
Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?
Not usually. They are fairly quiet, sociable dogs, though they may bark to greet visitors or seek attention. Excessive barking is uncommon and generally points to boredom, loneliness or a desire for more company.
Are Shih Tzus good for first-time owners?
Yes. Their affectionate, adaptable nature and modest exercise needs suit novices, older people and flat-dwellers well. The main challenges are stubborn house-training and the regular grooming their long coats require, so be prepared for both.
Do Shih Tzus need a lot of grooming?
Yes, if kept in a long coat. Their flowing hair mats easily and needs daily brushing, plus regular professional grooming. Many owners opt for a shorter clip to reduce maintenance while keeping their Shih Tzu comfortable and tidy.
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