Why Shih Tzus Behave Like Little Kings (Hint: It’s in Their Past)
Tanisha Kumari | Sep 16, 2025, 07:23 IST
Little king
( Image credit : Pexels )
Highlight of the story: Shih Tzus have always walked with royal pride, and it’s no accident. Once bred as palace dogs for Chinese emperors, these small yet confident pets carry their royal past into modern homes. Their looks, calm nature and love for comfort make families treat them like kings today. Learn why Shih Tzus still live like royalty.
Shih Tzus are often called little kings of the dog world. They walk with pride and look almost royal when they hold their head high. Many pet parents notice this special way and wonder why these tiny dogs act so big.
The story is not just about today. It comes from their old past. Long ago Shih Tzus were not just pets. They were dogs made to stay close to kings and queens of the East. This is where their royal behavior comes from.
When you look at a Shih Tzu you see soft fur, round eyes and a nose that points up with charm. This is the look that once made emperors love them and keep them in palaces which is why even today they walk like rulers.
Shih Tzu History with Royalty
The Shih Tzu breed has its roots in China many centuries ago. In fact, they were bred in palaces of emperors. Paintings and old works show these dogs sitting close to kings and queens. They were symbols of beauty and luck.
This past shaped them into calm yet confident dogs. Since they were treated with care and love by royalty, they grew used to comfort. Even now in modern homes they expect soft beds and gentle treatment.
That old royal bond left its mark. When you see your Shih Tzu demand cuddles or perch on the top of the sofa, it is their royal spirit showing.
Why Shih Tzus Act Like Little Kings
Shih Tzus do look royal. Their behavior matches it too. Many of them walk slowly in a room like they own it. They may even ignore other pets or humans until they get the attention they want.
This is linked to the way they were raised long ago. Since emperors allowed these dogs to sit nearby and follow them, they never had to fight for food or prove themselves. That calm pride stayed in their bloodline.
The small size also plays a part. Shih Tzus know humans carry them, groom them and protect them. This makes them feel like special treasure that must be treated like royalty.
Modern Shih Tzu Royal Lifestyle
Today many Shih Tzus still enjoy a royal style of living. Pet parents dress them in outfits, tie their hair with little bows and often take them to salons for spa like grooming.
They also like slow walks where people admire them. Strangers often stop to look at their flowing coats and round faces. This makes them enjoy the attention even more just like their ancestors in palaces.
In small apartments Shih Tzus manage to live like kings and their charm makes every owner want to spoil them with treats and love.
Why Families Love These Royal Dogs
Families enjoy Shih Tzus for their playful yet calm nature. They are small enough to stay in flats or city homes. At the same time their royal look makes them stand out and feel like little stars.
Children like playing with them because they are not rough and do not show much anger. Older people love them because they sit quietly on laps. Their “king like” ways make them gentle companions who rarely create trouble. This mix of beauty, calm nature and history makes Shih Tzus one of the most loved toy breeds across the world.
Shih Tzus behave like little kings because they once truly lived like them as their history in royal palaces shaped their proud looks and confident ways. Even today they enjoy special care and expect the best because it is in their blood. When a Shih Tzu walks into a room with head held high remember you are looking at a dog with a royal past.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, decode Behavior, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Shih Tzus get jealous easily?
Shih Tzus do not get jealous like other dogs but they also get possessive at times.What does Shih Tzu like the most?
Shih Tzu like to be spoiled with attention and treats.Are shih tzu one person pet?
Shih Tzus are one-person pet but can also be kept in families.
The story is not just about today. It comes from their old past. Long ago Shih Tzus were not just pets. They were dogs made to stay close to kings and queens of the East. This is where their royal behavior comes from.
When you look at a Shih Tzu you see soft fur, round eyes and a nose that points up with charm. This is the look that once made emperors love them and keep them in palaces which is why even today they walk like rulers.
Shih Tzu History with Royalty
Chinese roots
( Image credit : Pexels )
The Shih Tzu breed has its roots in China many centuries ago. In fact, they were bred in palaces of emperors. Paintings and old works show these dogs sitting close to kings and queens. They were symbols of beauty and luck.
This past shaped them into calm yet confident dogs. Since they were treated with care and love by royalty, they grew used to comfort. Even now in modern homes they expect soft beds and gentle treatment.
That old royal bond left its mark. When you see your Shih Tzu demand cuddles or perch on the top of the sofa, it is their royal spirit showing.
Why Shih Tzus Act Like Little Kings
Bloodline history
( Image credit : Pexels )
Shih Tzus do look royal. Their behavior matches it too. Many of them walk slowly in a room like they own it. They may even ignore other pets or humans until they get the attention they want.
This is linked to the way they were raised long ago. Since emperors allowed these dogs to sit nearby and follow them, they never had to fight for food or prove themselves. That calm pride stayed in their bloodline.
The small size also plays a part. Shih Tzus know humans carry them, groom them and protect them. This makes them feel like special treasure that must be treated like royalty.
Modern Shih Tzu Royal Lifestyle
Royal Style
( Image credit : Pexels )
Today many Shih Tzus still enjoy a royal style of living. Pet parents dress them in outfits, tie their hair with little bows and often take them to salons for spa like grooming.
They also like slow walks where people admire them. Strangers often stop to look at their flowing coats and round faces. This makes them enjoy the attention even more just like their ancestors in palaces.
In small apartments Shih Tzus manage to live like kings and their charm makes every owner want to spoil them with treats and love.
Why Families Love These Royal Dogs
Families enjoy Shih Tzus for their playful yet calm nature. They are small enough to stay in flats or city homes. At the same time their royal look makes them stand out and feel like little stars.
Children like playing with them because they are not rough and do not show much anger. Older people love them because they sit quietly on laps. Their “king like” ways make them gentle companions who rarely create trouble. This mix of beauty, calm nature and history makes Shih Tzus one of the most loved toy breeds across the world.
Shih Tzus behave like little kings because they once truly lived like them as their history in royal palaces shaped their proud looks and confident ways. Even today they enjoy special care and expect the best because it is in their blood. When a Shih Tzu walks into a room with head held high remember you are looking at a dog with a royal past.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, decode Behavior, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Shih Tzus get jealous easily?
Shih Tzus do not get jealous like other dogs but they also get possessive at times.What does Shih Tzu like the most?
Shih Tzu like to be spoiled with attention and treats.Are shih tzu one person pet?
Shih Tzus are one-person pet but can also be kept in families.