Shih Tzus are a highly popular dog breed -- possibly one of the most popular in the world. You've seen them around: being carried by their owners, walking around at the park, or even with their owners while they stock up at the pet store. There's no denying just how cute and friendly these dogs are, but do you really know about this breed and what makes them so special? You may think you know them, but check out these interesting facts about Shih Tzus that you may never have heard before.

1) Shih Tzu translates to “lion dog. Their original Chinese name is Shih Tzu Kou, where the Kou means “son” or “child”. The Kou was dropped off since popularization of the breed in Europe.

2) Shih Tzus are regal dogs. They served as house pets during the Ming dynasty in China and have been seen accompanying monks in the Imperial Palace.

3) General Douglas and Lady Bownright of England helped save the breed. The couple brought 14 of them in the UK, where they gained popularity all over Europe.

4) The Shih Tzu breed was first brought to the United States by soldiers in World War II. Once other dog lovers laid eyes upon these dogs, more were being imported over from Europe.

5) Today, the Shih Tzu is one of the most registered dogs in the United States. Statistics consistently showed the Shih Tzu breed as one of the top 10 most registered dog breeds.

6) These dogs are also called chrysanthemum dogs because of the shape of their faces and the contour of their facial hair. Chrysanthemum is a flower which also has an important role and symbol in the Chinese culture.

7) This breed has hair instead of fur. These dogs also shed less often than other breeds, are considered hypoallergenic, and - due to the texture of their hair - require regular brushing and grooming.

8) Mariah Carey owns two Shih Tzus named Bing and Bong while tech guru Bill gates has a Shih Tzu named Ballmer.

9) This breed is very prone to eye problems, as a result of their protruding eyeballs and long hair. It is important to keep the facial hair short and groomed to avoid contact with the eyes, which leads to drying, irritation, and ulceration.

10) Shih Tzus don't require a lot of outdoor exercise, making them the perfect indoor pet. In fact, since the breed is prone to overheating, it's best to keep them in an air-conditioned room as much as possible when the temperatures heat up outdoors.

10 Shih Tzu Breed Facts