5 Things Shih Tzus Are OBSESSED With (Most Owners Don't Know #3!)

Your Shih Tzu’s “Obsessions” Aren’t Random—They’re Genetic

Ever wonder why your Shih Tzu demands constant cuddles? Why they go crazy for belly rubs? Why they follow you everywhere? These aren’t learned behaviors—they’re genetic traits bred into palace dogs over 1,000 years. Understanding these 5 obsessions is the key to a happier dog.

Watch the complete video above to see these adorable obsessions in action.

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Quick Navigation

1. Belly Rubs
2. Cuddling
3. Treats
4. Toys
5. Blankets & Cozy Spaces

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1. Belly Rubs: The Ultimate Expression of Trust

The Physical Pleasure Response

When a Shih Tzu receives belly rubs, observable physical responses demonstrate their enjoyment. Many dogs exhibit:

• Relaxed, splayed leg positioning
• Closed or half-closed eyes indicating contentment
• Gentle tail wagging
• Soft vocalizations or contented sighs
• Involuntary leg movements (the “scratch reflex”)

These responses occur because belly rubbing stimulates nerve endings and provides pleasurable tactile sensations. The gentle pressure and rhythmic motion can have calming effects similar to massage in humans.

The Trust and Vulnerability Factor

The belly represents one of the most vulnerable areas on a dog’s body. In wild canids, exposing the belly signals submission or trust because it leaves vital organs unprotected. When a Shih Tzu voluntarily rolls over and presents their belly, they demonstrate profound trust in their human companion.

This gesture communicates:

• “I feel completely safe with you”
• “I trust you won’t harm me”
• “I’m comfortable being vulnerable in your presence”
• “I enjoy your touch and want more interaction”

Bonding Through Belly Rubs

Regular belly rub sessions strengthen the emotional connection between Shih Tzus and their owners. Physical affection releases oxytocin—often called the “bonding hormone”—in both dogs and humans. This neurochemical response creates positive associations and deepens attachment.

The interaction becomes a form of communication. Through belly rubs, owners demonstrate affection, care, and attentiveness to their dog’s desires. The Shih Tzu, in turn, expresses contentment and trust, creating a reciprocal emotional exchange.

How to Provide Optimal Belly Rubs

Reading Body Language: Not all moments are appropriate for belly rubs. Watch for invitation signals: rolling over, pawing at you, or lying on their back. Respect times when the dog doesn’t solicit this interaction.

Proper Technique: Use gentle, slow strokes rather than vigorous rubbing. Pay attention to areas the dog seems to enjoy most—some prefer the chest area, others the lower belly. Avoid sensitive areas if the dog shows discomfort.

Duration and Frequency: Sessions can last from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the dog’s interest. Some Shih Tzus request belly rubs multiple times daily, while others prefer them less frequently.

Respect Boundaries: If a Shih Tzu moves away, stands up, or shows signs of discomfort, respect their communication and stop. Forcing unwanted touch can damage trust.

Individual Variation

While many Shih Tzus love belly rubs, individual preferences vary. Some dogs prefer having their backs, shoulders, or chests rubbed instead. Others may not enjoy belly contact due to sensitivity, past experiences, or personality traits. Observing and respecting individual preferences demonstrates attentiveness to the specific dog’s needs.

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2. Cuddling: The Companion Dog’s Greatest Joy

Bred for Close Physical Contact

Shih Tzus were specifically developed to be companion animals living in close proximity to their human families. Unlike breeds created for hunting, herding, or guarding—which often maintain more independence—Shih Tzus were selected for their desire to remain near people and their comfort with prolonged physical contact.

This breeding history means cuddling isn’t just enjoyable for Shih Tzus; it fulfills a fundamental breed characteristic. Denying a Shih Tzu regular close contact can leave them feeling unfulfilled or anxious.

The Science of Cuddling Benefits

Physical closeness between dogs and humans creates measurable physiological effects:

Stress Reduction: Cuddling lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels in both dogs and humans. The calming effect of gentle touch and warmth creates relaxation.

Oxytocin Release: Physical affection triggers oxytocin production, promoting bonding and positive emotional states. This hormone strengthens attachment and creates feelings of contentment.

Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Studies show that petting and cuddling dogs can lower heart rate and blood pressure in humans, while dogs also show physiological signs of relaxation during affectionate contact.

Temperature Regulation: Shih Tzus’ small size makes them more susceptible to temperature variations. Cuddling with their warm-bodied humans helps them maintain comfortable body temperature, particularly in cooler environments.

Psychological Benefits for Shih Tzus

Beyond physical comfort, cuddling provides important psychological benefits:

Security and Safety: Close physical contact with trusted humans creates feelings of protection and security. This is especially important for a small breed that could be vulnerable to larger animals or threats.

