The last few years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club has seen dog ownership soar to record levels.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Shih Tzu – they are one of the UK’s most popular breeds and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the Shih-Tzu.
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1. A dog of many names
In Mandarin, the Shih Tzu is known at the Xi Shi Dog - named after one of the most beautiful women of ancient China. In the UK in the early 20th century they were also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog, and they have also been nicknamed the Lion Dog. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
2. A mysterious mix
Nobody is entirely sure how the Shih Tzu was created. The most popular theory is that it's the result of a cross between the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
3. What's in a name?
The Shih Tzu gets it's name from the Chinese language word for 'lion'. The dog was bred to resemble lions as they are represented in traditional oriental art. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
4. In demand dogs
The Shih Tzu was so prized that for many decades the Chinese refused to trade, sell or gift them to any other countries. The first dogs arrived in England and Norway in the 1930s, with the USA having to wait until the 1960s for the breed to arrive - they were instantly hugely popular. Photo: Canva/Getty Images