Shih Tzu dogs have a lot of behaviors that are found only in their breed and sometimes that is a good thing and sometimes that is not such a good thing. Before you invest in a Shih Tzu dog, and bring one home with you, you may want to look up their typical behavior and see if they are the right kind of dog for you and your family.

Shih Tzu dogs like it quiet and they do not react well to a lot of noise and a lot commotion. For this reason Shih Tzu dogs are not the best dogs to have around kids. Kids have a tendency to make a lot of noise and if they are young enough they can sometimes make too much noise for the Shih Tzu. One reaction a Shih Tzu has to noise is a nervous biting habit so you may want to talk with your breeder about mixing a Shih Tzu and kids.

Shih Tzu dogs descend from the dogs that were preferred by Chinese royalty and it seems that every generation since the original generation knows that and acts like it. They carry themselves very well, they are very dignified little dogs, but they are also playful and happy dogs when they feel comfortable and at ease. They do not require a lot of exercise but when they get going they certainly do love to play.

A Shih Tzu may look like your typical little yip dog but in reality the Shih Tzu is not nearly as vocal and as annoying as many other breed of toy dogs are.

They do not bark all day long and they do not carry on vocally at all unless they have a very good reason. They don't make great watchdogs but they only speak when they really mean it.

Shih Tzu dogs can be very stubborn and they definitely like to think for themselves. Chances are that a Shih Tzu will not be bringing back the stick you throw for it because they just don't feel like it. This stubbornness can also translate into housebreaking issues and it could take almost six months to finally housebreak the stubborn Shih Tzu.

Some people love Shih Tzu dogs because they require, and thrive on, a lot of attention. They need constant brushing for their long beautiful coat but mostly they just hate being left alone.

If you are looking for a pet that will love your constant attention and a pet you can shower affection on that will not only appreciate the affection but also return it then you want to think about getting a Shih Tzu.