The Shih Tzu is an amazing dog that makes a wonderful pet for introvert people. This dog revels in the attention it is given and wants nothing more than to bask in your attention, which it demands constantly. Trained early, this dog can be a most loving companion in the house and never allow a dull moment in your life. These dogs are proud, imperial looking and very stubborn when not handled correctly. It is very amusing to watch the Shih Tzu's being trained with force ? they will do absolutely nothing. Training the Shih Tzu is possible only with positive reinforcement and that too after a long and patient time spent in motivating it to behave. If you are looking for a warm and friendly pet that will adore you for life, there can be no other choice than a Shih Tzu. These dogs are a joy to have around as they require next to nothing in terms of grooming and care, while they are generous with their love and loyalty. The only thing that these dogs need is you ? your love and presence.

The Shih Tzu's traces their origin to Tibet where monks, possibly, had been breeding them. Around the 17th Century these dogs were brought into Peking (China) as gifts for the Emperor. They were an instant hit with the royalty and so they then become their exclusive property. The tiny animals stayed protected by Imperial orders for two long centuries. In the 1930 a pair of these lovable dogs were brought to England and from there they reached the USA soil in 1969. Wherever these dogs went they have conquered hearts. Today, the Shih Tzu is one of the most popular breeds across the globe, both in terms of glamorous looks and as a companion.

The Shih Tzu ? owing to its temperament and looks ? has been a lot of other names. For example, for a long time in the Chinese Imperial Palaces these dogs were known as the Lion dog. This could be for two reasons. First, it looked like a miniatures lion with all the fluffy hair framing its face and second, it had the demeanor of a king

The Shih Tzu needs very little from you other than love. To keep your Shih Tzu happy, allow it to sleep on your lap, pamper it as often as you can and talk to it all the time. Grooming this dog needs special attention because of its long coat. You need to have it brushed with a hard brush to prevent matting of hair and remove the dust that accumulates on it. You need two separate types of combs ? one long toothed for the overall coat on the body and another shorter and denser for the hair around the face and feet.

Have the nails checked and cut regularly as these dogs tend to grow long nails for lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle. In case you are not comfortable with the cutting of nails at home, visit your vet periodically to get the job done. This should be done as often as necessary.

Shih Tzus are easy to train if you use the right techniques. These dogs can be very proud and stubborn, hence the training should be done only through positive reinforcement. As long as they get pampered and treated to tidbits in reward to their good behavior, the Shih Tzu's will do anything you ask of them. Since the Shih Tzu is very friendly and receptive, many people prefer to train their dogs themselves and find it is not difficult at all. Just be sure use a lot of patience and many treats.

Overall the Shih Tzu breed makes for extremely sweet pets that bring joy and happiness wherever they go. You need to keep one thing in mind when you bring home a Shih Tzu dog ? they need your love more than anything else ? and if you cannot give it to them by being there for them, it is better to choose another breed of dogs.