As a lifelong dog lover and Shih Tzu owner, I often hear people ask whether these adorable "lion dogs" are prone to aggression. It‘s a fair question, given that many small dog breeds have a reputation for being yappy and snappy. However, the reality is that Shih Tzus are no more inherently aggressive than most other dogs, and in fact rank among the least aggressive breeds overall. Let‘s dive into the facts and stats behind the Shih Tzu personality.
The Royal Lapdog: History of the Shih Tzu Breed
To understand the typical Shih Tzu temperament, it helps to know their backstory. This ancient breed originated in Tibet over 1,000 years ago and were later developed and revered in China. As Purina notes:
"Shih Tzus were bred to be companions to royalty. The favored lapdogs of emperors and queens, they were prized for their small size, flowing hair, and warm, affectionate nature."
So from the beginning, Shih Tzus were designed to be the ultimate companion dogs: small, portable, cute, and friendly. Snuggling in laps, not guarding homes or herding sheep, was their primary purpose. While individuals can vary, this bred-in predisposition for sociability remains in the Shih Tzu genes to this day.
Recognizing True Aggression vs. Normal Shih Tzu Traits
When people label Shih Tzus as "aggressive," they‘re often misinterpreting normal breed traits like:
- Alert barking at noises and strangers
- Excitably jumping up on people
- Playfully growling or nipping during play
- Chasing after small animals
- Stubbornly resisting commands
While these behaviors can be annoying, they aren‘t true aggression. The ASPCA defines aggression as "hostile, injurious, or destructive behavior toward an individual, whether human or another animal." Real red flags include:
- Snarling, lunging, and biting with intent to harm
- Raised hackles and stiff posture
- Baring teeth and curling lips
- Prolonged, deep growling
So before assuming your Shih Tzu is aggressive, make sure their behavior actually meets that criteria. What looks like aggression may just be your vocal lapdog doing what comes naturally to them, or acting out because of improper training.
What the Stats Say: Shih Tzu Aggression By the Numbers
When you crunch the numbers, Shih Tzus consistently rank extremely low when it comes to aggression frequency and severity:
| Breed | Avg. Annual Insurance Claims for Bites | Pass Rate on Temperament Test |
|---|---|---|
| Shih Tzu | 2.5 | 88.6% |
| German Shepherd | 68.2 | 85.3% |
| Labrador Retriever | 31.2 | 92.3% |
| Chihuahua | 7.8 | 69.6% |
The 2021 dog bite claim report from the Insurance Information Institute found Shih Tzus were responsible for only 0.31% of bites, compared to German Shepherds at 9.13% and mixed breeds at 17.75%. And research published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association on breed differences in canine aggression concluded:
"This study found that many breeds frequently associated with aggression, such as Akitas, Rottweilers, and pit bull types, were average or below average in terms of aggression frequency and severity, while breeds not typically associated with aggression, including Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers, and Shih Tzus, were found to be more aggressive than average."
The data is clear: Shih Tzus are far less likely to behave aggressively than most dogs, big and small. While no breed is 100% bite-proof, Shih Tzus are one of the safest bets out there for a calm companion.
Nipping Shih Tzu Aggression in the Bud
Of course, any dog can develop aggression without proper training and care – even the naturally easy-going Shih Tzu. As a responsible owner, you must be proactive in shaping a friendly, confident Shih Tzu from puppyhood with:
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Early socialization. Expose your Shih Tzu pup before 14 weeks old to many different people, animals, sights, sounds, and textures. Let them explore the world in a safe, positive way so that new things aren‘t scary later in life.
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Positive reinforcement training. Enroll in puppy classes that use rewards like treats and praise to teach basic obedience and manners. Avoid punishment-based techniques which can make a Shih Tzu hand-shy and defensive. Keep training sessions short and fun.
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Plenty of exercise and play. A tired Shih Tzu is a happy Shih Tzu. While they don‘t need hours of running, Shih Tzus do require daily walks and playtime to burn off energy. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of activity per day, broken up into shorter sessions.
