Shih Tzu, pronounced 'Sheed-zoo,' comes from the Mandarin word for lion. The Shih Tzu is called Xi Shi dog in China, named after Xi Shi from ancient Chinese stories. Shih Tzu are often called 'chrysanthemum dogs' because of the way the hair grows around the face, resembling the flower. Owners of the breed use the nickname 'Tzu.' The singular and plural of 'Shih Tzu' are the same, as one would say deer.
Shih Tzu often snore, snort, and reverse sneeze, as is common in brachycephalic breeds. Their short, pushed-in nose is to blame for the noisy nature of this breed. They may be especially loud while teething, until about six months old.
Some breeders market teacup versions of Shih Tzu as 'Imperial Shih Tzu' or 'Princess Shih Tzu,' but they are not an AKC-recognized breed. The tiny versions may be the result of breeding the smallest dogs from Shih Tzu litters, so these dogs would not be within the recommended healthy weight range for the breed. The potential for undesirable breeding practices or serious health concerns may be greater in this type of dog as they do not conform to breed standards, but not every breeder of designer dogs is irresponsible.
Peanut butter can be a delicious treat for Shih Tzu if given in moderation. The fat content can cause dogs to gain too much weight, so a small amount will do. Just check the label first—some brands add xylitol to peanut butter as a sweetener. This sweetener is toxic to dogs, so do not feed peanut butter sweetened with xylitol to any dog.