Last Modified: 1/16/08

Shih Tzus are known for their even temperaments, floor length hair and of course the top knots. The flat faces and close set eyes make them an adorable breed. Even as fluffy puppies they are hard to resist. My family and I lovingly call them dust rags as puppies and dust mops as adults. Hold one up to your stomach and they never fail to flatten up against you.

Shih Tzus rarely find fault with others and are always eager to make new friends. They associate well with other animals as well as being content on their own. This being the case, it would be a good idea to keep them leashed when outside your home or yard. Despite what I have read in many articles, Shih Tzus are marvelous with children. They are very patient and never bite or attack when treated well.

Shih Tzus were bred among royalty and treated as such. They were pampered in such a way that they believe themselves to be human. They prefer to follow their owners everywhere believing that they are well received everywhere. Exercise includes following your every movement and the occasional walk. Then, of course, there is the favorite pastime of sleeping at your feet when you are working. If anything the Shih Tzu will teach you to watch where you place your feet.

I have also seen personally what this breed can do for the mentally challenged, disabled, or abused. Two of my puppies have gone to such homes and the breed is known for encouraging improvement. Those who are challenged and abused find peace and delight in the affection that the Shih Tzu is famous for. They are endlessly patient and seem to realize when one of these special persons are close. Hyper dogs naturally calm down for gentle petting sessions and puppies find a natural comfort in their arms. This breed is recommended for those who need a pet and not a working dog. Their expertise is in calming our spirits.

Training a Shih Tzu is a lot like raising a child. They are eager to please yet, at the same time, like getting their own way. They also do not immediately realize that your rules would be the same as anyone else's rules. If you train your Shih Tzu to not urinate or defecate in your home do not expect that same rule to apply elsewhere. Much like teaching your kids not to jump on their beds; when you pick them up from a friend's house you find they were scolded for jumping on their friend's bed! Wonderfully, this is easily corrected. Before entering a new place, savvy owners will allow their dogs to be curious and relieve themselves and then keep a quick eye on them and correct any misbehavior before the indiscretion.

Shih Tzu coats are different from other animals as they have hair and not fur. This is what leads most people to call them hypoallergenic. I do not like this term as there is no such thing as an hypoallergenic pet. The reason you would not likely be allergic to these dogs is because Shih Tzu hair is one of the closest of all dogs to human hair. They don't shed and release very little dander into their surroundings. They will, however, lose a good portion of their coat during high stress times and breeding. It is highly recommended for anyone allergic to dogs to visit with a friend's Shih Tzu or a breeder before deciding on the breed. It is very rare for someone to be allergic to this delightful breed but it is possible.