Personalities

Like people, every Shih-Tzu is different. However, there are some qualities that are fairly consistent in all Shih Tzu (at least in the four that I have owned):

• adores companionship 
• loving 
• playful
• highly intelligent
• loyal
• friendly
• independent in thinking

Some Shih Tzu are more sensitive than others. My dog Cheeko ranks number 1 in this department! He hates to be left at home when we go out. If we so much as get dressed, he knows we are on our way out and starts to look sad and depressed - he lowers his chin almost to the floor, and his tail is down. He would keep looking at us this way until he hears the magic word "car car", which means we agree to take him with us and he can jump into the car. If we can not take him, he would just keep looking pathetic. When we get home, he would "cry" in protest for having left him for so long. None of my other 3 Shih Tzu behave this way. Of course they are all excited when we come home, but none appear to be so upset if we do not take them.

Because they are so intelligent, Shih Tzu only learn what they want to learn, if they want to learn. They are very independent in their thoughts, and do not take orders 'just because'. They are trainable to a certain degree, and can remember commands, but sometimes they can behave like rebellious children.

Shih Tzu are very sensitive to noises, and are good watch dogs. They will bark when someone rings the door bells, or stands by the front door, but as soon as you let them in, they realise they are your friends and stop barking almost immediately. This makes them ideal for small apartment living, as they do not bark consistently like some other breeds. In general, they like to be friends with everybody!

All Shih Tzu are playful. When I have visitors to the house, Cheeko would try to sit next to them, Dato would sit by their feet looking at them in the eyes, Chocho would go bring his favorite toy and put it on the floor as if to say "Do you want to play fetch?", and Fonfon would turn his belly over to say "Rub me!" They all want to be the center of attention!