When it comes to canine companions, we all have our different preferences. Some people love those big, sturdy breeds that could practically pull a sled through the snow – think Huskies or Saint Bernards. Others of us like dogs that are sleek and fast, like Greyhounds or Whippets. Then, there are those who love the small, often adorable breeds that easily fit in a handbag or a small carry crate. It’s this last variety we’re focusing on today; specifically, the lovable Shih Tzu.
You see, Shih Tzus, often called “lion dogs,” have a history that spans more than 1,000 years. It’s believed these canines were bred by Tibetan monks as miniature replicas of lions, because of the significance of the majestic big cat in Buddhist mythology. The monks eventually gifted these adorable furballs to Chinese emperors, making the Shih Tzu a dog befitting an emperor. If you own a Shih Tzu today, congratulations! You’re carrying on a royal tradition.
So, what’s all this talk about whether or not a Shih Tzu is a friendly breed? The sweeping answer is yes! But like every aspect of life, there’s a spectrum. There are aloof Shih Tzus and outgoing ones. There are those that are somewhat reserved, and others that are exuberantly friendly. That’s the beauty of the breed: their personality is as different and multifaceted as our own.
However, those seeking companionship from a furry friend will be delighted to hear that Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. That’s right! These dogs are notorious for being excellent family pets and often form close bonds with their human counterparts. They also interact well with both young and old, and their size makes them ideal pets for people living in apartments or smaller homes.
Getting to the nitty-gritty then: how do Shih Tzus score in five main areas we typically associate with friendliness? These areas are temperament, compatibility with kids and other pets, ease of training, sociability, and barking tendency.
1. Temperament — Shih Tzus are renowned for their cheerful, friendly, and happy-go-lucky temperament. This attribute ensures that they get along splendidly with their families, and even new people and environments don’t usually faze them. They’re not known to be particularly aggressive, which is always a good trait in a family pet.
2. Compatibility with Kids and Other Pets — Shih Tzus are generally great with kids and can be a wonderful addition to a family with children. Their patient nature shines through here, and they’re sturdy enough to handle the typical toddler rough play. Similarly, they tend to do well with other dogs and even cats, adding to their friendly dog reputation.
3. Ease of Training — Like their ancestors in the monasteries, contemporary Shih Tzus are smart and learn quickly, making them relatively easy to train. However, they can display a tad of stubbornness (royal blood, remember?), so consistency and patience in training will go a long way here. Training habits early is also key to ensure these dogs grow to be well-behaved adults.
4. Sociability — Given their history and how they were treasured in the Chinese courts, it’s no surprise that Shih Tzus absolutely love being the center of attention! They bask in social interaction and generally love being around people. However, they’re also reasonably independent and won’t mind some alone time – perfect for individuals or families who might not always be home.
5. Barking Tendency — Shih Tzus only typically bark to alert their owners of strangers or potential threats. They’re not known to be ‘yappy’ dogs and are comparatively less vocal, which might be a relief if you are living in a place with noise restrictions.
It’s important to remember that these traits might not be set in stone. A Shih Tzu’s upbringing, training, and environment can influence their behavior to some extent. If you’re considering this breed, remember to check specific dog’s history if you can, and always consider adoption from the countless shelters teeming with dogs waiting for a loving home.
From their warm temperament and friendly disposition to their ease of training, the Shih Tzu is a breed that truly fits the description of ‘man’s best friend.’ Highly sociable and compatible with children and other pets, they easily charm their way into the hearts of those they meet. Their renowned cute, lion-like appearance is merely a delightful bonus.
In the end, the answer to whether a Shih Tzu is a friendly dog is a resounding yes. As with all pets, the Shih Tzu is unique in its way, and guaranteed to be a cheerful, fun-loving addition to the family. Remember, when you adopt a Shih Tzu or any other breed, you’re not just getting a pet: you’re gaining a loyal family member. Effort spent in training and socializing them always pays off in unending love and endless fun. Wherever you look in Shih Tzus, whether it’s their history, their temperament, or their adorable lion-like faces, there’s a lot of love to go around.
