15 Must Know Facts about your loving Shih Tzu!

Shih Tzu is the most interesting dog breed you will ever see. Yes, they are not only good looking but very smart too! When it comes to sharing a bond with their owner, everyone will say that Shih Tzu is nothing less than a baby who is ‘over the top.'

But, behind that cute fluffy face, there is just so much more. If you already have one or planning to introduce a Shih Tzu in your family, there are some amazing facts about them for you to know.

15 Must-Know Facts about your loving Shih Tzu!

Here, with these, you will surely know your Shih Tzu better and can connect with them on a higher level.

1. Companion dogs for stress relief

They ace in companionship and will understand when you are happy, sad, angry or stressed.  So if you see, they are suddenly getting too clingy, or they are feeling low, it is your emotion reflecting on them. When you are stressed, playing with your Shih Tzu will feel like bliss!

2. Being loved since ancient time

Yes, these are ancient breeds who were one of the firsts to be adopted as house dogs. According to DNA results, they are among the 14 most ancient breeds and are very close to the Wolf family. But, with time their nature and habits altered; they became one of the top names on the ‘most cute canine’ list. They also represented the royal breed in the Ming Dynasty.

3. Friendly with others

When most of the dogs get very possessive to see other dogs or kids; they are quite the opposite of that. Because of their curious yet friendly nature, they willingly become friends with other dogs and babies too. So, if you have a newborn at home, there is nothing to worry about!

4. Lion Breed

In Chinese ‘Shih’ means Lion and Tzu mean Child or son. This breed is called to be the same for their long mane-like hair. And if you judge them by their behaviour or attitude, they can actually be like lions if they sense any danger for their loved ones.

5. Bundle of warmth

In ancient times, because Shih Tzus have such long hair, they were like hand and feet warmers for people. And if you cuddle them, you will certainly know how literal their warmth is.

6. Sensitive to heat

Already their body heat and the temperature are higher than other breeds due to those long hairs. One of the facts about Shih Tzus is that they suffer from heat strokes. So, during hot summers, it is best to keep them in an air conditioner for most of the time.

7. Humanly Snore

Your paw friend can actually snore like you. Yes, they can snore pretty loudly because their nasal and air pipe is a bit smaller than other breeds. So, if your pup is snoring, don’t freak out, it is quite natural. Just remember, do not tie their collar tightly.

8. Sacred Breed

In many Buddhist temples, monks considered keeping this breed as pets as they are considered sacred. According to legends, Shih Tzu accompanied Buddha on his journey on earth. In many temples, you will see them rolling the wheel of bells during prayers.

9. Style Icons

They need and love grooming. Trim their hair, tie it, do any style and they will love it! So keep them clean and groomed.

10. The Travelers

When it comes to knowing facts about Shih Tzus, they love to travel. So if you are planning a road trip, your Shih Canine can be a good companion. Moreover, they can adapt to new things very quickly so while you are traveling with your Shih Tzu dog!

11. Stubborn at times

This happens especially when you are training your Lion-ly pup. If you are planning a harsh training process then forget it, they will never listen. Try to teach them with love and politeness; they will understand it in minutes.

12. They love to exercise

Yes, it is a very important thing that will keep them active and help them to maintain a healthy life. Regularly one should take them out for at least for a 20-minute walk.  This will also be a healthy routine for their owner.

13. Brushing is important

Not teeth, but hair. They are one of those breeds who doesn't have fur but hair. And as the hair fall happens, most of the time it remains stuck inside. So daily brushing will keep their coat smooth and shiny.

14. Regular check-up

If you want your paw baby top to have good health, take them for a checkup every 3 months. It is because they are easily prone to many health troubles like eye disease, hip dysplasia, etc.

15. They need you

Yes, one of the major facts about Shih Tzu is that they need your company. If you leave them alone, they can go into severe depression, anxiety and in severe cases, they will stop eating eventually falling very sick.

Now that you know all the important things about this regal breed, take good care of your canine friend. Keep your Shih Tzu with love, and you will get a lot more from them!