Anxiety Reduction: Dogs experiencing anxiety, fear, or uncertainty often seek physical closeness with their owners. The contact provides reassurance and emotional regulation support.

Social Fulfillment: As highly social animals, dogs need regular interaction with their social group (their human family). Cuddling represents intimate social engagement that satisfies this need.

Routine and Predictability: Regular cuddle sessions create comforting routines. Shih Tzus often learn when cuddle time typically occurs (evenings on the couch, mornings before owners leave) and anticipate these bonding moments.

Creating Cuddle-Friendly Environments

Comfortable Spaces: Provide soft, comfortable locations where cuddling can occur—couches with blankets, beds with space for dogs, or designated dog beds placed near where owners relax.

Temperature Consideration: Ensure cuddle spaces maintain comfortable temperatures. Shih Tzus may seek more cuddling when cold and less when warm.

Respect for Space: While Shih Tzus generally love cuddling, they also need the option to have personal space when desired. Provide dog beds or crates where they can retreat if they want solitude.

Quality Over Quantity: Even brief cuddle sessions matter. A few minutes of focused, affectionate contact provides benefits, making cuddling accessible even for busy owners.

Cuddling Variations

Different Shih Tzus prefer different cuddling styles:

• Some want to sit directly on laps
• Others prefer lying beside their owners with physical contact
• Some enjoy being held like babies
• Others like sleeping next to owners at night

Learning individual preferences and accommodating them strengthens the relationship.

When Cuddling Becomes Excessive

While cuddling is healthy and normal, extreme separation anxiety or inability to function independently can indicate problems. Shih Tzus should be able to tolerate brief periods alone without distress. If a dog becomes destructive, excessively vocal, or shows severe anxiety when separated, consultation with a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist may be appropriate.

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3. Treats: Rewards, Motivation, and Pure Enjoyment

The Multifaceted Appeal of Treats

Treats hold powerful appeal for Shih Tzus that extends beyond simple taste preferences. They represent:

• Immediate gratification through flavor and texture
• Achievement recognition when received as training rewards
• Special attention from their owners during treat moments
• Variety in an otherwise routine diet
• Mental stimulation when treats are hidden or puzzle-dispensed

Treats in Training and Behavior Shaping

High-value treats serve as essential tools in positive reinforcement training:

Motivation Enhancement: Food rewards powerfully motivate learning. Most Shih Tzus will work enthusiastically to earn favorite treats, making training sessions productive and enjoyable.

Marker for Desired Behavior: Treats provide immediate feedback, marking the exact moment a dog performs correctly. This clarity accelerates learning and helps dogs understand which behaviors earn rewards.

Building Positive Associations: Pairing treats with experiences like nail trimming, veterinary visits, or grooming helps create positive associations with potentially stressful situations.

Variable Reward Schedules: Once behaviors are learned, intermittent treat rewards maintain performance without creating dependency on constant food reinforcement.

Appropriate Treat Selection for Shih Tzus

Size Considerations: Small treats appropriate for small mouths work best. Large treats may be difficult to chew and contribute excessive calories.

Caloric Management: Treats should constitute no more than 10% of daily caloric intake. Shih Tzus gain weight easily due to their small size and relatively low exercise requirements compared to larger breeds.

Nutritional Quality: Choose treats made from wholesome ingredients without excessive fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives. Read ingredient labels as carefully for treats as for regular dog food.

Dental Benefits: Some treats provide dental benefits through mechanical cleaning action during chewing. Dental chews, certain textures, and sizes that encourage prolonged chewing can help reduce plaque buildup.

Variety Options: Rotating treat types prevents boredom and allows identification of particular favorites that can be reserved for high-value training situations.

Safe Treat Practices

Choking Prevention: Supervise treat consumption, especially with hard chews or larger pieces. Shih Tzus’ small throats create choking risk if they attempt to swallow large pieces.

Food Allergies: Monitor for allergic reactions when introducing new treats. Signs may include itching, digestive upset, or skin changes.

Toxic Foods Avoidance: Never give dogs chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, or other toxic foods. Ensure all household members know which foods are dangerous.

Storage and Freshness: Store treats properly to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Discard treats that develop unusual odors, visible mold, or exceed expiration dates.

Beyond Commercial Treats

Fresh Food Options: Small pieces of dog-safe vegetables and fruits can serve as healthy, low-calorie treats:

• Carrots (crunchy and dental-friendly)
• Green beans
• Apple slices (without seeds)
• Blueberries
• Small amounts of cooked, unseasoned chicken or turkey

Homemade Treats: Owners can prepare treats using dog-safe ingredients, controlling quality and avoiding unwanted additives. Numerous recipes exist for baked treats, frozen treats, and dehydrated options.

