10 Things You NEVER Knew About Shih Tzu Dogs

Table of Contents

Introduction

Shih tzu dogs are known for their fluffy fur, sweet demeanors and funny faces. They’re one of the most popular breeds in America, but there are still some things you might not know about these adorable lapdogs. Read on to learn more about these little pups:

1 They Were Royalty

The shih tzu was a royal dog. It was the favorite of China’s Imperial family, and it was also a symbol of wealth and status. The shih tzu was even gifted to Queen Victoria by the Chinese Emperor in 1862 as a symbol of friendship between England and China.

2 They Are Extremely Friendly

Shih Tzus Are Extremely Friendly

Shih Tzu dogs have been called “the world’s happiest dog.” They are affectionate and loyal, which makes them great family pets. They love to play and make friends with children, other dogs and cats—even chickens! If you have a Shih Tzu, you will never have to worry about him being aggressive or mean toward other people or animals in your house.

The Shih Tzu is known for being a good watchdog too because they bark when they hear strangers outside their home. Although if the person is friendly and well-known by their owner (like a mailman), then they won’t be barkers because they know that person isn’t dangerous! This quality makes them one of the best guard dogs out there as long as you teach yours how NOT TO BITE anyone who comes into your house without permission first!

3 They Don’t Shed Much

Shih Tzu dogs are hypoallergenic, which means they don’t shed much. These little dogs are perfect for people who are allergic to other types of fur or dander. Shih Tzus do not shed an excessive amount of hair, so if you have allergies this breed may be a good option for you.

Some people say that their dog’s coats look better after being shaved down in the summer months (the heat can make some coat types look dry and dull). However, if your shih tzu has a thick double coat like most long-haired breeds do then shaving him will only make his coat look thinner!

4 They Are the First Breed in America

If you thought the Shih Tzu was a relatively new trend, think again. The Shih Tzu is actually one of the oldest breeds in the world, having been around for over 2,000 years!

The first time that Shih Tzus were brought to America was back in 1872. They were brought over by British immigrants who wanted to share their love for these small dogs with other people in America. At this point, all anyone knew about these cute pups was that they were lapdogs and enjoyed being held close by their owners. However, it wasn’t long before people started noticing something strange about these furry friends: they had very short hair and didn’t shed at all! This made them perfect pets for women who wanted fluff-free clothes at home or work because they could easily keep up with grooming needs without worrying about any extra messes being made around them (which would have been very unappealing).

5 Their Name Means ‘Lion Dog’ in Chinese

The name of this breed means “Lion Dog” in Chinese.

Legend has it that the Shih Tzu was bred to be a companion dog for royalty and monks. The lion is considered a symbol of good fortune and strength, so it only makes sense that these dogs would have been bred with such noble qualities in mind.

6 Their Male Bodily Function Is A Bit Different From Canines

This is one of the more interesting facts about shih tzu dogs: they have a slightly different reproductive system than most other dog breeds.

Shih Tzu dogs are the only breed of dog that urinates while sitting down, which means their male bodily function is a bit different from canines. The reason for this is because they have a slightly different reproductive system, and are not able to breed with other dogs. They also do not have nipples on their chest like most female dogs do, but rather they have teats that look similar to human breasts.

7 They Were Popular Pets With Celebrities

Shih Tzu dogs have been popular pets of celebrities for years. Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra all owned shih tzu dogs.

The shih tzu dog breed was created by breeding Lhasa Apsos with pugs to create what is now known as Shih Tzus.

8 They’re Hypoallergenic When Cross-Bred With a Poodle

Crossing the shih tzu with a poodle will produce a hypoallergenic dog. This means that they have less dander than other dogs, and are therefore less likely to cause allergies in humans.

9 They Have Floppy Ears But No Ear Issues

If you’re a fan of Shih Tzus, you may know that they have floppy ears. Floppy ears are caused by genetics, but they don’t affect the dog’s health in any way besides how cute he looks. However, floppy ears can cause ear infections if not properly taken care of. The best way to prevent this is by cleaning your dog’s ears regularly and keeping an eye out for any signs of infection such as redness or pain when your pet shakes its head.

Shih tzus are also prone to ear issues because they have such large heads compared to other breeds—their long snout makes it harder for them to keep their ears dry while swimming or playing outside during rainy days.* Although many shih tzu puppies will grow into their faces and develop straight or semi-erect erections as adults, some dogs don’t grow out of their puppy phase until much later in life which means they’ll always have droopy ear flaps!

10 These Dogs Are Brachycephalic

The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular breeds in America, ranking 13th on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) list of top registered breeds. They’re small, affectionate dogs with a unique appearance that makes them popular with people who want a pet that looks different from other dogs but still has some similar characteristics. Even though they’re small in size and have long hair, these adorable companions are not recommended for families with children because they have health problems associated with being brachycephalic dogs—dogs with short noses and narrow nostrils.

Shih-tzus are adorable and intelligent lapdogs that don’t shed much.

Shih-tzus are adorable and intelligent lapdogs that don’t shed much. They can be very affectionate, but they don’t need a lot of exercise. Shih tzus make good companions for people who want to spend more time at home.

They’re also hypoallergenic when cross-bred with a poodle, making them a great choice for people with allergies or anyone else who can’t have dogs in their house because of asthma or other respiratory problems.

Conclusion

Shih Tzus are a great breed for any dog lover. They can be trained to do almost anything, including fetching the newspaper or bringing you your slippers. They are also very affectionate and loyal so they will always be there by your side when you need them most. If you’re looking for an energetic lapdog with lots of personality then this may be just what you’ve been searching for!