With their luxurious long coat and adorable, expressive face, the Shih Tzu is a small, friendly, and affectionate breed. Originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, they are gentle, loving, and get along well with children and other pets. Despite their small size, Shih Tzus have a confident and outgoing personality. They make excellent pets for families, apartment dwellers, and first-time dog owners due to their adaptable nature and relatively low exercise needs.