So you think the Shih Tzu is the ultimate lapdog? Listen, I get it. Those big eyes and flowing coat are absolutely irresistible.
For years, they’ve been marketed as perfect apartment companions and cuddle buddies. Here’s the thing though: loving a breed means understanding what you’re really signing up for. While Shih Tzus can be wonderful dogs, they come with some surprising challenges that many first-time owners don’t expect.
From their stubborn streak during training to their high grooming demands, these “little lions” might not be as laid-back as you think. Let me introduce you to some alternatives that might just steal your heart while being easier on your sanity and schedule.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The True Gentleman Lapdog
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel was literally bred to be a lapdog. Their purpose in life is to love and be loved by you. Unlike Shih Tzus who can be stubborn during training, Cavaliers are affectionate and eager to please, which makes training straightforward. This breed tends to be very friendly with strangers, and Cavaliers also do well with kids.
Don’t let their regal name fool you – the Cavalier King Charles can fit into a laidback lifestyle just as well as a luxurious one. A true chameleon, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel adapts to the needs of his family, amiable with both children and seniors, as well as any furry friends already in the home.
The best part? These gentle souls don’t come with the Shih Tzu’s reputation for being difficult to housetrain. They also enjoy short play sessions and cuddles, but they need companionship more than anything else – they don’t like to be left alone!
Havanese: The Social Butterfly That Actually Listens
Havanese pups are known for their outgoing and social personalities. These are top-tier extroverts that absolutely love being the center of attention. They get along with everyone, kids and other pets included, so they’re quite fine in a busy household.
What sets them apart from Shih Tzus? Both breeds are smart, but Havanese are easier to train. They’re eager to please and pick up commands quickly. While your Shih Tzu might give you that “what’s in it for me” attitude, Havanese genuinely want to make you happy.
The Havanese is the life of the party – happy-go-lucky, full of energy, and basically everyone’s best friend. Seriously, this breed is one of the most social small dogs around. Whether it’s kids, strangers, or other pets, the Havanese says, “Hi, let’s hang out!” They’ve got a goofy, fun-loving vibe that makes them perfect for families or anyone who just wants a dog that brings joy.
Maltese: Elegance Without the Attitude
The Maltese is one of the oldest lapdog breeds. Many people believe these dogs originated in ancient Malta, but they’re so old that no one knows exactly where they came from. Wealthy Roman and Greek women often carried these dogs as companions.
Here’s where they shine compared to Shih Tzus: Known for their loyalty and affection, Malteses thrive on human companionship, making them excellent lap dogs. Despite their delicate appearance, they are spirited and playful, enjoying both cuddles and playtime. While they do need grooming like Shih Tzus, they shed very little and are a great breed for allergy sufferers.
Maltese dogs bond tightly with their people. They won’t tolerate being ignored, so plan to give them plenty of attention. Unlike Shih Tzus who might ignore your commands, Maltese dogs genuinely crave your approval.
Bichon Frise: The Happy-Go-Lucky Alternative
It’s hard to say anything negative about the Bichon Frise – these little white dogs are cheerful, friendly, smart, and highly trainable. They love their people fiercely and will happily climb into your lap for a snuggle or nap after a fun play session.
Unlike Shih Tzus who can be challenging to train, these dogs thrive with plenty of attention and do best in homes where they’re not left alone for long stretches. They need mental stimulation and daily play – otherwise, they may get a bit yappy or find mischief. The key difference? They actually respond well to training and mental challenges.
Bichons are usually friendly with all people, including kids. It’s impossible to resist petting their dense, curly coat, and they will love the relaxing massage while you cuddle. But here’s a bonus: The somewhat hypoallergenic Bichon is one of those lapdogs who don’t shed.
Italian Greyhound: The Couch Potato Champion
Italian greyhounds are extremely versatile. They are true sighthounds that love a good chase, but they also have a strong bond with their owners. They are loyal and love nothing more than to cuddle with their owner.
Though they’re prone to being lazy, cuddly couch potatoes, Italian greyhounds can go zero to 60 at the drop of a hat (aka, if they see potential prey bolting away from them). Generally speaking, these teeny tiny pups are content chilling in your lap and basking in your warmth.
Here’s what makes them better than Shih Tzus for many owners: The good thing is any burst of energy is short-lived, as these speed demons aren’t built for endurance. So you get a dog that’s happy to be a lapdog most of the time but won’t give you the grooming headaches.
French Bulldog: The Laid-Back Charmer
If you think the Eiffel Tower is the epitome of French architecture, wait until you see the two landmarks topping the French bulldog’s head. Those big bat ears are the trademark of an otherwise tiny breed beloved for their smushy faces and goofy personalities.
