One of America’s favorite lap dogs, the Shih Tzu is #9 on PuppySpot’s list of most popular dog breeds! Shih Tzus are known for being quiet, but playful companions who love to spend time curled up with their owners. Due to their small size, these lovable pups do well in living spaces both large and small. Want to know more about these incredibly friendly fur balls?
Here are 6 Fun Shih Tzu Facts To Know: 1. They’re an ancient breed.
While the origins of this breed are not completely certain, they are believed to have been bred thousands of years ago in Tibet to look like smaller versions of the lion, which is a sacred animal according to Buddhist belief. The name “shih tzu” actually means “lion dog” in Chinese!
2. They’re also known as the “chrysanthemum-faced dog.”
A dog nicknamed after a flower? You bet! Because of the way the dog’s fur grows outward from the middle of its face, Shih Tzus resemble the chrysanthemum flower.
3. They were once guard dogs.
Believe it or not, Shih Tzus were once used for more than just warming laps. Tibetan Monks regarded the dogs as holy, even trusting them with the task of guarding their temples. However, don’t expect the Shih Tzu to guard your house from an intruder. She’ll happily greet strangers with a gentle smile and wagging tail.
4. All of today’s Shih Tzus come from just 14 dogs.
While they were at one time very popular pets in China, Shih Tzus faced a rough patch under communist rule. The breed nearly died out during the 20th century before a few were brought to England in 1930. Their popularity took off, and those that exist today can be traced back to 14 of the serendipitous English import from China. 5. Celebrities love them.
Big names in fame such as Beyoncé, Mariah Carey and Bill Gates are a few on the list of proud celebrity Shih Tzu owners. The Dalai Lama also owns a Shih Tzu, proving the breed’s popularity among Tibetan Buddhists.
6. They are great family dogs.
According to Dogtime.com, Shih Tzu’s are great family pets and play well with children. They typically get along with other household pets as well.
Enjoy our list of Shih Tzu facts? Check out our list of adorable Shih Tzu puppies today!
We at PuppySpot believe that good health is a crucial part of responsible breeding, and a puppy’s good health begins with healthy parents. That is why we partner with the American Kennel Club to host health clinics to examine adult breeding dogs. The clinics are set up all round the U.S. and encourage breeders to … Continue reading PuppySpot & AKC Host Health Clinics for Adult Breeding Dogs→
We all want the best for our pets, and one way to ensure that your pets are healthy, happy, and safe is to keep an eye on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recall list.
Whether flying in-cabin as carry-on or flying in cargo, we’ve outlined the key steps you can take for safely and responsibly flying your dog. Follow these tips and feel good about bringing your pup on that next vacation.
It is always a pleasure working with the various chapters of Make-A-Wish®. Their wish managers and volunteers work hard to ensure the wishes of thousands of children are granted each year. Recently, Make-A-Wish has experienced quite an uptick in puppy wishes; that is where PuppySpot comes in! Thanks to a bit of coordination between Make-A-Wish … Continue reading Puppy Brings Joy to Mid-Atlantic Wish Child→
PuppySpot continues to work with the various chapters of Make-A-Wish to help grant puppy wishes for children with critical illnesses. Our first puppy wish of the year was granted with Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida. When they reached out to us, the chapter was working on a puppy wish for four-year-old Daniel, a resilient little … Continue reading A Special Surprise for Jacksonville Wish Child→
This year has brought on numerous challenges to many families. It will be a year many of us won’t soon forget. Now, it is time to put this year to rest. With 2021 comes a sense of hope, and that is what two Make-A-Wish families received just in time to bring in the new year. … Continue reading Double Wish Granting Brings Hope into 2021→
This past year has been challenging for many families. It has been particularly hard for one Make-A-Wish Southern Florida family. The Diaz family is not only dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are also in an ongoing battle with leukemia. Jaxon Diaz is a 6-year-old boy whose wish is to have a normal life. … Continue reading A New Best Friend for South Florida Wish Child→