The Shih Tzu Is A Constant And Loving Companion

What sets the Shih Tzu apart from other breeds? The Shih Tzu is
mysterious and charismatic. Its charm, self confidence and alert
countenance is certainly very alluring. The Shih Tzu is highly
intelligent. The Shih Tzu’s outgoing personality, big eyes with
that warm and trusting expression is so hard to resist. Is a
Shih Tzu going to be the right dog for you?

First of all, the Shih Tzu want to be with their people more
than anything else in their lives. They do not do well in lonely
kennels or when left alone for long periods of time. They have
been bred for centuries to be a quintessential companion, always
at your side, always in your presence craving love and
attention. If you sit down, your Shih Tzu will want to
immediately sit with you or an even better spot in the Shih
Tzu’s mind, would be to jump into your lap and lavish you with
kisses. Your Shih Tzu will want you to pet and snuggle him. If
you are eating, your Shih Tzu will either beg you for a bite or
sit waiting patiently until you give him a bite. In essence, if
you want a constant loving companion by your side at all times,
the Shih Tzu is probably right for you. If you have lots of time
to stay home or are able to take your Shih Tzu along wherever
you go, the Shih Tzu is probably right for you. By lots of time,
I mean especially enough time to groom, socialize and exercise
your Shih Tzu. The lifespan of a Shih Tzu is typically 11 to 15
years.

Shih Tzu are usually active, busy, curious and creative. You
will need a variety of toys to help keep the Shih Tzu’s mind
occupied. You will need a fenced-in yard or an area where you
are able to walk your Shih Tzu for exercise. Shih Tzu are very
good natured, but also very vivacious. Shih Tzu have a good
sense of humor and would rather clown around than to be serious.
Always keep in mind that Shih Tzu were bred to be ornamental or
decorative pieces to have around, not for any particular work
purpose. A Shih Tzu thinks just their presence is enough and
anyone should be pleased to just be in their presence. They are
proud and arrogant with a slight stubborn streak. A Shih Tzu has
a mind of its own.

The Shih Tzu is a palace-dweller. For thousands of years the
Shih Tzu had addresses in such places as imperial palaces, chez
Dalai Lama, and with top political figures and dignitaries
homes. It was a status symbol of wealth and dignity to own a
Shih Tzu. To your small Shih Tzu companion, your safe and cozy
home is its palace. Give your Shih Tzu a comfortable place to
sleep (and I might add, the Shih Tzu discovers quite quickly
that “your pillow” is the most comfortable spot to sleep),
excellent care, high quality food and a loving family. Your Shih
Tzu could not be happier. Although their stubborn streak may
appear from time to time, the Shih Tzu can be trained quite
successfully. Just use consistency and patience with your
training lessons.

The Shih Tzu is strictly a house pet. Shih Tzu cannot tolerate
harsh weather, either too cold or too hot, especially the heat.
Shih Tzu need good ventilation, fresh air and a cool, protected
area in warmer climates.

Shih Tzu require careful daily grooming. Most of the hair that
is shed from a Shih Tzu’s coat will end up in the brush if you
brush daily. They do very little shedding elsewhere. Shih Tzu
are also less allergenic than most other breeds, which makes the
Shih Tzu an ideal companion for adults or children who suffer
from allergies and cannot house other types of pets.