Here is a list of things that make Shih Tzus happy:

1. Food

It won't come as a surprise to a Shih Tzu owner that these little dogs gain weight easily – they love to snack! While it's tempting for owners to give them treats (who can resist those eyes?!), it's much better for the Shih Tzu to have meals at scheduled times and treats kept to a minimum. Read on for lots of other things Shih Tzus love that make for healthier rewards than food!

2. Stuffed toys

Shih Tzus are little bundles of energy and they love to play, so owners should make sure they have plenty of toys on hand. Stuffed toys make excellent playthings, although make sure there are no small attachments that could be easily chewed off and swallowed!

3. Sleeping

After all that playing, most Shih Tzus will want a nice long nap, preferably on any available lap! Shih Tzus are super-friendly and cuddly and love nothing better than be tucked up under a comfy blanket and snuggling with their favorite person.

4. Sleeping with toys

If there's no lap available, well, a soft toy is almost as good! As long as it's warm and cuddly, the Shih Tzu will be happy to take a nap with it.

5. Cuddling with their humans

Napping with their favorite human is great, but cuddling is just as good! Shih Tzus love attention and are so affectionate that cuddling will always be welcome.

6. Flying

Yep, Shih Tzus can fly...or at least they think they can. If you've ever seen a tiny Shih Tzu propel itself through the air, you might just have to question the laws of physics!

7. Playing with a ball

What dog doesn't love playing with a ball more than almost anything else? When it comes to finding simple ways to entertain (or tire out!) a Shih Tzu, it doesn't come much easier than this.

8. Visiting beaches

Sun, sand and sea isn't just fun for humans – dogs love all those things too! Visiting the beach is guaranteed to be a special treat for your Shih Tzu, and all that sea air will have him ready for a nap as soon as he gets home.

9. Snow

It's also not just humans who love snow days – Shih Tzus go crazy for the white stuff. Depending on where you live, you might get a pile of snow bigger than your Shih Tzu, but that won't stop him from wanting to leap through it. Snowy weather is also the perfect excuse to buy your Shih Tzu an adorable jumper (you've got to keep him warm, after all!).

10. Climbing

They may be small, but Shih Tzus are pretty fearless when it comes to climbing things. Owners should definitely keep an eyes on their Shih Tzus when they're trying to climb things – those little legs are easily injured.

11. Looking through the window

In the end though, it's the simple pleasures that Shih Tzus enjoy most. Shih Tzus are such sociable little dogs that they always want to know what's going on around them and can entertain themselves for hours with what's happening outside the window, especially if they're waiting for their favorite human to come home.

11 Things That Make Shih Tzus Happy

8. Visiting beaches