My cousin had a shih tsu named Gizmo, and when he finally passed away a couple years ago, the whole family was said, not just her. Giz was always there at family events, even wearing a little tux at her wedding. Unlike most small dogs, he wasn't nervous or yappy or neurotic. He was mellow, intelligent and laid back. He would bark when people came to the door, but just as a formality. My dad, who doesn't "get" pets (farm upbringing; animals are food or tools), actually really liked Gizmo.