The Shih Tzu is one of the darlings among owners who like small dogs. With a soft coat, flattened muzzle and large, drooping ears, he is super charismatic and enchants everyone with his cuteness. Precisely for this reason, there is no shortage of doubts and curiosities about the breed that combines intelligence and beauty in one package. To help you unravel them, we have gathered herebelow are the main curiosities about the Shih Tzu dog, just take a look!

1) The Shih Tzu dog breed originated in China

It is believed that the Shih Tzu is a dog of Chinese origin. That's right! Some theories point out that the animal of this breed originated in Tibet, when it was the representation of a "sacred dog". Some rumors even claim that the Shih Tzu dog was the favorite pet of the Chinese royal family during the Ming dynasty.

2) The name Shih Tzu means "lion dog"

To the surprise of some owners, the name of the Shih Tzu breed means lion dog. The name arose due to the appearance similar to that of the big cat added to a legend that Gautama Buddha - popularly known as Buddha - had ridden the earth on a lion.

3) The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest dog breeds

As with other dog breeds, information about the origin of the Shih Tzu dog is based on paintings and objects dating back millions of years, which leads to the belief that the Shih Tzu dog is one of the oldest. In addition, some documents describing the dogs as gifts from the Byzantine Empire to China prove the breed's ancestry.

4) The coat of the Shih Tzu dog can have up to 19 color combinations

The beauty of the Shih Tzu's coat is striking, but did you know that Shih Tzu dogs can come in up to 19 different color combinations? Among the most common are black and white, gold and white, brown and white, all black, red, chocolate and grey. Another striking feature of the animal's coat is the white stripe on the front of the head and on the tail.

5) The Shih Tzu is the second most chosen breed by Brazilians

When it comes to favorite dog breeds among Brazilians, the Shih Tzu occupies a very special position. This is because the dog of this breed is the second most sought after to compose Brazilian families. According to some surveys, these furry little dogs represent 11.4% of dogs in Brazil.

6) From Shih Tzu puppy to adult: companionship is a characteristic of the breed

Although some owners don't know it, the Shih Tzu's goal in life is to love and be loved by their humans and, therefore, one of the most striking traits of their personality is companionship. Therefore, those who decide to welcome a dog of this breed can expect a faithful friend for all hours - even the most inappropriate, such as going to the bathroom.

7) Shih Tzu: stubborn personality can emerge

In addition to companionship, stubbornness is another very characteristic trait of the Shih Tzu puppy's personality. For this reason, it is important that the tutor keeps in mind that the training process may require a little more patience. In this case, it is worth training the Shih Tzu puppy from an early age to be able to teach the basic tricks without difficulty.

8) The intelligence of the Shih Tzu is one of the qualities of this little dog

Although it is popularly known for its docile and companionable manner, the Shih Tzu is also considered a very intelligent dog. Occupying the 70th place in the ranking of canine intelligence, it is able to emit an alert signal when it notices the presence of strangers or unusual movements in the house. But, contrary to what many think, this does not prevent the sociability of the Shih Tzu from alsoWhen used to it from a young age, it can get along well with different types of company.

9) The Shih Tzu dog has extremely delicate eyes

As with brachycephalic dog breeds, the Shih Tzu has large and exposed eyes, which requires extra attention from guardians to avoid conditions such as ulcers, keratitis and dryness. In this case, maintaining a cleaning routine in the corners of the pet's eyes is essential - this way, you avoid the accumulation of dirt and secretions and guarantee the well-being of your friend.

10) The life expectancy of the Shih Tzu can reach 15 years

When well cared for, the Shih Tzu usually lives between 10 and 15 years. To ensure the longevity of this dog, it is important to maintain all the basic care that a pet should receive, ok? In addition to vaccinations and visits to the vet for check-ups, the tutor must offer a quality diet!

11) The Shihtzu dog adapts easily

Regardless of the style of home your Shih Tzu puppy lives in, one thing is certain: he will adapt. In the case of apartments and small houses, for example, the puppy easily gets used to noises and lack of space. On the other hand, larger houses are ideal for your Shih Tzu to have fun. However, it is worth remembering that because it is a small and fragile dog, it is ideal thatit is kept indoors, okay?

12) The Shih Tzu is an energetic dog, but not that energetic

Shih Tzu puppies love to play and run around with their guardians, but that doesn't mean they'll always be up for it, so don't be alarmed if one day your friend opts for a nap on the couch instead of a few minutes of play, okay? Still, it's important to maintain a routine of walks and hikes to take care of your pet's physical and mental health. Puppy balls, for example, canbe a great way to stimulate the dog of this breed without needing a lot of space.

13) The Shih Tzu coexists perfectly with other animals

If you already own a Shih Tzu and are thinking of adopting another pet, you don't have to be afraid! This little dog is a true diplomat and will hardly make a mess with the new member of the house. However, it is important that socialization is done gradually and respecting the limits of each pet.

14) The Shih Tzu puppy can reach R$ 4 thousand

For those who dream of having a Shih Tzu to call their own, it is important to keep in mind that financial planning is necessary. The price of the puppy usually varies between R$1,500 and R$4,500, depending on the kennel of your choice. In this case, it is important to search for reliable establishments that have a good reference.

15) Separation anxiety is one of the behavioral problems that most affect the Shih Tzu dog

As we have already mentioned, the Shih Tzu is an extremely attached dog to its owners. Precisely for this reason, the ideal is that it stays indoors, never isolated or separated from its owners. In addition, it is important to raise your pet to live independently. Otherwise, the puppy may develop separation anxiety, which is quite common in the breed.