Balancing Enthusiasm with Health

The Shih Tzu’s enthusiastic response to treats makes it easy to overfeed. Maintaining discipline about treat quantity protects against obesity, which stresses joints, organs, and overall health. Measuring daily treat allowances helps prevent gradual caloric creep that leads to weight gain.

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4. Toys: Mental Stimulation and Physical Play

Why Toys Matter for Shih Tzus

Despite their small size and moderate exercise requirements, Shih Tzus need regular mental and physical stimulation. Toys provide outlets for natural behaviors, prevent boredom, and offer opportunities for both independent and interactive play.

Types of Toys and Their Benefits

Chew Toys

Appropriate chewing satisfies natural instincts and provides benefits:

• Dental health through mechanical cleaning action
• Jaw exercise and strength
• Stress relief and calming (chewing releases endorphins)
• Appropriate outlet preventing destructive chewing of furniture or possessions

Durable rubber toys, nylon bones sized for small dogs, and dental chews work well for Shih Tzus. Avoid toys that can splinter or break into swallowable pieces.

Interactive Toys

Toys requiring manipulation to access treats or achieve goals provide mental stimulation:

• Puzzle toys with sliding compartments or hidden treats
• Treat-dispensing balls or toys requiring rolling to release food
• Interactive feeding mats with hiding spaces for kibble
• Snuffle mats encouraging natural foraging behaviors

These toys engage problem-solving abilities and provide mental exercise that can tire dogs as effectively as physical activity.

Fetch and Chase Toys

Small balls, soft plush toys, and lightweight options allow Shih Tzus to engage in retrieval and chasing behaviors:

• Physical exercise through movement
• Interactive bonding during fetch games
• Satisfying prey-drive instincts in appropriate ways
• Teaching commands like “drop it” and “bring it”

Comfort Toys

Many Shih Tzus develop attachments to particular plush toys:

• Comfort and security, especially when alone
• Gentle play and carrying behaviors
• Sleeping companions

Monitor plush toys for damage and remove those with loose parts that could be swallowed.

Tug Toys

Rope toys and tug toys allow interactive play:

• Bonding through cooperative/competitive play
• Appropriate outlet for natural pulling behaviors
• Teaching impulse control (releasing on command)

Safety Considerations

Size Appropriateness: Toys should be sized for small mouths. Toys too small create choking hazards; toys too large may be difficult to play with effectively.

Material Durability: Shih Tzus typically aren’t aggressive chewers like some breeds, but individual variation exists. Choose toys unlikely to break into swallowable pieces.

Supervision Requirements: Particularly with new toys, supervise initial play to ensure safety. Remove damaged toys that could pose hazards.

Regular Inspection: Check toys regularly for wear, loose parts, or damage. Discard compromised toys before they become dangerous.

Toy Rotation and Variety

Rotating available toys maintains interest and engagement:

• Keep some toys constantly available
• Rotate others weekly or bi-weekly
• Introduce new toys periodically
• Reserve special favorites for specific situations (training, separation anxiety management)

Variety in toy types—different textures, sounds, functions—provides diverse stimulation and prevents boredom.

Interactive Play Benefits

While independent play with toys provides value, interactive play with owners offers additional benefits:

• Strengthened bonding through shared activities
• Improved responsiveness and training
• Increased exercise intensity
• Social engagement meeting companionship needs
• Teaching appropriate play behaviors (gentle mouthing, impulse control)

Even 10-15 minutes of daily interactive toy play contributes to a Shih Tzu’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

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5. Blankets and Cozy Spaces: The Comfort Seekers

Thermoregulation Challenges in Small Dogs

Shih Tzus’ small body mass creates thermoregulation challenges:

Higher Surface-Area-to-Volume Ratio: Small dogs have proportionally more surface area relative to their body volume, meaning they lose heat more rapidly than larger dogs.

Lower Metabolic Heat Production: Less body mass means less metabolic heat generation overall.

Cold Sensitivity: These factors make Shih Tzus more sensitive to cold temperatures and more inclined to seek warmth through external sources like blankets.

The Appeal of Soft Textures

Beyond temperature regulation, Shih Tzus often show strong preferences for soft, plush materials:

Tactile Comfort: Soft fabrics provide pleasant tactile sensations against their skin and coat. The cushioning effect of plush materials creates physical comfort.

Nesting Instincts: The behavior of arranging blankets, circling before lying down, and burrowing reflects instinctive nesting behaviors inherited from wild ancestors who created comfortable, safe sleeping areas.

Security and Enclosure: Partially covering themselves with blankets or burrowing into them creates feelings of security and protection, similar to a den environment.

Emotional and Psychological Comfort

Soft, familiar blankets provide more than physical comfort:

Scent Association: Blankets carry familiar scents—of the dog, their owners, and home—that create comfort and security.

