Shih Tzu
It is one of the most active, misunderstood, and old dog breeds there is and has been around for a very long time. Despite the fact that the name “Shih Tzu” translates to “small lion,” this breed of dog is anything but a fierce predator.
These dogs are actually just little fluff balls that want nothing more than to love and be loved in return. This is despite the fact that they are famous for their proud demeanor, their regal appearance, and their high place in history (they were originally bred for the Chinese royal family).
This article is going to outline exactly the kind of personality and temperament you should anticipate from a purebred dogs, which is going to be quite different from what most people typically think about these dogs. To begin, however, in order to be able to comprehend their character, it is essential to have some background information about their history.
History
Shih Tzus are part of Chinese history. Its (meaning “lion dog”) was produce by Chinese imperial breeders from Tibetan stock centuries ago. The breed is presumably a mix between the Lhaso Apso and Pekingese.
They were emperors’ lapwarmers for hundreds of years. Emperors reportedly gave rewards to the breeders who produced the most attractive and lovable dogs.
Until the 1930s, the breed was hidden behind palace walls. Breed clubs in Peking and England improved the breed, but fanciers debated the proper type. In 1969, the AKC Stud Book included Shih Tzus.
Since then, it have been popular in the U.S. and U.K. They treat their owners like princes. Queen Elizabeth II and Miley Cyrus both love Shih Tzus.
Appearance
Shih Tzus, like most other toy breeds, mature quickly and achieve their full size by the time they are around 10 months old.
There is a tendency for them to be slightly longer than it is tall, with a solid body and a head that is of a satisfactory size. The undershot bite complements the relatively modest length of the muzzle. The head is round, and the features that stand out most are the eyes. The tail carries in an exuberant manner, curved up over the back. For such a small dog, the gait is surprisingly long and quick.
Also, the it has luxurious hair that is kept long and straight throughout its entire body. This double coat does need a considerable bit of maintenance, particularly if it allows to grow out on these short canines so that it may cover the ground and act as a sweeping motion. The coat can be any color, but it looks best when it has a dark pigment around the eyes and on the nose. The average lifespan of a these breed is between 14 and 15 years, making them a relatively durable breed of little dog.
Personality
The demeanor of a this breed is a dynamic combination of the attentive and friendly lap-dog and the dignified companion traits that are commonly associated with the breed. These small domesticated animals only want to be a part of the family when they are at home. In spite of the fact that their self-assurance is frequently fairly obvious, you should not interpret this as evidence of their haughtiness.
Also, the one drawback to owning a Shih Tzu is that these dogs have a tendency to be headstrong. These dogs have been bred to be the ideal companion and to carry themselves with a sense of dignity and self-confidence; yet, when it comes to training and housebreaking, these traits can make the process a little more challenging.
There is a wealth of anecdotal evidence indicating that inexperienced owners frequently have the misconception that training it will be a breeze due to the breed’s smaller size and more affectionate nature, only to later discover that the process requires patience, tenacity, and time.
Moreover, having saying that, these adorable little canines are sure to win your heart. The personality of a this dog is heavily impacted by their intellect, as they are able to digest the world around them at a more faster rate than most other toy dogs and they have a strong desire to learn new things.
Furthermore, never should a Shih Tzu display aggressive behavior. These dogs aren’t necessarily loud or snappy, but they make excellent watch dogs because of their alert demeanor. Even though they are not large enough to act as guards and do not have even a trace of the “hunt” gene in their bodies, they will make sure to let you know if there is an unknown visitor at your house.
Temperant
Their temperament varies quickly. This breed is too trusting. They trust others regardless of age or experience.
They’ll jump in the laps of strangers or fight another dog, whether it wants the attention or not.
This is because they’re confident and don’t mind expressing themselves.
They’re happy. They can be therapy dogs besides being faithful companions. Their cheerful energy follows them like a shadow. Their contagious desire to love and be loved develops a wonderful character.
This breed is eager, not exuberant. They shouldn’t be snooty or hostile toward others (or their owner) and should mimic larger canines. They don’t get angry easily but can bewilder when others don’t share their zest for life.
This enthusiasm changes throughout time. Shih Tzu puppies want to charge anything headfirst. At that age, their energy might be overwhelming.
They’ll want to meet strangers, introduce themselves to other dogs. Jnd jump large distances (like from the floor to the couch) despite being delicate.
As they age, their exuberant excitement wanes, and they become calm, loving, and well-mannered. You may have to become your dog’s motivator if they find a nice spot on the couch and refuse to go.
Their people-oriented nature can make them clinging. This toy-dog can fit in even the smallest dwellings, but their need to be adore can lead to separation anxiety.
If you don’t have the time to care for your dog every day, keeping a Shih Tzu in the home could create an anxious, self-destructive, and unhappy dog.
This ‘negative’ trait stems from desiring to love, but they have separation anxiety. Shih Tzu temperament is different from other toy breeds. They’re young, lively, level-headed, cheerful, and trustworthy.