The Shih Tzu is America's ninth most popular dog.
And there are very good reasons for their popularity, as you will soon discover.
But before I introduce you I also want to warn you that they are not for everybody.
You may simply not be a fit.
But let me introduce you to the Shih Tzu without further ado and you can decide for yourself.
The Shih Tzu is a small dog, about nine inches in height, with a flat, broad face and a sturdy build.
They come in a wide range of colors ranging from white to black and even blue.
In fact all colors are acceptable according to the breed standard.
They have a long double coat that requires frequent grooming.
A slight wave in the hair is permissible.
The eyes are lively, large and set well apart.
Their expression is warm and friendly and some might even say a bit arrogant.
But they are coming from royal descent after all, so one should not expect any different.
But enough about looks.
Let's talk about their personality.
Looks can only get you so far after all.
In my opinion the Shih Tzu's personality is the single biggest contributor to their popularity.
 They are very friendly and social dogs by nature and you will find that they make friends very easily.
It will not take long before you find a Shih Tzu sitting in a strangers nap, snoring away as if he has known the stranger for many years.
The dog may also have a happy expression on his face and may even lick his lips every now and again out of pure enjoyment.
  Shih Tzu make great companions and are especially popular among women and children.
In fact, they have been specifically bred for to make great companions.
You will find that they get along very well with people and other dogs.
Another big plus is that a Shih Tzu does not require a lot of space.
If you stay in a small apartment you can get a Shih Tzu without any problems.
In fact the more cozy, the better Shih Tzu do not need a lot of exercise; another reason to get one if you are a bit on the lazy side yourself.
In fact, their short flat noses make it difficult for them to breath when exercise is to strenuous.
All they need is a short walk around the block.
Anything further and you will notice that they get out of breath rather quickly.
The only real drawback of the Shih Tzu (and I should not really be calling it that) is that they require a lot of attention.
If you stay alone and work long hours, this dog may not be the dog for you.
In fact you will do the dog disservice, as they crave attention.
Yes, they also need more grooming than most other types of dog, but that is a very small price to pay if you consider what you are getting: A cute and lovable companion with an inborn desire to please you.
  What more can you ask for?