Scientists from the University of St Andrews in Scotland claim that owning a Shih Tzu can make a person look up to 10 years younger.
According to researcher Zhiqiang Feng, having a Shih Tzu at home correlates with a physical activity level equivalent to that of someone ten years younger. While it might not add a decade to your life, the benefits are substantial.
Staying active has been proven to prevent various diseases, especially those related to muscles and bones. Beyond the physical advantages, Shih Tzus also have a positive impact on mental health, with dog owners showing lower levels of depression on average.
The study, published in the journal “Preventive Medicine,” involved 547 people to assess their movements. The results indicated that dog owners are more likely to engage in physical activities compared to non-dog owners.