Shih Tzu’s are the most lovable, adorable animals that I have ever seen. Even before I got myself a dog I always wanted a Shih Tzu. I loved their small face with their squashed in noses and long ears. When I decided to get a dog, I looked at many breeds. But when the little shih Tzu looked at me with those big black eyes, he had me right there and then. No other breed was as cute or cuddly enough as the Shih Tzu. Well, for me at least.
I’ve heard many times that Shih Tzu’s are difficult to train, have their own mind and they bark often, with an irritating high pitched voice. I was ready to brace myself with all of the above. Well, none of that is true. It’s been five years since I got my Shih Tzu and he is the quietest, well trained, adorable and loyal dog.
Shih Tzu’s, being raised at the palaces of China and being the Empress’s pets, are very distinguished and snobby at first. Their turned up noses make them look more snobbish than they really are. Their trot shows their noble upbringing. They walk with their head held high, always next to you and looking up to you.
Shih Tzu’s are great companions for people of all ages. Even though in most cases they are thought as lap dogs, Shih Tzu’s like to just sit next to you, or be in the room with their owner. Some petting and lap sitting might be fine, but you won’t find Shih Tzu’s wanting to hold them all the time. They prefer to just be in the same room as you. Shih Tzu’s will follow you everywhere you go; from the living room to the kitchen or even to the second floor of your home. It is a very distinct characteristic that they always want to be around their owners. And while you are in the same room with them, they will set their chin on the floor looking at you with their upturned, adoring eyes; and who can resist that. That’s when you want to hug them and kiss them.
Another Shih Tzu characteristic is that he does not want to be left alone. But there will be times that you will have to. When that happens, he accepts it with pride. When the owner comes back home, he is the happiest dog alive. He will run to your side, will stand on his hind legs with his front legs up as if asking you to pick him up. And you must pick him up. He will kiss you and lick your face to show you his affection and how much he missed you, even if it was only for an hour or two.
Shih Tzu’s are also very playful dogs. And not just when you want, but when they want also. You must spend some time playing with them. They also love their toys. God forbid you take any of their toys and hold on to them. They are just like little children with someone who took their toy and not give it back. They will follow you, as long as they see that you are holding their toy, and bark till you give it to them. Anything that you give them, to either play or eat, becomes theirs automatically. Even if you wash their face and wipe it with a towel, that towel is theirs. They want to hold on to it forever.
Another good trait Shih Tzus have is that they don’t shed; which is good for people who have allergies. For the past five years, I haven’t had any more allergy symptoms that I already had during damp weather and allergy seasons.
My Shih Tzu doesn’t bark at all; only if he wants a toy from his toy box. He will bark when someone is at the door or if he hears an unusual noise that has awaken him from his sleep. That I don’t mind. I would prefer to have a dog who would bark at a stranger than one who would just sit there and be very passive.
Shih Tzu’s are the best pets anyone could have. They are small, playful, and adorable. They adjust quite easily to their new home, and become your loyal friends for their whole life.
