The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy dog with a distinctive long, flowing double coat. Known for its friendly and affectionate nature, it has a pronounced underbite and a lively, alert expression. This breed thrives in companionship and is highly adaptable to various living environments.

The Shih Tzu is a domesticated dog breed originating from China, specifically associated with the Chinese imperial court. It was bred as a companion dog for Chinese royalty and is not found in the wild.

As a domesticated breed, the Shih Tzu is adapted to living in human environments. It thrives in temperate to warm climates and is commonly found in households around the world. It does not have specific environmental conditions in the wild as it is bred for indoor living.

The Shih Tzu's ecological niche is that of a companion animal. It is bred for companionship and does not serve a specific ecological function in a natural habitat. Its role is primarily social, providing companionship to humans.