Shih Tzu

Kept for centuries as an indoor companion at the Chinese imperial court, the Shih Tzu has little urge to chase and ambles along at your pace. It weighs 4 to 7.5 kg and lives about 13 years on recent UK figures. The long coat mats within days, so most pet owners opt for a regular short clip. Its flat face makes it struggle in warm weather, so summer walks stay short and early, and eye problems become common with age.