Are Shih Tzu's Smart?
The Shih Tzu is a breed of dog that has been around for centuries. Shih Tzus are typically considered to be smart dogs and have even been to assist farmers and tradesmen in the past. However, Shih Tzus can also be stubborn at times. Shih Tzu's intelligence varies from individual to individual, but most people agree they are pretty good problem solvers. In this article we will talk about if Shih Tzu’s are smart and the things that can impact their level of intelligence.
How Smart Are Shih Tzu’s?
Shih Tzu's are a very intelligent breed of dog. They can be trained to do anything from playing fetch and jumping through hoops to competing in agility or obedience trials. Shih Tzu’s were bred for centuries by the Chinese as “little lion dogs,” because they had been used for facing lions and other big cats that preyed on domesticated animals such as chickens and ducks. Hence their fearless nature and bold, confident attitude. Shih Tzus are often nicknamed the “little lion dog” for their bold, confident, and fearless nature.
They love to learn tricks as well as do anything that will get them attention. Shih Tzu can be trained to do anything from playing fetch and jumping through hoops to competing in agility or obedience trials. Shown at no time during testing did these Shih Tzus show any type of pack mentality tendencies (which is often seen when there is more than one animal).
When tested with objects which would invoke predatory instincts –a toy rat was introduced, Shih Tzus were passive and showed no aggression response. Shih Tzus also displayed a high level of curiosity, but never tried to touch or mouth the rat.
What Are The Characteristics of A Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzu is a toy breed of dog that originated in China. Shih Tzus are small dogs, but they have the potential to grow up to 15 inches tall and weigh up to 12 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzu's come with many different breeds including the Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Havanese or Poodle mixes all will typically vary in size according to their mix.
Shih Tzu's also come with two coat choices which include long-haired Shih Tsu's or short-haired Shih Tsu's both types require regular grooming though some owners may prefer one over another based on personal preference and the climate they live in.
Generally speaking, Shih Tzus can be naughty or nice depending on Shih Tzu's personality but they are known for being smart and generally easy to train. Shih Tsu's come with many different eye colors including blue, brown, green, and any combination thereof which can make Shih Tzus look like a chameleon at times.
Shih Tzu's are said to be one of the most popular dog breeds. Shih Tzus can have brown, white, or black fur and curly hair. Shih Tzus wear a long coat that is soft and fluffy. Shih Tzu's make excellent pets because they love the human company more than other dog breeds do which means they will often follow their owners around the house much like cats! They also tend to enjoy cuddles from other people too so don't be surprised if you get lots of hugs when you're out walking your friend! The best thing about Shih Tzu’s is their amazing personalities - this breed tends to have an attitude with a smile on its face meaning Shih Tzu’s have wonderfully fun personalities and you're never left feeling bored when spending time with your Shih Tzus friend.
How To Train A Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are not usually too challenging to train. They're intelligent dogs and they like pleasing their owners, so all you'll need is a lot of patience to get the Shih Tzu on your team.
You don't want to yell or punish Shih Tzus because it's going to confuse them and make training more difficult. Instead, be gentle but firm with commands that the Shih Tzu understands (like "sit" for example) by using treats as rewards to teach good behavior. Shih Tzus responds best when positive reinforcement is applied, rather than negative attention!
Add some variety into training sessions by giving your Shih Tzu one command per day at a different time and place (like a couch for example). Shih Tzus are usually food-motivated, so make sure you have some treats on hand to reward them with.
Shih Tzus also enjoy playing, so make sure you incorporate games and puzzles into your Shih Tzu training.
Why You Should Adopt A Shih Tzu For Your Family
Shih Tzu's are one of the most popular breeds for families. Shih Tzu's are affectionate, playful, and full of life. Shih Tzus have a double coat that sheds - If you're not prepared to take care of their fur, Shih Tzus might not be your best option as they will leave behind hair all-around your home.
Shih Tzus love attention from humans - They need daily interaction with family members or they can get lonely and depressed easily. ShiiT Tzu’s often don't do well in apartments because they like to bark at everything outside - It is also very important for them to be able to go out on walks regularly. Shih Tzus are quite social and do not like to be alone for a long period.
Shih Tzu's need plenty of exercise - They can't get enough walking, playing, or running around. Shih Tzus have no problem being groomed regularly because they don't shed much hair - Shih Tzus love the attention that grooming brings them!
Adopting any dog will require upkeep in terms of feeding, training, and bathing but it tends to be easier with Shih Tzu’s than other breeds because they're so small and easy to manage.
The average lifespan is 12 years old which isn't too bad considering these dogs only weigh about 11-14 pounds Shih Tzu's are super smart and can learn tricks quickly. They love to be part of the family! Shih Tzus just need a lot of attention, grooming or they will get depressed easily.
