You've seen them on posh pillows. You've seen them in those ridiculous dog shows with hair trailing three feet behind them like a bridal gown. Because of that, most people think a Shih Tzu is just a living stuffed animal. They're wrong. Honestly, the Shih Tzu dog behavior you see in a living room is more "retired emperor" than "lap ornament." These dogs have been bred for over a thousand years to do exactly one thing: hang out with people. But that long history in the palaces of Chinese royalty has left them with a weird, stubborn, and deeply charming personality that catches new owners off guard.
They're sturdy. Unlike a Yorkie or a Chihuahua that might tremble if you sneeze too loud, a Shih Tzu is surprisingly solid. They have a "big dog" ego trapped in a small, fluffy body. If you’re looking for a dog that will fetch a ball for three hours, keep looking. If you want a roommate who judges your Netflix choices while demanding a belly rub, you’ve found your match.
Why They Act Like They Own the Place
The roots of Shih Tzu dog behavior go back to the Ming and Manchu Dynasties. These weren't working dogs. They didn't hunt. They didn't herd. They sat on laps in the Forbidden City. This history created a breed that is incredibly affectionate but lacks the "eagerness to please" that you find in a Golden Retriever.
Dr. Stanley Coren, a renowned psychologist and dog expert, famously ranked the Shih Tzu on the lower end of working intelligence in his book The Intelligence of Dogs. But talk to any owner and they’ll tell you Coren missed the point. It’s not that they’re dumb. It’s that they’re stubborn. They hear the command. They just don't see the benefit in doing it right now. They calculate the ROI of every sit, stay, and come. If there isn't a piece of high-quality chicken involved, they might just decide to take a nap instead.
The Stubborn Streak is Real
It’s often called "Shiba-esque" stubbornness. If a Shih Tzu doesn't want to walk, they turn into a 12-pound anchor. They'll just plop down on the sidewalk. You can tug, you can plead, you can offer praise—they aren't moving until they feel like it. This is a core part of the breed's identity. They have a very high sense of self-worth.
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The Mystery of the "Zoomies" and Sudden Energy
For a dog that spends 80% of its day looking like a decorative rug, they have these bizarre bursts of energy. In the world of Shih Tzu dog behavior, these are the "zoomies." One minute they’re snoring, the next they’re doing laps around the coffee table at Mach 5.
It's a release of pent-up energy. Since they aren't built for long-distance running (their flat faces, or brachycephalic structure, make breathing hard during intense cardio), they condense all their exercise into five minutes of pure chaos. It’s hilarious. It’s also a sign they’re happy. A depressed or bored Shih Tzu won’t zoom; they’ll just chew on your baseboards.
Barking: Friend or Foe?
They are surprisingly good watchdogs. They won't bite an intruder—they’ll probably try to lick them—but they will definitely tell you someone is at the door. Their bark is deeper than you’d expect. It’s a "whoof" rather than a "yip." However, if not socialized, this can turn into "alert barking" at every falling leaf.
Separation Anxiety vs. Independent Chill
Here’s where it gets nuanced. Most small breeds are "velcro dogs." They follow you into the bathroom, they cry when you leave, they lose their minds. Shih Tzus love you, but they’re also kind of okay with you being gone as long as the house is comfortable.
That said, they can develop separation anxiety if they aren't taught to be alone. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the breed is prone to being "house-proud," but they thrive on human contact. If you work 12-hour shifts, don't get a Shih Tzu. They won't destroy your couch out of spite, but they will become withdrawn and depressed. They need the presence of their humans, even if they aren't actively playing.
The Housebreaking Nightmare
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Or the puddle on the rug. Shih Tzu dog behavior regarding potty training is... challenging. Many professional trainers rank them as one of the hardest breeds to housebreak.
Why?
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- Small Bladders: They’re tiny.
- The Weather Factor: They hate the rain. If it’s wet outside, a Shih Tzu will look at the grass, look at you, and decide the kitchen rug is a much better option.
- Stubbornness: Again, they don't see why they should go out in the cold when the house is climate-controlled.
Consistency is the only way out. If you slack for even a weekend, you’re back to square one. Many owners eventually resort to indoor potty pads or "litter boxes" for dogs, especially in high-rise apartments. It's not a failure; it's an adaptation to the breed's inherent "I'm not going out there" attitude.
