Introduction

The Shih Tzu is the perfect lap dog and it’s no wonder why they’re one of the most popular breeds around today. We’ll take a look at 10 facts about this lovable breed that you may not know!

The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed, but it hasn’t always been a lap dog.

You might be surprised to learn that the Shih Tzu is a very old breed. In fact, it’s one of the oldest dog breeds in existence today. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they were used by royalty in China and Tibet to hunt small game such as pheasants and rabbits. Today, they are still used for hunting—and have even earned their own category at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (though they haven’t won yet).

The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular lap dog breeds around today.

As one of the most popular lap dog breeds, Shih Tzus are known for their long, flowing coats and sweet temperaments. The breed is also one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, dating back to 600 B.C., making them an important cultural artifact that has been treasured throughout history by royalty and commoners alike.

Shih Tzu dogs come in a variety of coat colors and patterns; some have white fur on their chest or paws while others have black spots or brindles (a mixture of white fur with minimally pigmented brown or black areas). Their ears can be vaned (feathered over) or folded down at all times except during playtime when they are allowed to stand upright like wings—a feature which has made the breed a favorite among Chinese emperors who believed it enhanced their beauty.

The Shih Tzu was once used to hunt small game.

The Shih Tzu was once used to hunt small game.

In the past, the Shih Tzu was used for hunting small game like birds and rodents. Their short stature made it easy for them to sneak through tall grasses or underbrush, which meant they could be stealthy when it came to tracking down prey. The long hair around their eyes also helped protect them from being blinded by twigs or other debris as they maneuvered through thick brush.

Shih Tzus are known for their long, flowing coat.

The Shih Tzu’s coat is long, silky and full. The outer coat is straight or wavy and the undercoat is dense. Shih Tzus have short hair on their heads with full cheeks and a beard.

The Shih Tzu’s name means “Lion Dog” in Chinese. This breed was originally bred to be squirrel hunting dogs, so they have a great sense of smell and are very energetic!

Despite the Shih Tzu’s small size, they are actually heavy shedders.

You might think that a small dog like the Shih Tzu wouldn’t shed much. However, it’s important to know that despite their size and their long hair, they are actually heavy shedders. This means that you’ll need to brush your Shih Tzu’s coat daily and bathe them regularly (about once every week or two) in order to prevent buildup of dead hair and dander which can irritate allergies to people with sensitive skin.

Shih Tzus have a broad range of coat colors and markings.

Shih Tzus have a broad range of coat colors and markings. Their coats can be black, brown, red, white or cream. In addition to these basic color options there are also shih tzu markings available: solid (no other color on the body), parti-color (two different colors on the body), brindle (stripes like a tiger) and spotted.

The length of a Shih Tzu’s coat can vary from short to long depending on their genetics and whether they have been groomed properly. Longer hair is more prone to matting than shorter hair so if you plan on keeping your dog’s fur long then you should start brushing them daily right away!

Shih Tzus have a very long history with royalty.

Shih Tzus have a very long history with royalty. The breed originated in China, where they were popular with Chinese royalty as early as 200 BC. They also became popular in Japan around the same time and remained so until the early 1900s. In fact, Shih Tzus are still considered one of the most important dog breeds in Asia today—particularly in China and Japan.

Despite their regal appearance, the Shih Tzu has a variety of nicknames that aren’t so flattering.

Despite their regal appearance, the Shih Tzu has a variety of nicknames that aren’t so flattering. The Shih Tzu is also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog, Chrysanthemum Bear and Chrysanthemum Lion. And while these names may sound like they were made up by someone who had too much to drink at a party (or maybe just needed another nickname), they actually refer to certain characteristics of this breed.

The shaggy coat of the Shih Tzu makes them look like little lions or bears with flowers on their heads – hence why they get called those things! These small dogs have been around since 600 BC when they were bred in China as watchdogs for royalty because they make great guard dogs; however, because of their loving personalities and intelligence level most people consider them more lapdogs than anything else!

The name “Shih Tzu” literally means Lion Dog in Chinese.

The Shih Tzu is a breed of dog that was first bred in the Tibetan Plateau in the 1600s. It has been known by many names, including the “Lion Dog” and “Lion” due to its long flowing coat. Like most breeds, nicknames are common when referring to this breed.

The name Shih Tzu literally means “little lion” or “lion dog.” This type of breed originated in Tibet but was popularized by members of royalty and nobility during China’s Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In addition to being companions for wealthy people, these dogs were also used as guard dogs because they were small enough to be carried around without being noticed by intruders yet big enough not get stepped on easily if attacked by an intruder.

There are many famous Shih Tzus from popular media!

If you’re a fan of movies, TV, or books, you may have noticed that there are a lot of Shih Tzus in them!

The Shih Tzu’s popularity extends far beyond your local dog park. They’ve been featured in some big-time movies and TV shows. For example:

• In the 2011 film “The Artist,” the main character’s pet was a real-life Shih Tzu named Peppy Le Pew. She even won an award for Best Supporting Actress at Cannes Film Festival!
• In the popular animated series “Up,” Dug the dog has been voiced by three different actresses over time—but one thing remains constant: his adorable fur coat and floofy ears are based on a real life shih tzu with floppy ears that belonged to director Pete Docter’s wife (and co-writer) Jan Pinkava!
• Harry Potter fans might recognize Pigwidgeon as one of Harry’s pets at Hogwarts; this fictional owl is actually based on Neville Longbottom’s real life pet—his own shih tzus Luna and Remus Lupin (get it?).

You can motivate yourself without being mean to yourself.

Since we’re all human, none of us are perfect. We all make mistakes and sometimes our lives can be pretty messy. As a result, it’s important to remember that you don’t always need to beat yourself up for things that happen in the past or for not being perfect. Instead of criticizing yourself, try treating yourself with kindness, self-care and compassion instead! You may not have done everything perfectly, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t still an amazing person who deserves to be cared for.

You’re your own best friend and parent; treat yourself as such by practicing self-compassion!

Conclusion

The Shih Tzu is a charming and elegant breed, with a long history of serving as companions to royalty. Despite their regal appearance, they are playful and affectionate dogs who make great pets for both first-time owners and experienced dog lovers alike. Their coats require some time and effort to maintain, but with proper grooming tools like brushes and combs on hand you can keep them looking their best!