Funny Shih Tzu Jobs: 

What Role Is Yours Playing Today?

Overview

Your Shih Tzu may look like they’re just lounging in the sun or gnawing away on a chew toy, but don’t be fooled. Beneath that floofy exterior is a dog with a very full agenda.

From self-appointed roles in home security to emotionally-driven cling missions, many Shih Tzus seem convinced they’ve been hired for something much bigger than just 'being cute.'

In this behind-the-scenes look at your Shih Tzu’s secret resume, we’re highlighting seven common 'positions' these charming dogs tend to take on. It’s a fun, lighthearted peek into their daily antics, but it’s also full of helpful insights for understanding (and working with) your Shih Tzu’s big personality.

Ready to meet the team?

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#1 The Neighborhood Watch Commander

Your Shih Tzu isn’t just barking at squirrels. They’re enforcing a carefully monitored perimeter. They know the mail carrier’s schedule to the minute. They’ve flagged your neighbor’s new boyfriend. That dog across the street from three months ago? Still on their mental watchlist. They are, in their own mind, head of security.

Why do they do this?

Shih Tzus weren’t bred as traditional guard dogs, but they were bred to be highly attentive companions. As you may know, their lineage traces back to Tibetan temple dogs, which were gifted to Chinese royalty generations ago. They spent centuries living in close quarters with humans, often perched in laps or lounging nearby, quietly observing everything. That “always watching” instinct stuck.

Their unique history shaped a breed that notices everything. And while many are not especially territorial, they do feel responsible for letting you know when something's different. It’s less about aggression and more about communication.

Their bark says: "You didn’t notice that car door close, but I did. You’re welcome."

Want to help your Shih Tzu retire from this job?

You can’t change their instincts, but you can help them feel less responsible for the entire neighborhood.

Try giving them calming structure:

• A predictable daily routine.
• Enrichment activities (puzzle feeders, sniff walks, short training games).
• A designated 'watch zone' by the window so they can observe without overstimulation.
• Gentle background noise (like soft classical music) to reduce trigger intensity.

Shih Tzus love to feel included, but they don’t need to be on high alert all day long. With consistency and a little patience, you can work together to help them relax and trust that not everything needs their immediate attention.

See also: Shih Tzu Barking for practical tips on how to calm down those over-eager alert systems when your dog thinks every sound is a five-alarm emergency.

Or check out Shih Tzu Indoor Games for great ideas to keep your little guy or gal happy when outdoor adventures aren’t in the cards.

#2 The Living Room Royalty

Your Shih Tzu doesn’t sit on the furniture. They claim it. That velvet throw pillow you just fluffed? It's now a throne. The freshly folded blanket? A ceremonial robe. And don’t even think about moving them once they’ve settled. They outrank you.

Why do they do this?

It’s not just about being spoiled (though, let’s be honest, they are). Shih Tzus have a long history of lounging in luxury. As royal lapdogs in imperial China, their job was to sit, observe and look adorable doing it. That legacy lives on in their love of plush surfaces and high vantage points.

And, unfortunately, this breed is also prone to joint issues like luxating patellas and early arthritis. Seeking out soft, elevated spots isn’t just drama, it’s comfort, plain and simple.

They don't say it out loud, but you get the message: "I wasn’t built for hardwood."

Want to help your Shih Tzu retire from this job? 

Though you can’t convince a Shih Tzu to give up their throne entirely, you can redirect their royal preferences toward furniture that works for both of you.

Try giving them soft-but-structured options:

• Orthopedic dog beds with bolstered edges.
• Pet stairs or ramps to protect joints from constant jumping.
• A dedicated 'Shih Tzu throne' (plush chair or cozy ottoman).
• Occasional heating pads or warm blankets for aging joints.

Shih Tzus aren’t trying to be divas, they’re just following centuries of tradition. Give them comfort and boundaries, and they’ll gladly rule from the corner of your kingdom.

See also: Shih Tzu Bed Options to see great choices for comfortable rest and restorative sleep for all ages and situations.

Or have a look at our Shih Tzu Senior Care article for tips regarding joint issues and other age-related topics.

#3 Stealth Snack Scout

You may think you opened that string cheese quietly. You did not. Your Shih Tzu heard the wrapper before you did, appeared silently at your feet, and is now staring with unblinking intensity. They weren’t even in the room five seconds ago. But somehow, they’ve deduced your exact snack and location. Move over, Sherlock Holmes.

Why do they do this?

Shih Tzus have an incredible sense of smell for such a tiny nose. Combine that with their highly attuned sense of routine and a deep emotional attachment to snacks, and you've got a canine food radar system with legs. They're not just begging, they’re tracking.

They’ve also learned over time which sounds lead to good things. Crinkling bags? Clinking spoons? A fridge door that opens just slightly slower than usual? All signals in the Snack Command Center.

Their gaze tells you all you need to know: "You’re holding food. Therefore, we are now a team."

Want to help your Shih Tzu retire from this job? 

You can’t eliminate snack enthusiasm entirely (and, of course, why would you?), but you can create healthy habits around treats so they don’t become full-time beggars or gain unnecessary weight.

