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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5. Famous fans
Celebrity Shih Tzu owners include Nicole Richie, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Colin Farell and Bill Gates. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Winter warmers
Chinese noble women used Shih Tzus to keep warm during the chilly winter months.Dogs would be carried inside their royal robes, used as bed warmers, and trained to lie on their feet to keep their toes toasty. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Tibetan Heritage
The Shih Tzu originated in Tibet but became very popular in China, where they were prized by the royal family who are thought to have received them as gifts from TIbetan monks. Shih Tzus appear in Chinese tapestries that are over 2,000 years old. Photo: Canva/Getty images
8. They almost became extinct
The Shih Tzu nearly became extinct during the Chinese communist revolution. The death of Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, who supervised the world's larget breeding programme of the dog, was the main reason. Every Shih Tzu in the world now can be traced back to the 14 dogs that survived the regime change. Photo: Canva/Getty Images