You're only a Real Shih Tzu Lover If You Have These 7 Things

Shih Tzu dogs are some of the cutest little creatures in the world. With their fluffy fur and adorable faces, they always look like they’re smiling. In fact, they’re so cute that it’s hard not to love them!

Are you a real Shih Tzu lover? Well, there are a few ways to tell! Let’s dive in!

You’re only a real Shih Tzu lover if you have these 7 things:

Shih Tzu Mug

This is the first (but definitely not last) thing you need to show everyone else how much you love these dogs! Get a nice big mug with “Real Shih Tzu Lovers Drink Out of Me” written on it or a cute photo of a Shih Tzu pup to make your mornings a lot brighter.

Get it here.

Shih Tzu T-shirt

This next real Shih Tzu lover’s item is a shirt. A nice, snug fit t-shirt to keep your favorite pups as close as possible all the time. Show the world how much you love your favorite dogs by wearing them on your chest! Wear it to work or out with friends. Either way, this shirt will make people grin when they see it because it’s so cute. You can find a shirt with a picture of your favorite pups on it for a variation in style.

Get it here.

Socks

These Shih Tzu socks are pretty darn cute! They can keep your feet warm while also reminding you of your favorite pup. Nothing will keep your toes as warm as those fluffy dogs! You can even get the toes imprinted with a little pawprint, so they look like your dog’s feet!

Get it here.

Car Magnet

Shih Tzus also make wonderful car magnets! You can put them on the back of your SUV, Jeep, or whatever other vehicle you drive. This is great for showing friends and family just how much you love these pups!

Get it here.

Shih Tzu Themed Jewelry

A necklace is a great way to show the world how much you love your favorite dog. Shout it from the rooftops! You can even buy a necklace with your pup’s name or birthdate on it for sentimental value. You can also buy a Shih-Tzu-shaped ring! Not only are these cute and stylish, but they will also show people that you’re serious about loving your dogs!

Get it here.

Slippers

If you really want to show off how much you love Shih Tzus, there’s one item that tops them all: Shih Tzu slippers! Although it might seem like a strange thing at first glance, these make the perfect gift and will definitely ease your pain when you step on a piece of Lego (or anything else that hurts!).

Get it here.

Shih Tzu Throw Pillow

Throw pillows are a fantastic way to give a little pizzazz to a room without actually redecorating. They are likewise very affordable; thus you can buy as many as you want! You could also get a couple throw pillow covers with your favorite pups on them so you can show the world how much you love your dogs! You can easily switch out the covers any time you need to, for instance, if one gets dirty.

Get it here.

Why are Shih Tzus So Lovable?

They’re calm and cuddly – Shih Tzus are the perfect choice for an apartment dweller or a busy family that doesn’t have a ton of space. Unlike some big breeds, they’re mellow and don’t require much exercise. They also tend to be content with 10 minutes of playtime in the morning and at night.

They’re good with kids – Shih Tzus love playing with their human friends, but they also make great playmates for children. They can be a little wary of strangers (especially around young kids), so it’s important to carefully introduce them to new people when they’re still puppies. But once they get used to you, Shih Tzus are full of kisses and affection!

They know how to relax – These dogs were bred in China as lapdogs, so that means cuddling up together on the couch is one of their favorite pastimes. Up in your lap or sprawled across your feet; they’ll take whatever space you’re willing to give them!

They’re tough – Despite their size, Shih Tzus are tough little dogs. They can live in even the coldest climates. The thick fur means they don’t need a ton of coats or sweaters to keep warm! And they’ve got great instincts, so you don’t have to worry about them getting into too much trouble when playing outside.

Their fur is just as soft as it looks – That fluffiness that makes Shih Tzus look like angels is pretty much spot on. Their coats are long and luxurious, but they’re also very fine and smooth.

Above are some of the best Shih Tzu lover’s items you can find. They show your love for these pups in many ways! With all of these items, you will be able to properly display your love for Shih Tzus everywhere – at home or out and about! Add one or more of these items to your life.

FAQ’s

How big are Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically proportional all over, not too short or too small, but a true miniature breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient royal bloodline.

Where does the Shih Tzu come from, and why was the breed developed?
The Shih Tzu lineage is hotly debated; however, one theory is that the Shih Tzu descended from a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso breeds. This cross breed that would eventually become Shih Tzus, were favourites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away.

The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as “Apsos”. The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were categorised again as Shih Tzu. The breed is now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

How is Shih Tzu pronounced, and what does it mean?
The most common and incorrect pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: Sh*t Zoo however, that isn’t actually how the little lion breed is supposed to be announced. According to the American Shih Tzu Club, the official and publicly confirmed pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: “Sheed-zoo."

The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as in traditional oriental art". Interestingly they are also known by another name tied to their European introduction. The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on their face grows out in all directions. They look like a flower with a nose for the centre.

For more than one Shih Tzu, do you say Shih Tzus?
The age-old question, it is Shih Tzu or Shih Tzus? When writing or saying the plural of Shih Tzu, it is a common mistake for a person to write or say Shih Tzus, as one would think this is the normal way to put the dog in their plural form, and in fact, it is so common that I wouldn’t be surprised if we have even made such a slip up in this very article. However, the correct way to say Shih Tzus is Shih Tzu, due it being an irregular noun, allowing the plural of Shih Tzu can be Shih Tzu, just like ‘fish and fish’. With two or more Shih Tzu, there does not need to be an ‘s’.

What colours do Shih Tzus come in?
The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be found in an array of colours and with a variety of markings. It's common for owners to not know for sure what colour their Shih Tzu is. Sometimes a puppy may be referred to as an unofficial colour that is not recognized by the AKC, or another kennel club, through which the pup is registered. And in other cases, there can be some confusion when the colour listed on the papers does not seem to match what is seen. In addition to this, it's common for Shih Tzu dogs to change colour as they grow and mature, meaning that your little snowball of joy may turn sooty in their old age.

How much attention does a Shih Tzu need?
Despite their small stature, Shih Tzu are relatively active dogs. Puppies can be extremely hyper and adults are most content when given opportunities to release stored-up energy and be out and about. Without regular moderate exercise, a Shih Tzu can start to feel pent up and frustrated. This can manifest as behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Aim to take your little guy or gal for a minimum of two 20 to 30-minute walks per day, along with sessions of play like fetch to meet exercise requirements for this breed. If so, this will allow your Shih Tzu to enjoy being inside at home, able to relax beside you (or at your feet) and with a calmer disposition.

Do Shih Tzu get along with other pets?
In general, the Shih Tzu gets along quite well with other dogs, large and small. Shih Tzu rarely suffer from the ‘short leg syndrome’ common in small dogs, and more often than not, are simply little bundle of love.

However, every dog has their own personality, and it will depend on how well your dog as well as the other dogs have been socialized. Overall the Shih Tzu breed is calm and very playful and enjoys a variety of canine friends. But keep in mind each dog has their unique personality and circumstances. To say they will all behave exactly the same isn’t very realistic.

How do I provide the best care for a Shih Tzu?
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch their diet, make sure they get plenty of exercise, regularly brush their teeth and coat, and call a veterinary clinic or pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual.

It is also a good idea to create a routine for your Shih Tzu to lessen their anxiety and ensure they live a happy and calm life. Build their routine care into your schedule to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. Most importantly a proper diet and exercise routine is key to the long-term health of your pet.