The personality of the Shih Tzu is a dynamic blend of an attentive and affectionate lap-dog and a worthy companion. In the home, these little pets just want to be part of the family.
The downside to the Shih Tzu is that they can be stubborn dogs. Bred to be a perfect companion, and to be proud and assertive when it comes to housebreaking and training, these characteristics could make the process a little more complicated.
There are a lot of accounts out there where inexperienced owners think raising a Shih Tzu is going to be easy (because of their loving rapport and smaller size), only to find that it takes persistence, patience, and time.
With that being said, these little dogs are all charmers. The Shih Tzu personality is hugely influenced by their intellect, as they process the world around them at a quicker rate than most toy-dogs, and love to learn.
Do not expect an astounding socialite out of your Shih Tzu, and do not expect them to be introverted or out of touch with others. This is a dog that walks through life with the self-esteem of a lion, is cautious but enthralled by strangers and unfamiliar surroundings, and expresses the unforgiving love of the Labrador within the home.
