What’s Up With the Filipino Obsession Over Shih Tzus?
What is it about this breed?
(SPOT.ph) Crystal wasn't eyeing a particular breed when she was searching for a pet in 2017. All she knew was that she saw a cute puppy being sold on OLX: “I swapped my iPhone to have him. It was love at first sight.”
You might have already guessed from the article's title that the dog turned out to be a Shih Tzu. Five years later, Crystal has 10 of them. It wasn’t planned, her rabbit hole into this obsession with the breed, but she has no regrets.
Walk on the street. Go to the mall. Visit the park. No matter where you go, you’re bound to encounter a Shih Tzu (or five). They are everywhere in Metro Manila.
We're not just speculating here. In a 2021 study by HouseholdQuotes, the Philippines is the only country in the world where Shih Tzus reign supreme. It noted: “A special mention goes to the Shih Tzu, who makes his only appearance in the Philippines. This homely little fellow is originally from Tibet, and developed as a cross between the Lhasa Apso and other Chinese imperial breeds.” Everywhere else, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, and the Golden Retriever are the clear favorites.
Another case in point: Runnel has 21 Shih Tzus with a variety of colors and coat types in his home. White, brown, black; short-coated, long-coated? Runnel has them.
“They are small buddies who can join you for cuddles and shower you with unconditional love,” Runnel told SPOT.ph. “Maintenance is a bit costly, but it’s worth it when you see them happy.”
This begs the question: Why are Filipinos so into Shih Tzus?
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Shih Tzus: The Filipino dog of choice
Like Crystal, many are drawn to Shih Tzus for the look. Fluffy coats, expressive eyes, and a face that seems to wear a perpetual smile—who can resist a Shih Tzu? Frequent exposure to Shih Tzus may even lead to wanting one of your own.
Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, so it’s no surprise that Filipinos like to turn them into status symbols as well. The name originates from the Chinese words "lion dog," capturing their lion-like appearance when their fur is left flowing. Even with long hair, they shed minimally.
“They’re hypoallergenic. I have extreme allergies sa fur kaya Shih Tzus are a great match for me,” Han said.
Shih Tzus are known for their friendly nature, making them an excellent choice for households with families, children, and other pets. It has earned its place as one of the most popular toy dogs in the world. They might be small, but they have a sturdy build with the confidence to match.
“I have nine dogs, six of which are Shih Tzus. I noticed na mas behave sila compared sa Pomeranian and Maltese namin,” Kimmy said.
“Shih Tzus are very local, sweet, and cuddly. They’re just like babies who need constant care,” Yza said.
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Small space, small dog
Beyond cute looks, Shih Tzus hold practical advantages that make them the Filipino choice of breed. The reasons have a lot to do with the state of modern urban living in Metro Manila.
When land is small and buildings are tall, many are forced into compact living spaces like apartments. Most dog breeds will not be content with this kind of setup, but the Shih Tzu's adaptability to indoor living make them a viable option for a pet.
Beyond occasional zoomies, Shih Tzus are generally moderate when it comes to energy level, which means they have low exercise requirements. Indoor play is usually enough to keep them happy. This makes them an ideal fit for city folks with busy schedules, limited outdoor spaces, or those who may not have the capacity for extended physical activities.
“Gusto ko Shih Tzu kasi naaayon sa pagka-tao ko. I’m a lazy person, gusto ko lang nakaupo pag walang ginagawa. Mga Shih Tzu ko nasa paanan ko lang sila natutulog. Sa bahay lang puwede na sila,” John said.
It’s also worth noting that like people, dogs have different personalities. Most Shih Tzus might prefer staying in, but a considerable few will want to be out. Fran told SPOT.ph: “I chose Shih Tzu because I live in an apartment. They are known for being lazy kaya lang the one I got likes walking outdoors."
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Perfect for "pet-friendly" establishments
The outside world is another factor to consider when buying pets. Most public transportation and private establishments in the Philippines claim to be pet-friendly, but will only cater to smaller breeds.
When asked why she chose a Shih Tzu, Anna replied: “Compact, you can easily bring them anywhere.”
The issue with Balay Dako is one of the more recent examples of this. Only “well-behaved” small- to medium-sized dogs are allowed, the famous Tagaytay restaurant said, but they can’t be barking, jumping, or occupying pathways. This caught the ire of the online community, who joked that only a stuffed toy of a dog will be allowed inside the premises.
Likewise, initial excitement over the new pet-friendly services in LRT-2 and MRT-3 was short-lived when pet owners found out that only small pets can board the trains—if they are in a carrier or cage not exceeding 2x2 in size. If that wasn’t enough, passengers with pets can only board the end coach of the train, with the carrier or cage placed at the feet or on the lap, not on seats meant for actual passengers.
The fact of the matter is that pet owners are always asked to jump through hoops to be able to bring furry friends with them, reinforcing the notion that they are better off with a Shih Tzu for city living.
It's not just personal taste that make Shih Tzus so popular in the Philippines. It turns out pet policies are pivotal in shaping breed preferences, too.