Did you know that in Chinese, Shih Tzu means little lion? Despite this fierce sounding translation, these charming and gentle souls are nothing more than cuddle bugs at heart, far from the ferocious lions they are named after. But does this translate into a good guard dog? Today, we’ll explore this notion in great depth.
One may think that a dog named after such a powerful creature might be the model of a perfect guard dog. After all, what intruder wouldn’t run away from a lion charging towards them? Well, we hate to burst your bubble, but as any Shih Tzu owner would confirm, this breed is better suited to being a pampered family pet than a ferocious protector.
Despite their name and equally impressive roots— Shih Tzus were bred hundreds of years ago to warm the laps of Chinese emperors— these dogs don’t typically possess the aggressive or protective tendencies associated with guard dogs. But that doesn’t mean they can’t contribute to your household’s safety in other ways!
Shih Tzus may not be the top guard dogs, but they have their unique strengths that can help secure the household. For example, they are extremely alert and have a keen sense of hearing, inherited from their ancestors who served in Buddhist temples. Using these qualities, they can alert family members to any strange or unfamiliar noises, serving as effective watchdogs rather than guard dogs.
A watchdog is different from a guard dog in terms of their roles. They are more like alarm systems, using their heightened senses to alert owners of an intruder’s presence. While a guard dog is trained to protect their family from intruders, a watchdog’s role ends with barking to inform. And in that role, our dear Shih Tzus truly shine!
Despite their small stature— they usually weigh between 9 to 16 pounds— they are packed full with a deep bark that can scare off any uninvited visitors or alert you to their presence. This works especially well if you have a larger breed of dog in the house that could then jump into the role of a guard dog.
However, bear in mind, Shih Tzus are innately friendly and sociable, often reacting enthusiastically towards new people, including strangers. So, while they may alert you with their barks, don’t expect them to save your house from burglars. More likely, they’d end up wagging their tail and asking for a belly rub!
Adopting a dog is a big commitment and, like any other, should match your lifestyle and expectations. If you’re particularly seeking an effective guard dog, breeds such as German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers or Rottweilers might be a better fit.
Yet, if you’re in the market for a friendly and affectionate companion, a Shih Tzu could be your ideal choice. They may not shield you from a marching horde but will undoubtedly give you unconditional love and companionship, while adding an extra layer of basic security with their alertness.
Besides, this breed is particularly known for its adaptability and great temperament, making them perfect for families. They tend to be excellent with children and other pets, fitting well into diverse households.
Remember, every dog varies in nature, and a Shih Tzu’s protectiveness can be influenced through training and experiences. They may not be in the league of renowned guard dogs but investing time in training them to take on a watchdog role adds an extra layer of safety to your home.
To conclude, Shih Tzus won’t be tackling intruders anytime soon and they won’t win any awards for bravery. But they will be there, sitting by your side, providing you with endless, affectionate companionship and make your home a livelier place. And in their own way, they will help keep an alert eye on your home, proving every dog, no matter its size or cuddliness level, has its day. After all, sometimes we just need a watchful, friendly eye, rather than the jaws of a lion.
So, despite their lion-hearted namesakes and royal ancestry, let your Shih Tzus play the role they were destined for – that of a beloved, radiant, and vigilant member of your family.
