Shih Tzu Personality Traits: What to Expect from this Charming Breed
The Shih Tzu runs its deep roots into being the highly adorable and cherished lap dog of the Chinese emperors. You can denote them as the regal companion with a heart of gold. These smaller, however mighty breeds are known for their belief that the world revolves around them; however, their regal attitude rarely arrives with aggression or arrogance. As a matter of fact, small breeds like Shih Tzu and Shih poo are one of the sweetest as well as prominent toy dog breeds.
Therefore, it is important to know about Shih Tzu vs Shih Poo before diving into the choice of owning one at home. Both breeds have extremely endearing personalities and sweet faces at all times. However, let us dive deeper into the Shih Tzu breed. Here are the things that you should know when you consider adopting a Shih Tzu or are curious about the things offered by the breed.
Shih Tzu History and Origins
It is astonishing to find that Shih Tzu in Mandarin is considered a “little lion”; however, this astonishing toy breed is from Tibet and not China. The name of the breed is derived from its association with the Buddhist God of learning, which, as per the legends, had traveled with the small lion dog that would have transformed into a full-sized lion. These small, adorable lions attained a lot of fame across the lands and formed the prominent gifts offered mainly to the Chinese royalties.
The Shih Tzu puppies took up their prominent task of sitting next to the thrones of the Chinese emperors, barking to alert them when visitors or strangers arrived. They had been prominent among the Chinese nobility, where a few of the rulers had banned the common public from keeping them as pets, making them the best companions to the royalties.
Traits You Will Find in Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu Personality: Friendly
Aggressive dogs are rarely loved. Fortunately for the Shih Tzu dog breed, it is one of the friendliest there is. They have a good or very good breed temperament. However, what some of you might not realize is that not all Shih Tzu dogs will be friendly. As much as every dog can’t be an extrovert, these types of dogs are friendly to people in general. They are shy with people they do not know but rarely, if at all, vindictive. Shih Tzu dogs are completely loyal to their owners.
Playful
These dogs are very playful, and Shih Tzus are some of the most playful dogs in the world. They often get high ratings on pure playfulness measures. Also, they are more likely to engage in physical activity up to their advancing years as well. You will have a lot of fun with your new little buddy, the Shih Tzu, as the dog breed has an average lifespan of 13 years.
Easygoing and Playful
It is worth noting that despite being regarded as lap dogs, Shih Tzus are very playful. You can engage them in activities following the periods of rest, like running or chasing a ball, or any other exercise or game plays you incorporate into their routine. However, they are not as active as other breeds, and therefore, they do not need such intense workout sessions. A few walks a day, and some playing indoors will ensure that they remain happy and healthy.
They spend quality time playing as well as taking a very long time in a restful manner. Do not be alarmed if your Shih Tzu spends several hours sleeping or chewing on their favorite blanket, toy, or any object for that matter. These two features make them perfect for individuals who wish to have a friendly dog who knows when it is time to be playful and when it is time to be calm.
Adaptable to Various Living Situations
The Shih Tzu breed can easily adapt to any living condition, be it a small apartment, a large house, or something in between. These relatively small animals do not require large areas of land to inhabit, and they are not very active either. As long as they have a comfortable space to nap and a small space to run around, they are comfortable.
In addition, Shih Tzus adjust to life in the city as well as suburban or rural life. They’re relatively quiet for a breed of dog and don’t tend to over-bark, which is ideal for apartment living. Just make sure you can take them outside on walks regularly so they can understand the world outside.
Intelligent but Sometimes Stubborn
Shih Tzus are great dogs for their intellect, but they can be stubborn from time to time, which makes training a little tricky. They are also possessive sometimes, especially when they decide not to obey their owners’ commands. Nevertheless, they can easily be trained, provided that the trainer exercises some degree of patience, consistency, and frequent use of positive incentives.
Shih Tzus are also intelligent, and this makes them easily learn what they have to do and how to behave during social interactions. Shih Tzus, being very sensitive to their master’s feelings, can also tell when you are happy, sad, or stressed. This is perhaps what makes them so friendly and good companions because they easily pick emotions in the same manner that they possibly detect scents.
Low Maintenance with Grooming Needs
In terms of physical requirements, they do fairly poorly when it comes to exercise, but they require rigorous grooming. The coat is long, shiny, and sleek, which automatically means that it needs grooming frequently to avoid tangling and matting, so it is important to know how much a Shih Tzu puppy costs. Bathing is required once in a while, and often, the Lord has to be brushed daily, especially if their coat is long. Some owners prefer taking their dogs to get groomed with short hair, which is easier to maintain and termed the puppy cut.
In addition to their coat, Shih Tzus need their eyes and face washed on a routine basis because their eyes are closed, and their snout is short. These features make them susceptible to tear staining and other eye irritations; hence, they need to be groomed more often.
Health Considerations
Like all Shih Tzu breeds, Shih Tzus have their breeds of diseases that they are likely to get at any moment. Since they have a flattened brachycephalic face and short noses, this group of dogs is known to suffer from respiratory diseases, especially when the weather is hot or humid. One has to watch them during exercises or games and should not let them strain themselves in hot or cold weather conditions.
The most well-known health issues include such diseases as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, as well as eye diseases in this breed. Some of these risks can be prevented by taking the pet for a vet check-up and maintaining a diet that is healthy for the animal. Like with any other breed, it is very important to know the particular health concern that might affect them to the extent of promoting healthy living among the dogs.
Conclusion
Shih Tzus is a wonderful breed for families looking for a dog who will be loyal and loving and does not require too many activities. They are friendly, easily adapt to new conditions, and have a very pleasant disposition, and they are admired by dog lovers globally. Reputable breeders have healthy and well-bred puppies for sale, making it possible for you to purchase a puppy that will be a source of happiness for you.
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