The Lion Dog ? The Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu breed is a miniature dog that has a very lovable and warm personality. You will find that this dog loves company ? whether this is from humans or other pets in the house. A great characteristic of the Shih Tzu’s is that they live to please you. There is nothing that this dog would love more than doing something that gives you pleasure.
This is why the training of this dog when done with positive reinforcement method, works like magic. At the same time you would find that this dog can be unimaginably stubborn if pushed into doing anything. If you ever want to get anything done from a Shih Tzu, never use anything else other than love and positive rewards.
The Shih Tzu loves to be the center of attraction and hate to share the limelight with anyone. They feel much neglected when children are indulged in their presence. Though they are basically very lovable and calm, they tend to show a tendency of jealousy and latent aggressiveness when attention is shifted from them to anyone else.
The Shih Tzu has a tiny build with a flat muzzle and great inquisitive eyes that seem to constantly ask you something. The head is surrounded by a profuse mane of hair and has little tufts growing around the nose as well. This often makes this dog look like the flower chrysanthemum ? for which it is also nicknamed the chrysanthemum dog. The ears are like two little pendants hanging both sides of the head and its coat is dense and medium in length. The tail of the Shih Tzu’s is completely turned on its back like a pompom giving it a sweet yet pompous look.
Watch out for separation anxiety signs in this dog if you leave it for too long alone. These dogs need your presence and love constantly. Other then this aspect, they are not pretentious about anything.
People who live with Shih Tzus find these dogs completely adorable. They have a lot of spunk for their size and they carry themselves with great dignity and aplomb. This is one reason why many people call them royal dogs.
Since the Shih Tzu is very friendly and receptive, many people prefer to train their dogs themselves and find it is not difficult at all. Just be sure use a lot of patience and many treats.
People who have lived with a Shih Tzu are convinced that these dogs are human on the inside, as they reflect in their behavior a maturity and understanding of human behavior that cannot be explained otherwise. If you want a dog that loves you forever and cannot live without you ? the Shih Tzu is your choice.