French Bulldogs offer something Shih Tzus often don’t: a truly low-maintenance coat. No daily brushing, no professional grooming every few weeks, no tear stains to clean. These little charmers are content to be your shadow without all the fuss.
They’re also remarkably adaptable to apartment living and have moderate exercise needs. Unlike some Shih Tzus who can become yappy when bored, Frenchies tend to be more even-tempered and less vocal overall.
Boston Terrier: The American Gentleman
Today, Boston Terriers are some of the calmest and most docile dogs. Because they do not have an aggressive bone, they’re a top choice for lap dog breeds. They also train easily, the breed is a perfect option for first time owners. Plus, Boston Terriers are generally moderate barkers, making them well-suited for an apartment.
While Boston terriers are energetic and playful, they also love to spend time snuggling with their owner. What makes them superior to Shih Tzus for many families is their trainability and quieter nature. They are friendly, but are also sensitive, so positive reinforcement is needed.
These “American Gentlemen” give you all the lap dog benefits without the grooming nightmare or the stubborn training sessions that Shih Tzus are known for.
Pug: The Wrinkled Comedian
Who better to relax on your coveted lap space than a wrinkly, roly-poly pup who fully embraces the couch potato lifestyle? Champion loungers, pugs are people pleasers who will stop at nothing to put a smile on your face.
Big black eyes, squished nose, and a personality that won’t quit? It must be a Pug. This easy going breed is up for anything. They love playing around outside. But when it’s time to go in, they are perfectly content to snuggle up at your feet.
Unlike Shih Tzus who need extensive grooming, pugs have a short, easy-care coat. They’re also typically easier to train and less prone to the “selective hearing” that many Shih Tzu owners complain about.
Japanese Chin: The Cat-Like Lapdog
This breed has ancient Asian origins, with some sources suggesting origins in China, then was gifted by seafarers around Asia and the Americas, where the breed became lap dogs for upper-class ladies. Delicate eyes, a regal long-hair coat and a predilection for crowd-pleasing antics like dancing on hind-legs and spinning in circles combined with almost feline self-assurance: A Japanese Chin is not just the ideal lap dog but a full-fledged companion animal.
For a truly slow-paced lifestyle, the Japanese chin is a quiet companion best suited for adult or even elderly owners. Young children and high-energy pets aren’t the best fit for this fragile breed, but for those who favor a feline’s approach to life, the Japanese chin is about as close as you can get. This also means they are more independent than the other lap dogs on our list and can be left alone from time to time without having to worry about returning home to a crime scene.
What makes them better than Shih Tzus? They’re genuinely low-maintenance emotionally and won’t demand constant attention or throw tantrums when you’re busy.
Toy Poodle: The Smart Cookie
Want a well rounded loveable pup? Well, the Toy Poodle is the whole kit and ca-poodle. Not only are they intelligent, they are also great with children, low sheddin, loyal, and playful. As people pleasers, this breed always wants to be near their owners and will gladly snuggle up on your lap.
Toy Poodles are known for their intelligence, elegance, and the hypoallergenic quality of their curly coats. They share the Maltese’s stature as excellent companions and lapdogs, with an added zest for life and agility that sees them excel in various dog sports. Toy Poodles are highly trainable and eager to please, making them suitable for a wide range of owners.
Here’s the game-changer: while Shih Tzus can be stubborn and difficult to train, Toy Poodles actually enjoy learning and showing off their intelligence. You’ll spend less time frustrated and more time amazed by what they can do.
Conclusion
Look, Shih Tzus aren’t terrible dogs. They’re just not the easy-going lapdogs many people expect them to be. The Shih Tzu’s charming nature can make them challenging to train, since letting a Shih Tzu get their way can lead to having a difficult pet. Like with any breed, early socialization and puppy training classes will help your Shih Tzu grow into a well-behaved adult. Since Shih Tzu are extremely people-oriented and eager to please, training techniques based on praise and rewards tend to work best. Shih Tzu don’t respond well to harsh techniques, and new desired behaviors should be introduced bit by bit.
The breeds I’ve mentioned offer many of the same wonderful qualities you love about Shih Tzus – the lap-warming, the loyalty, the companionship – but often with fewer of the challenges. Whether you want a truly trainable lapdog like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a social butterfly like the Havanese, or a low-maintenance charmer like the French Bulldog, there’s probably a better match for your lifestyle than you originally thought.
What do you think about it? Tell us in the comments which of these alternatives caught your eye!
Gargi from India has a Masters in History, and a Bachelor of Education. An animal lover, she is keen on crafting stories and creating content while pursuing a career in education.