Try setting boundaries around food:

• Stick to a consistent meal and treat schedule.
• Offer healthy snack options that can be given without concern (baby carrots, blueberries, Fruitables Baked Dog Treats).
• Teach a “go to your spot” cue during meals or food prep.
• Keep food wrappers and snack bags out of their earshot whenever possible (seriously, they know).

Your Shih Tzu isn’t trying to be a nuisance; they just believe that snacks are a shared experience. Help them understand when the kitchen is open for business, and when it’s time to clock out.

See also: Best Snacks for a Shih Tzu for some excellent choices of all-natural, wholesome treats, rewards and snacking goodies that deliver on taste. 

Or see The Best Fish-Based Treats for a Shih Tzu for some super-healthy, entirely wholesome goodies with blasts of flavor and the amazing powers of omega fish oil.

#4 Toy Stockpiler

Your Shih Tzu might not know where your car keys are, but they’ve got an internal GPS for every squeaky duck, chew ring and mysteriously vanished sock in the house. That plush hamburger under the couch? Not lost. Strategically stored. The stuffed bear you haven’t seen in a week? Tucked safely beneath their blanket for later snuggling. Those socks in their bed? Carefully chosen treasures. 

Some Shih Tzus are natural gatherers, creating cozy little nests from toys, clothes and anything that smells like their favorite human. It’s not mess; it’s curation. Think of it less like hoarding and more like interior design, Shih Tzu-style.

Why do they do this?

Toy hoarding might seem quirky, but it’s rooted in very real canine behavior. Shih Tzus often engage in light nesting by gathering toys (or anything soft and portable) to create a sense of security. It’s especially common in intelligent, sensitive dogs who like to control their environment.

This behavior may peak at certain times. Sometimes it’s boredom. Sometimes it’s stress relief. Sometimes it’s just because that chicken toy needs to be hidden behind the chair leg for moral support.

Their behavior says: "This isn’t a mess. It’s a carefully curated collection."

Want to help your Shih Tzu retire from this job?

You don’t have to stop the hoarding entirely, just channel it into something more manageable (and slightly less chaotic). Try giving them healthy ways to express this instinct:

• Rotate toys weekly so old ones feel new again.
• Use toy bins or baskets they can access and dig through.
• Offer soft items with your scent (like an old T-shirt) for comfort.
• Introduce snuffle mats like the adorable Flower Garden Snuffle Mat by Meilzer that encourage playful foraging while keeping things tidy in one spot.

Your Shih Tzu isn’t being overly odd; they’re just building a tiny kingdom of comfort. With a little structure, you can make that kingdom slightly easier to vacuum around.

See also: The Best Toys for a Shih Tzu, which covers every type of toy for every situation, including those that teach independent play, for playtime together to encourage bonding, and for times spent home alone.

#5 Chief Clinginess Officer (CCO)

Your Shih Tzu doesn’t believe in personal space. If you shift your weight even slightly, they’re on their feet. Bathroom? They're coming. Shower? They're outside the curtain. Laundry room? Never too far for a risk assessment. They’ve logged your step count more accurately than your smartwatch.

Why do they do this? 

This level of clinginess might feel like excessive devotion, but it’s rooted in a mix of instinct, routine and emotional reliance. Shih Tzus were bred to be companions; not just nearby, but right there, all the time. So they take their position as your permanent sidekick very seriously.

Some may also be experiencing separation anxiety or just a lack of confidence being alone. When you’re their whole world, a trip to the kitchen feels like a journey to Mars.

They're letting it be known: "I’ve assigned myself to track your every movement for safety. Yours and mine."

Want to help your Shih Tzu retire from this job?

You’re not trying to push them away, you’re just helping them learn that being alone for a little while doesn’t mean being abandoned. It just means you're in the next room… probably folding socks.

Try gently building independence, one moment at a time:

• Start with short absences ('go get the mail' level) and return calmly.
• Practice placing them in a comfy spot and rewarding staying put instead of following.
• Use a calming phrase like "be right back" consistently said in a matter-of-fact way, so they learn it means "no big deal".
• Avoid high-energy exits and entrances; keep comings and goings as boring as possible.

Your Shih Tzu adores you, but learning to give you a little space can help them feel more confident, too. Teaching them that it’s safe to let you walk alone (occasionally) gives you both a little more freedom… and finally allows you to pee in peace.

See also: Shih Tzu Separation Anxiety, for some great tips on setting your sweetie up for success when you have to be away from home for the day.

#6 Personal Space Foreman

Opposite to the previous role as CCO, some Shih Tzus may take their career in a whole new direction by having trouble with affection and bonding. If so, your Shih Tzu absolutely wants to be close to you. Just not too close. Or too far. Or on that weird blanket. They prefer to hover in your general vicinity while periodically adjusting their position for optimal comfort and control.

You reach out to snuggle? Rejected. You ignore them completely? Deep sigh. You’re expected to always read the room, and the room is ruled by a 12-pound proximity expert with a clipboard and very firm boundaries.

Why do they do this?

While Shih Tzus are affectionate by nature, they’re also highly sensitive to textures, temperature, and their own mood. Some want constant cuddles, but many prefer their space, especially when they’re just trying to get comfortable in their own time.