Routine and Predictability: Favorite blankets become part of comforting routines, signaling rest time, safety, and relaxation.

Stress Reduction: During anxiety-inducing situations (thunderstorms, fireworks, owner absence), access to familiar, comforting blankets can help reduce stress.

Territory Marking: Having designated blankets or bedding allows Shih Tzus to establish personal spaces where they feel ownership and control.

Creating Optimal Cozy Spaces

Multiple Comfort Locations: Provide several comfortable resting areas throughout the home where Shih Tzus can choose based on desired proximity to family members, temperature preferences, or activity levels.

Bedding Variety: Different textures, thicknesses, and styles allow dogs to select based on current preferences:

• Plush, fleece blankets for burrowing
• Elevated beds for airflow in warm weather
• Orthopedic foam for joint support
• Heated beds for older dogs or cold climates

Positioning Considerations:

• Near family gathering areas for companionship
• Away from drafts and cold floors
• In quiet areas for undisturbed rest
• Options for both light and darker, more enclosed spaces

Cleanliness and Hygiene: Regular washing of bedding and blankets maintains cleanliness, controls odors, and prevents skin irritation or parasite issues.

Blankets During Travel and Transitions

Familiar blankets become particularly valuable during:

• Veterinary visits
• Travel in cars or carriers
• Stays at other locations
• Introduction to new environments

The familiar scent and texture provide comfort during potentially stressful situations.

Safety Considerations

Overheating Prevention: While Shih Tzus seek warmth, ensure they can easily escape blankets if they become too warm. Never completely trap dogs under heavy blankets without exit options.

Breathing Clearance: Brachycephalic breeds like Shih Tzus need clear breathing access. Ensure burrowing doesn’t obstruct nasal passages or airways.

Material Safety: Avoid blankets with loose threads, fraying edges, or small decorative elements that could be chewed and swallowed.

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Fulfilling Your Shih Tzu’s Favorite Things

Understanding these five obsessions provides insight into Shih Tzu psychology and needs. These preferences aren’t spoiled or demanding behaviors—they represent legitimate aspects of breed temperament shaped by centuries of selection for companionship qualities.

Creating a Fulfilling Environment

Owners can support their Shih Tzus’ wellbeing by:

• Providing regular physical affection (belly rubs, cuddling)
• Using treats appropriately for training and bonding
• Offering diverse toys for mental and physical stimulation
• Creating comfortable, cozy resting spaces
• Recognizing individual variations in preferences

Bonding Through Preferences

Paying attention to what brings joy to your Shih Tzu and regularly providing these experiences strengthens the human-animal bond. The relationship deepens when dogs feel understood, their needs are met, and their preferences are honored.

Balance and Moderation

While indulging these preferences, maintain balance:

• Limit treats to prevent obesity
• Ensure toys remain safe and age-appropriate
• Teach independence alongside cuddling to prevent separation anxiety
• Provide cozy spaces without creating overdependence

Watch the full video above to see these Shih Tzu obsessions demonstrated.

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Individual Personality Considerations

While these five obsessions apply to many Shih Tzus, individual dogs display unique personalities. Some may prioritize one preference over others. A particular Shih Tzu might be less interested in toys but extremely devoted to cuddling, or passionate about treats but less interested in belly rubs.

Observing specific preferences and adjusting accordingly demonstrates attentiveness and strengthens the unique relationship with each individual dog.

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Conclusion

The five things Shih Tzus love most—belly rubs, cuddling, treats, toys, and cozy blankets—reflect their breeding history as companion animals developed for close relationships with humans. These preferences aren’t trivial indulgences but represent fundamental aspects of breed temperament and psychological needs.

Recognizing and appropriately fulfilling these desires contributes to Shih Tzu happiness, emotional wellbeing, and the quality of the human-animal relationship. The time invested in belly rubs, interactive play, and creating comfortable environments returns dividends in the form of a deeper bond and a more fulfilled, contented companion.

Understanding what brings joy to these small dogs allows owners to provide enriching, loving homes where Shih Tzus thrive emotionally and behaviorally throughout their lives.

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📚 Related Guides You’ll Find Helpful

Understanding Their Nature

• 15 Signs Your Shih Tzu Sees You as Mom - Why they’re obsessed with you
• 10 Things Shih Tzus Don’t Like - What they hate vs. love

Strengthening Bonds

• How to Bond with Your Shih Tzu - Use their obsessions to deepen connection and build trust

Care & Safety

• 6 Shih Tzu Hacks Every Owner Learns Too Late - Smart solutions for daily care
• Complete Shih Tzu Care Guide - Everything they need to thrive

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This guide is for educational purposes only. Every dog is different, with individual preferences and needs. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian for health-related concerns and certified animal behaviorists for significant behavioral issues.