The name Shih Tzu comes from Chinese and means “lion dog.” They are affectionate, intelligent, playful, and love to be close to their owners. Among companion dogs, the Shih Tzu is particularly well-suited to being alone for extended periods. More independent than other dogs in the group, such as poodles and Maltese, they don’t usually bark excessively or create a mess in the house.
Perhaps the breed is the fourth most desired by residents in the last year.
“He is a dog that likes to be with the owner. But he lies down next to you and stays calm,” says Patricia Weiss from the Tonny Pathellli kennel. “It also depends on education. Half of the temperament is genetic, and the other comes from the owner,” explains Patricia, who has been breeding Shih Tzus for ten years.
Breed Overview:
Country of origin: China
Temperament: Active, affectionate, independent
Size: Small (up to 8 kg)
Apartment dog: Yes
The Shih Tzu breed is often confused with the Lhasa Apso. Despite their physical resemblance, some differences begin with their origin in the 1900s. While the Lhasa Apso is a Tibetan dog, the Shih Tzu was developed in China to live in imperial palaces. Additionally, the Shih Tzu has a shorter snout, rounder eyes, and tends to be more outgoing than its furry “sibling.”
Neusa Krug, a 32-year-old depilator from Santo André, in Greater São Paulo, decided to have her Shih Tzu, Frida, in search of a docile, companion dog that likes children. She pampers Frida with weekly baths, brushing, and fur hydration at the pet shop. They go on walks early in the morning to avoid the heat, always with little socks to protect Frida’s paws.
“We try to take Frida wherever we go: malls, bars… but unfortunately, many places still don’t allow her presence,” complains the proud owner.
Frida seems to reciprocate all the attention: “If I go to the kitchen 15 times, she goes with me.”
Despite being a healthy dog, care must be taken with their eyes, which, being “bulging,” can be easily injured. Owners of Shih Tzus often report problems with coprophagy – the act of the dog eating its feces, which can be triggered by a lack of nutrients or simply bad behavior (more common). Therefore, it’s crucial not to leave the puppy unsupervised – the owner must keep an eye on them, educate them, and set boundaries. “Unlike a child, the dog depends solely on you until it dies. You have to be responsible,” emphasizes the breeder Patricia.