Top Ten Dog Breeds of 2008

The Shih Tzu is a feisty but sweet little lap dog with an assertive personality. Its coat is typically long and luxurious, but can also be trimmed short.

The Shih Tzu is of Asian descent, where it was once known to be a household pet to the Ming Dynasty. This noble history probably contributes to its bold, confident attitude. The breed is sometimes called the "chrysanthemum dog" because of the hair growth pattern on its face. Many people think the Shih Tzu looks like an adorable little gremlin - maybe that's why one of the most common names for the Shih Tzu is Gizmo!

More About the Shih Tzu