The Shih Tzu Loves Everybody

You will know the Shih Tzu dog by many names - the Pekinese, The Lion Dog, The Chrysanthemum dog and so on. The name 'Pekinese' was given to this dog because it was first found in Peking when monks gifted this breed of dogs to the Emperor of China way back in the 17th Century. 'A rose by any name would smell as sweet' - as Shakespeare said - no matter what name you use for this dog you will find it a very sweet and friendly dog.



The Shih Tzu was for a long time known as a royal dog in China where it stayed protected from the world for two centuries (17th to 19th Century). True to its name, this dog really moves like a king or emperor. While the Shih Tzu's are world famous for being friendly and adaptive to anyone in the home - whether this is an animal or human being - they are also known for their acute stubbornness when they are pushed into doing something that has not been coaxed out of them.

The Shih Tzu has a tiny build with a flat muzzle and great inquisitive eyes that seem to constantly ask you something. The head is surrounded by a profuse mane of hair and has little tufts growing around the nose as well. This often makes this dog look like the flower chrysanthemum - for which it is also nicknamed the chrysanthemum dog. The ears are like two little pendants hanging both sides of the head and its coat is dense and medium in length. The tail of the Shih Tzu's is completely turned on its back like a pompom giving it a sweet yet pompous look.



The Shih Tzu comes in all colors. However, when admitted for dog shows the requirements are that there should be a white spot on the head and the tail to be considered as pure breed. The nose of this dog is flat and begets the color of the coat - if it is dark it has a black color nose, if it is light colored then the nose too would light in color.

Shih Tzus are excellent dogs for introvert people. They are the happiest when they are indulged by their owners with praise and tidbits. These dogs are difficult to train unless it is done through positive reinforcement. If handled incorrectly, the Shih Tzu can be amazingly stubborn. This is the reason why initially you might have problems in housebreaking them and giving them general training.



To their credit, these dogs are playful, loyal and very courageous. Their friendliness is very reassuring, as they have no problem sharing their space with other animals - including cats. They tend to behave like children - demanding love and attention at all times which actually makes this breed excellent for senior people.



People who have lived with a Shih Tzu are convinced that these dogs are human on the inside, as they reflect in their behavior a maturity and understanding of human behavior that cannot be explained otherwise. If you want a dog that loves you forever and cannot live without you - the Shih Tzu is your choice.





Rebecca Simpson runs a private animal shelter for the last fifteen years and has written a number of articles on small breed dogs such as Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso and others. You will find that the Shih Tzu with its sweet personality and regal demeanor is an exemplary pet whether you live in an open house or a flat. Are you looking for Shih Tzu information? This article would answer all questions about this wonderful dog.