Dogs really are human’s best friends, and Shih Tzu puppies are no different. One of the most easily recognizable dogs to ever exist, Shih Tzus are an absolute delight. They’re also eternally puppy-sized, so it makes sense why everyone loves them to bits.

But as it is with dog breeds, there’s so much more about Shih Tzu puppies that you might not know. Where they come from and what makes them such classic pet choices make you feel to know the answers to these queries.

What makes Shih Tzus puppies special?

A well-known fact is that the very name Shih Tzu means little lion. But there’s nothing fierce about these dogs except their need for love. That’s right. Shih Tzu puppies were originally bred for companionship. They are what you would call lap dogs.

This means that they cannot guard or hunt, they cannot protect anything, they simply exist to brighten up the lives of their owners. Shih Tzus puppies take their very existence very seriously because they were once the prized dogs of Chinese emperors. They’re also ancient in that they were bred by Tibetan monks to resemble tiny lions, which adds to their relevance in the Buddhist mythology.

However, you will rarely find this self-centric worldview accompanied by arrogance or aggressiveness. These are the sweetest and most popular of all toy breed dogs. They make good foot warmers, hand warmers, and even bed companions.

Temperament

Trustworthy and very loyal, these dogs are fun to laze around with. They’re also very friendly which means that they gel well with everyone and hardly get anxious. They might throw the occasional bark your way if someone’s at the door, and they’ll like everyone as long as you do.

They’re highly intelligent, which makes training them fun and interactive. They pick up obedience well and are agile in everything that they do. Though, remember that housebreaking might be difficult, and training can take a while longer than you might expect.

Shih Tzu puppies should be taken outdoors for a short walk, but if that isn’t doable, then they’ll be more than happy with using the furniture in your house as launching pads.

Eternal puppies

Given their tiny size and an omnipresent charm on their face, you’d think that your Shih Tzu would never grow out of their puppy mindset. They’re also great therapy dogs because of their overt friendly attitude.

They come in a range of colors; everything from brown to black and white, even golden. What makes them easily identifiable is their face. This is why Shih Tzus are often times referred to as chrysanthemum dogs. The way their hair grows, away from the nose and in all directions around the face resembles the flower and its petals.

These dogs rarely shed, which makes them great options for those who are slightly allergic. But be vary, there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic pet. They have a double coated fur, which quickly begins to mat and dirty if not groomed for a few days.

Safety

By now you’ve gathered that Shih Tzu puppies are very difficult to housebreak and that they’re very small in size. This is important because, despite their friendly and mingling attitude, Shih Tzus aren’t a good choice for families with kids. Their small size puts them at a disadvantage and might get them hurt.

They’re also healthier than most dog breeds, but being pure bread means that they’re prone to certain infections and ailments. Shih Tzus are particularly prone to allergies and snoring. They’re also more likely to get bladder infection than any other dog, either due to a viral or bacterial infection or wrong nutritional profile.

Their large adorable eyes also may be prone to illnesses. They’re however easy to identify because the dogs become visibly distressed. Ear infections are common but can be easily avoided. Their low set jaw can create problems with Shih Tzu puppies because the baby teeth might require manual removal by a vet. Their short face makes them sensitive to heat, so keep in mind the general weather conditions of the area you live in.

Whatever it may be, whenever you notice an appetite change or behavioral change in your dog, take them to the vet immediately. Most of these ailments can be painful and restrictive, making your furry friend unhappy.