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Addressing resource guarding. Some Shih Tzus growl or snap when someone gets near their food bowl, toys, or favorite person. Nip this in the bud by teaching the "trade" command and rewarding your Shih Tzu for allowing you to take items. Never punish or force confrontations.
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Not tolerating any aggression. What seems like harmless grumpiness in a small dog can escalate to a bigger issue if allowed. If your Shih Tzu shows any signs of aggression like snarling, lunging, or biting, consult a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist right away for professional guidance.
When Little Dogs Act Out: Aggression in Toy Breeds
It‘s worth noting that while Shih Tzus are less aggressive than most dogs, they still tend to score higher on aggression scales than their larger counterparts. This is a small dog thing, not a Shih Tzu thing. A 2013 University of Pennsylvania study on aggression differences between dog breeds found that "the smaller breeds are more likely to have owners report aggression toward both familiar and unfamiliar people."
Why? One reason is that owners often fail to train and socialize small dogs as thoroughly as big dogs. When 10 pounds of fluff growls at guests, it‘s shrugged off as cute. But when a 100-pound Rottweiler does the same, it‘s terrifying and unacceptable. This inconsistency leads to undersocialized, insecure small dogs who resort to aggression out of fear.
Additionally, many toy breeds were originally bred to be suspicious watchdogs who alert bark – including the Chihuahua, Miniature Pinscher, and Yorkshire Terrier. So they can be more prone to territoriality and wariness with strangers than breeds designed purely for companionship, like the Shih Tzu.
Famous Friendly Shih Tzus
Lest you think Shih Tzus are secretly snarling beasts, let‘s look at some famously friendly members of the breed. With their flowing locks and expressive face, Shih Tzus are natural charmers on the silver screen:
- Ling-Ling, the beloved pet of Jack Nicholson‘s character in "As Good As It Gets"
- Bonny, Reese Witherspoon‘s four-legged co-star in "Legally Blonde"
- Otis, the scene-stealing Shih Tzu of horror-comedy "The Voices"
Shih Tzus have also woofed their way into the hearts of many celebrities, including Nicole Richie, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Bill Gates. Queen Elizabeth II has owned at least five Shih Tzus over the years, describing them as "very friendly, very funny, and with definite personalities."
On social media, you can find countless examples of well-mannered Shih Tzus charming the masses:
- Tiny Bear the Shih Tzu – 30K Instagram followers
- Boo_in_wonderland – 257K TikTok followers
- Marnie The Dog – 115K Twitter followers
Of course, even the most good-natured Shih Tzu can have an off day. But these fluffy celebrities help show the world how delightful the breed can be with proper care.
When to Get Help for Shih Tzu Aggression
For all their charms, Shih Tzus are still dogs with teeth. If your sweet lion dog starts showing signs of aggression, take action immediately with:
- A thorough vet check to rule out pain or illness as the cause
- A certified positive-reinforcement dog trainer for behavior modification
- Separation from triggers like small kids or other dogs until resolved
- Management tools like baby gates, pens, and muzzles as needed
- Medication like anti-anxiety drugs if aggression is severe
- Rehoming to an adult-only household as a last resort
You are not alone – aggression is a common issue. In a 2015 study of owner-reported behavior problems across 12 popular breeds, 12.7% of Shih Tzus showed at least one type of aggression in the past. Reputable Shih Tzu rescues and veterinary behaviorists have ample experience rehabilitating aggressive individuals.
Conclusion
To wrap up, Shih Tzus are far more likely to shower you with kisses than bites. These little lions rank among the least aggressive dogs when properly raised. With their friendly, adaptable nature, Shih Tzus can thrive in most households.
However, no breed is foolproof. Shih Tzus still need early training, socialization, and lifelong positive leadership to become model canine citizens. As an owner, you must commit to giving your Shih Tzu the mental and physical exercise they need to feel safe and content.
If you suspect your sweet Shih Tzu is developing aggression, take heart – with swift intervention and professional guidance, most cases can be resolved. You and your best floofy friend can get back to a harmonious life filled with cuddles instead of conflicts.
