For centuries in China and then spreading worldwide as prized pampered pets, the cheerful little long-haired Shih Tzu, with endearing soulful eyes and a button nose, has a sweet and affectionate companion nature and is a delight to enjoy. Affectionate to a fault and deeply devoted to their humans, the breed doesn’t require a lot of space and is very adaptable to a wide variety of lifestyles. Shih Tzu’s are considered by many to be hypo-allergenic, making them a good choice for many allergy sufferers. The breed has minimal exercise requirements easily met with short walks or lively indoor games. The Shih Tzu make wonderful travel companions due to their compact size and are an excellent choice for the indulgent owner wanting to pamper and spoil. The coats are prone to tangles and matting so regular brushing sessions are important or a trip to the groomer for a shorter clip is all that is needed to keep the coat well maintained.