Shih Tzu's Temperament

The shih tzu is a popular breed of dog in the United States, ranking in the top 10 of all purebred registered dogs with the American Kennel Club. Its affectionate and playful demeanor makes it an ideal pet for those who prefer a lapdog, which makes it an especially good choice of pet for a senior citizen.

  1. History

    • The shih tzu has been around since the sixth century, as proven by paintings from that era that often include this dog alongside Chinese royalty. In fact, the name "shih tzu" translates as "lion dog" in Mandarin Chinese. It is believed to have descended from the Lhasa apso and Pekingese breeds. The shih tzu was eventually imported to England in the 1930s and registered with the American Kennel Club in 1969 in the toy group.

    Characteristics

    • The breed is most known by its luxurious double coat, which comes in all colors. If the muzzle is short, the dog will have a pronounced beard and mustache. This is a dog that does well in an apartment, as its exercise needs are fairly minimal; Just a quick walk of about 15 minutes a day will do. This dog likes to bark, is bold and alert and, with the proper socialization, is trusting or polite to strangers. The breed can be stubborn, however.

    Breed and Humans

    • The shih tzu likes people and even gets along with other pets. It tolerates children well, provided they are not very young. This dog makes friends easily but may become a bit snappish if allowed to think he is in control--or "top dog." He loves to be pampered and can suffer separation anxiety.

    Small Dog Syndrome

    • Many smaller dogs develop more aggressive or nastier temperaments than some bigger dogs, and the reason for this isn't just within the breed. If a small dog is allowed to get away with some of the behavior bigger dogs are prevented from doing for safety's sake (growling, jumping or barking), then the small dog begins to think that she is the owner of the human rather than the other way around. Because of its size, this objectionable behavior tends to be seen as cute and therefore may not be discouraged.

    Training

    • The dog requires an owner who can be a firm "pack leader," who has a lot of patience and who knows how to keep the animal from believing he's top dog. The owner must train the small dog with the same consistency as a larger dog and know when behavior is a form of aggression rather than affection. The shih tzu responds well to persistent training, even though the breed notoriously has issues with housebreaking. Daily walks help the dog burn off physical and mental energy, which in turn helps prevent the development of behavioral problems.