And for dogs who were adopted or previously neglected, physical closeness can take time to feel safe.

It’s not about rejection; it’s about trust, comfort, and feeling safe in their own way.

This behavior is especially common in dogs who like to supervise rather than smother. They want to be with you… just not on you. Unless they’re cold. Or sleepy. Or it’s Wednesday.

In their own way, they're saying: "I’m very interested in being near you. Just… from over here."

Want to help your Shih Tzu retire from this job?

It’s never a good idea to force snuggles, no matter how much you’re craving them. But, don’t worry; your cutie-pie will come to you when conditions are right. In the meantime, you can help them feel more secure and comfortable being physically close. Try creating a cuddle-positive environment on their terms:



• Use cozy, non-slip blankets that don’t rustle too much when you move.
• Let them initiate contact; they know what feels safe.
• Avoid startling noises or sudden shifts during quiet moments.
• Praise and pet gently when they do come close, without grabbing or over-handling.

Your Shih Tzu isn’t distant, they’re just deliberate. Respect their personal bubble now, and you'll likely find them sneaking in closer, and claiming your lap, sooner than you think.

See also: Tips for Rescued Shih Tzu Dogs - A deeper look into the ways you can help an adopted Shih Tzu feel more at home and ease their transition into your loving arms.

#7 Selective Listener

Your Shih Tzu has an incredible grasp of the English language, specifically the parts that benefit them directly. Whisper "treat" from across the house? They’re already at your feet. Shout "come" during a backyard standoff? They suddenly go deaf and stare at you like you're speaking Morse code.

They’re not being defiant. They’re prioritizing.

Why do they do this?

Originally bred to be cherished companions of Chinese nobility, this breed wasn’t expected to fetch, herd or guard. Their job was to exist beautifully and receive snacks. So, they developed a refined ear for praise and perks, and a somewhat flexible relationship with commands.

In some cases, if a Shih Tzu is ignoring a command, they’re weighing the value of what you’re asking.

Their look says: "Was that ‘come’? Or ‘crumb’? I respond to both, but only if it’s worth the walk." 

This behavior is especially common in clever dogs who learn patterns quickly. If they sense inconsistency in your tone or rewards, they’ll wait for better terms. In their mind, they’re not disobedient, they’re negotiating.

Want to improve their listening skills?

Instead of repeating commands louder (we’ve all been there), try teaching them that certain words = guaranteed rewards. Make obedience fun and worth their time. Try this:

• Use short, clear cues ("come," "wait") and say them once.
• Reward generously for recall, even if they dawdle.
• Use high-value treats they don’t get at other times. 
• Reinforce listening games during calm times, not just when you’re already frustrated.
• Add hand signals to help reinforce meaning.

And most importantly, stay consistent. Shih Tzus aren’t trying to rule the household (well… not always). They just like to know what’s in it for them, and who can blame them?

See also: Shih Tzu Training Tips which offers fantastic advice for all types of training and then leads to our articles regarding specific scenarios and situations.

Final Thoughts

Every Shih Tzu takes on multiple roles in a household, and even if their behavior is a bit over-the-top, it's part of their charm.

Living with a Shih Tzu means embracing the quirks, laughing at the drama and gently guiding them toward balance. You don’t need to fix their instincts, just help channel them in ways that bring better balance and make life more enjoyable for both of you.

And honestly? For all their dramatic sighs, squinty side-eyes and suspiciously well-timed barks, they’re just trying to connect. To understand you. To be involved.

Because in their eyes, you’re the one with the most important job of all: being theirs.

Lists to Love:

Healthiest Cheesy Treats for a Shih Tzu - For cheese-loving dogs and, as a nice surprise, even those who are lactose-intolerant, see our top 5 best cheese goodies. These are tasty, tummy-friendly options that'll have your sweetie lighting up at snack time. 

List of the Best Interactive Toys for a Shih Tzu - If you want to encourage your little guy or gal to play independently or are looking for ways to keep them occupied while you're tending to other things, interactive toys are the way to go. 

Best Treats for Shih Tzus with Sensitive Stomachs - The top soothing snacks, ingredients that calm tummy troubles and feeding tips. Covers all ages, puppies, adults and seniors.

Best Gadgets for a Shih Tzu - These cool devices, tools and other care items can make life so much easier for both you and your little cutie-pie. You'll wish you found them sooner.

Top 10 Care Items Under 10 - If you're looking for high quality, helpful care items while staying on a tight budget, this list is for you. Updated regularly and something for all ages.

List of the Best Scents for a Shih Tzu - Treat your little guy or gal to a luxurious coat spray for optimal hair health with some unique and amazing fragrances. 

List of the Best Fish Snacks for a Shih Tzu - Discover the power of fish and omega-3, how it can help your sweetie-pie and some lip-smacking options that your Shih Tzu will love.

List of Flower-Themed Items for a Shih Tzu - Explore some wonderful flower-themed care items for your Shih Tzu. From floral snuffle toys to adorable flower-patterned shirts, these colorful and charming picks are sure to delight your sweet pup and brighten their day.

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