Social Life with Other Pets
Usually, they’re great with other dogs. They don't have a high prey drive, so they usually ignore cats or even try to befriend them. A Shih Tzu doesn't want to fight for dominance. They want to be the center of attention, but they’re happy to share the stage if the other dog isn't too aggressive.
Be careful with big dogs, though. Because Shih Tzus don't realize how small they are, they might stand their ground against a German Shepherd. Their eyes are also very prominent and can be easily scratched during rough play. Their "behavior" might be bold, but their bodies are fragile.
Dealing with "Small Dog Syndrome"
This isn't a genetic trait; it’s a training failure. Because they’re cute, owners let them get away with murder. They jump up, they growl over treats, they snap at strangers. People laugh because it’s a 10-pound furball doing it. If a Rottweiler did it, they’d call a trainer.
When you treat a Shih Tzu like a real dog, their behavior improves drastically. They respond well to positive reinforcement. They shut down if you yell. They’re sensitive souls. A harsh "No!" can hurt their feelings for the rest of the afternoon. Honestly, they’re a bit dramatic.
Real-World Case: The "Treat" Negotiation
I once watched a Shih Tzu owner try to get their dog to come inside. The dog stood at the edge of the porch, staring. The owner offered a piece of kibble. The dog didn't move. The owner offered a piece of cheese. The dog walked halfway. The owner added a piece of chicken. Only then did the dog complete the journey.
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This is the essence of Shih Tzu dog behavior. They aren't submissive. They are negotiators.
The Grooming-Behavior Connection
You might not think brushing your dog has anything to do with behavior, but with this breed, it’s everything. If a Shih Tzu is matted, they become irritable. Imagine wearing a shirt that’s three sizes too small and made of sandpaper. That’s what mats feel like.
Dogs that aren't groomed regularly often become "snappy." They don't want to be touched because it hurts. Conversely, a Shih Tzu that is used to daily brushing is often more calm and handled more easily by vets. It builds a bond of trust. If you can’t commit to the grooming, you have to commit to the "puppy cut" (short hair) to keep their personality from turning sour.
Common Misconceptions
- "They’re yappy." Actually, they’re relatively quiet compared to Terriers.
- "They’re lazy." They’re low-energy, yes, but they still need walks to prevent obesity, which is a huge health risk for them.
- "They aren't smart." They’re brilliant at manipulating humans. That’s a form of intelligence.
Health Issues That Look Like Bad Behavior
Sometimes, what looks like a behavior problem is actually a medical one. Because of their flat faces, they can get overheated easily. If your Shih Tzu is refusing to walk on a hot day, it’s not just stubbornness—they might be struggling to breathe.
Also, they are prone to IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease). If they suddenly stop jumping on the couch or act aggressive when picked up, it’s likely pain, not a sudden change in attitude. Always rule out the vet before calling the trainer.
Actionable Steps for a Better-Behaved Shih Tzu
If you're struggling with your dog's attitude, stop treating them like a baby. It sounds harsh, but it's the best thing you can do for them.
- Set Firm Boundaries: Don't let them beg at the table just because they look like an Ewok.
- Use High-Value Rewards: Use real meat for training, not dry biscuits. You have to win the negotiation.
- Socialize Early: Take them to different environments. Get them used to different sounds. A bored Shih Tzu is a barky Shih Tzu.
- Routine is King: Especially for potty training. Feed at the same time, walk at the same time. Their internal clock will eventually override their stubbornness.
- Check the Eyes: Keep the hair out of their eyes. If they can't see properly, they get jumpy and nervous. Use a top-knot or keep it trimmed short.
Managing Shih Tzu dog behavior isn't about dominance. It’s about partnership. You provide the snacks and the comfortable bed; they provide the companionship and the occasional comedic relief. Just don't expect them to apologize for peeing on the rug if it was raining outside. In their mind, that's your fault for not stopping the rain.
Next Steps for Success:
Start a "nothing in life is free" protocol. Before your Shih Tzu gets their dinner, a treat, or even a belly rub, make them do a simple task like "sit" or "paw." This subtly reinforces that while they may be royalty, you are still the one running the palace. Consistent, 5-minute training sessions daily will do more for their behavior than one long session a week ever could.