Shih-Tzus are the cats of dogs.

There are many animals that we can say are the cats of their species, and today I would like to discuss Shih-Tzus.

Shih-Tzus are the cats of dogs, more specifically, they are the cats of small dogs. The following is my list of why I consider this to be true.

1. if they fits, they sits.

A very common cat trait that happens so often it has had a phrase made for it. As a Shih-Tzu owner I can personally attest that if they have even the slightest thought that they may fit, they will sits.

2. I love you, pet me, now I hate you.

Another very common cat trope, often seen with the more “I am a god and you are my servant” cats. Personally this is 60/40 toss up when it comes to Shih-Tzus. I believe that it depends on the person who is petting them. If it is the primary owner, then they shall always allow pets, but if it anyone else…. Eh, they’ll allow it but not for long and then they’ll attack your hand.

3. The belly pet attack hand thing

When lying  on their back, belly in the air for you to pet, they act all cute and entice you to pet the belly. The beloved puppy belly, petting it is an honor only bestowed upon those the puppy loves. So of course, when offered an opportunity to pet the belly, ONE PETS THE BELLY. However, it was all a trap! As soon as the hand has approached the belly, tiny paws and jaws have captured it for gnawing. This trap is well known to be made and used by cats, so why does a Shih-Tzu use it?

4. Allowing you to pet them

Shih-Tzus are one of the few dogs breeds that allow you to pet them. Which is fine, I see nothing wrong with have boundaries between pet and owner. However it is such an odd behavior in dogs, and a very very common one in cats.

5. A sense of superiority

All Shih-Tzus have a sense of superiority when it comes to people and other dogs. They may be small, but they are apparently the kings/queens of their world. This is a path of thought known to only be present in cats. The idea that the pet is the owner and the human is the servant the serves it at its whim is specifically a cat thought process. Yet Shih-Tzus not only have this thought process, they also actively carry it out!

Perhaps, by themselves, none of these reasons are cause for concern or are worthy of a second glance. But when one starts to put the puzzle pieces together one realizes that there is true cause for wonder.

In conclusion, Shih-Tzus display many thought processes and behaviors known to be commonly and mainly used by cats, thus proving that Shih-Tzus are the cats of dogs.