in

How do You Know If Your Shih Tzu Loves You (14 Clues)

Close up photograph of some small pink rose petals
YAYImages ID: 1559854

Do you ever wonder how your Shih Tzu really feels about you? Do they like you? Do they just tolerate you? Or are they head over heels in love? How do you know if your Shih Tzu loves you? Here are 14 clues that will show you their true feelings.

How Do You Know If Your Shih Tzu Loves You

There are a lot of ways your Shih Tzu shows you just how much they love you.

You might miss something if you don’t realize what they are doing, but here is a list that you can check off to see just how much your pup loves you.

1. Happy to See You

The truth is, Shih Tzus are a one-person dog. 

They pretty much like everyone, but they only love you. 

You are their world and they show it in a lot of ways.

One of them is how happy they are to see you. 

Since you are their favorite person, they may run to the door when you get home and jump up to tell you hello.

They also might turn around in circles and sit down and then get right back up to make another circle.

Close up photograph of a heart made with grains of salt -How do You Know If Your Shih Tzu Loves You
YAYImages ID: 15200396

2. They Like to Lean on You

Have you ever noticed your Shih Tzu just casually leaning on you?

Sure, they could be standing up on their own, but they have decided to put their weight on you.

Most of the time it will be against your leg, but if they are on the sofa with you, they might just lead against all of you.

This is one way they show they love you. 

You are the single person in the whole world that they feel truly safe with and can depend on and by leaning on you, they are letting you know that.

3. Sitting on Your Lap or Next to You

I know that one of my Shih Tzus, Sammy, (you can learn more about her here) is a true lap dog. She is most happy when she can sit on my lap. 

Truman (you can learn more about him here) doesn’t like to be that close, but he does want to sleep right up against me at night in bed.

Sammy does too.

Both dogs show me that they love me and that I make them feel safe and secure by always being next to me.

Chances are, your Shih Tzu likes to spend at least a part of their day near you in some way even if it is only having their hind legs touching you.

St Valentine's greeting card -How do You Know If Your Shih Tzu Loves You
YAYImages ID: 9209804

4. Following You Around

There is no doubt that a Shih Tzu makes for a loveable family companion, but this is never so obvious as when they follow you around the house.

Yes, I do believe that Truman sometimes follows me because he thinks he will get food, but Sammy just doesn’t like to be too far from my side.

Since I got her from a rescue group eleven years ago, I have never been to the bathroom by myself.

I am her favorite person, and she shows it by never leaving my side.

5. Stopping and Waiting for You

Since Truman was a puppy and we started taking walks, he has always stopped and waited for me if he got ahead of me.

I’ve always used an extendable dog leash when we go to the park. 

Truman has always been a good walker. He stays on my right side, but he does like to get ahead of me.

He will get about 10 to 12 feet ahead on the path and then he will stop and look back to see where I am.

He then waits until I catch up to him and then he will turn and walk out ahead of me about ten or so feet again and stop again and wait for me.

It is super cute, and it shows me that he loves me.

If yours does something similar then they love you too.

6. Your Shih Tzu Get Jealous

One of the sweet and not-so-sweet things about Shih Tzus is that they can love you too much.

They get jealous and don’t want anyone else to be close to you.

This can be a problem when friends come over to visit or your partner wants to get into bed with you.

They can growl and even nip.

While a Shih Tzu’s love is a wonderful thing, if they start down this road, you need to put a stop to it before it gets out of hand.

7. Licks Your Face

While a tongue bath from your Shih Tzu isn’t the most pleasant thing, if they start licking your face like crazy, chances are they are just trying to show you how much they care.

You are their human family and they want you to know it.

Of course, they might just be licking your face for the taste of the salt on it due to sweat, but let’s go with it as a sign of love.

Word LOVE lying in lush, well cut grass
YAYImages ID: 15022914

8. Cares For You

Shih Tzus are emotional creatures and they can tap into your emotions as well. This is one of their personality traits and it makes them even sweeter than they would be otherwise.

Maybe you have noticed that if you get sick or you are very emotionally upset, your Shih Tzu wants to be right there with you.

They know you are upset or unwell, and feel the need to show you their love by staying by your side.

They won’t be happy until you are.

9.Wants to Cuddle

Part of a Shih Tzu’s distinct personality is their need to cuddle. 

In fact, sometimes, they can be downright clingy.

Even so, wanting to be with you and near you and to cuddle is one way they show their love.

So, enjoy it even if you sometimes feel like you would like a little space.

10. Yawning

When your Shih Tzu is in love with you they will mimic your movements to a certain degree.

This is no more true than when it comes to yawning.

Studies have shown that dogs who are truly attached to their owners will yawn when you do.

It doesn’t happen all the time, but do watch for it.

Of course, your Shih Tzu needs to see you yawn for it to happen.

art picture, many love message, I love you
YAYImages ID: 101557

11. They will Smile At You

While dogs can truly smile, your Shih Tzu will do its best to mimic a smile to show you how much they care.

You might notice that their tongue pops out and their eyes soften.

Also, their lips will curl up.

It might be a little lopsided, but it is a smile for sure.

You might also enjoy:

Why Does My Shih Tzu Sleep on My Feet?

Why Does My Shih Tzu Not Like to Cuddle?

12. They Wag Their Tails

Tail wagging is an unconscious movement. That means they don’t do it on purpose.

It just happens.

And it happens when they are happy.

I know that my Truman wags his tail whenever I go to pet him or put his leash on or anytime I pay him attention.

13. A Relaxed Shih Tzu is in Love

If your dog is all tense and on alert, then either someone is sneaking around the outside of your house, or they are unhappy.

A relaxed dog is a happy dog that feels safe and secure and enjoys the people around them.

If they are showing their teeth or growling, they are not happy dogs.

14. They Want to Play

If your Shih Tzu comes up to you and brings a toy they are telling you they want to play.

And chances are, they want to play with you.

This is another way they show their feelings to you.

Playing for a pup is love.

You might also enjoy:

Do Shih Tzus Sleep a Lot?

Why Does My Shih Tzu Stare at Me?

To Sum it All Up:

Your Shih Tzu shows you how they feel about you in a number of ways. From licking your face to leaning on you, chances are your Shih Tzu thinks you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread.

 

Please Note:

This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu’s behavior. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.

photo of delicious red strawberries on wooden table

Can Shih Tzus Eat Strawberries

A cute little Shih Tzu puppy in a basket

5 Best Puppy Pads for Shih Tzus