Explanation of Shih-Tzu Breed and Their Purpose Has People Hugging Their Pups Tighter
While some dog breeds--like Labrador Retrievers and Australian Shepherds--have their purpose literally written in their name, other breeds' histories aren't easy to guess. For example, Dalmatians are commonly associated with firehouses, but they were actually introduced to fire departments to guard their horses!
Shih-Tzus are another breed with a history worth diving into. As Instagram su-paw-star @harveytzu and his family shared in a July 24 video, they were bred for one very specific purpose. They're not hunters, and they're not guardians--so what could they be?
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Aww--they're companion dogs! That makes so much sense with this breed's small size and spunky personality, though some owners (and neighbors) of Shih-Tzus think they'd make good guard dogs as well.
"Have you heard these litter buggers bark?" asked commenter @tonihoffman8. "They are definitely guard dogs. I have two naughty little darlings." LOL! These pups can definitely be loud when they feel the need to be, and some might even act like guard dogs without trying. After all, Shih-Tzus can be big dogs in tiny dogs' bodies!
Even with all their confidence and spunk, these dogs were bred to be their owners' companions. And they do a great job! Shih-Tzus tend to be great with kids and extremely affectionate with people they love, so they can make the perfect family dog.
As North Star Shih Tzu Rescue explains, the breed's origins are still shrouded in mystery. These dogs likely came from Tibet and were one of the earliest breeds of Tibetan holy dogs. These pups quickly evolved from monks' companions to popular dog in Chinese aristocratic society.
Those who have spent time with Shih Tzus can see how easy it is to love these friendly dogs, so it's understandable why their lineage has lasted over a millennium.
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