It’s a tale as old as time, or at least as old as social media: a casual comment sparks a full-blown debate, and suddenly, the intelligence of an entire dog breed is called into question. This week, the internet’s latest furry feud erupted on Live with Kelly and Mark, where Kelly Ripa found herself passionately defending the honor of Shih Tzus against her co-host, Mark Consuelos. What started as a segment celebrating National Rescue Day took a sharp, albeit hilarious, turn when Consuelos casually dropped a bombshell: Shih Tzus, according to some Instagram pyramid of dog intelligence, are at the very bottom. Personally, I think this is where the real fun begins.
The Case for Shih Tzu Smarts
What makes this particular doggy debate so fascinating is how quickly it escalates from a simple observation to a deeply personal defense. Ripa’s immediate, emphatic “No!” wasn’t just a reaction; it was a declaration of loyalty. She argued that Shih Tzus don't lack intelligence; rather, they possess a selective activation of their brains. In my opinion, this is a brilliant way to reframe a perceived flaw as a sophisticated choice. It suggests a level of self-awareness and strategic thinking that we often overlook in our canine companions. They aren't dumb; they're simply choosing when to engage, and frankly, who can blame them? If you were bred to be a pampered lapdog, would you expend unnecessary energy on a game of fetch when your primary role is to be adored?
This brings me to the historical context. Consuelos and Ripa touched on the fact that Shih Tzus were bred as royal dogs, true lap dogs whose purpose was to be cherished and kept close. From my perspective, this lineage is crucial. Their intelligence isn't about herding sheep or guarding property; it's about mastering the art of companionship and subtle manipulation. What many people don't realize is that these dogs are experts at reading their humans and ensuring their own comfort and affection. Ripa’s quip about them deciding when to activate their brains is, in my view, spot on. It’s a form of social intelligence, a deep understanding of their environment and their place within it, which is a form of intelligence in itself.
The Fetch Fiasco: A Misinterpretation?
Consuelos’ evidence against Lena’s supposed intelligence revolved around her less-than-enthusiastic approach to fetch. He described how she’d sometimes drop the ball just a few feet away, requiring him to get up. Now, this is where I think Mark might be missing the point. Ripa’s counter-argument – that she gets on the floor and essentially becomes another Shih Tzu to Lena – is, to me, a masterclass in interspecies communication. She’s not just playing fetch; she’s engaging with Lena on Lena’s terms, reinforcing their bond. When Lena brings the ball back to Ripa, even if it’s not a perfect retrieve every time, it’s a sign of her affection and her understanding of Ripa’s unique way of interacting. Consuelos’ approach, while perhaps more traditional, might not resonate with Lena’s specific breed-driven instincts. It’s less about Lena being unable to fetch and more about her choosing the most rewarding way to interact with her humans, which, in her mind, might be getting Ripa to join her on the floor.
The Deeper Meaning: Love, Loyalty, and Lapdogs
Ultimately, this lighthearted spat reveals something deeper about our relationships with our pets. It’s not always about objective measures of intelligence; it’s about the connection we forge. Ripa’s passionate defense of Lena and the Shih Tzu breed highlights how much we project our own feelings and experiences onto our animals. She sees Lena’s actions not as shortcomings, but as affirmations of her own special bond. The fact that Consuelos admits he initially didn’t want Lena, only to be won over by her, speaks volumes. It’s a testament to the power of these “royal lapdogs” to capture hearts. In my opinion, the true intelligence of a dog like a Shih Tzu lies in its ability to inspire such devotion and to teach its humans the value of unconditional love and the art of simply being present.
What this really suggests is that our definitions of intelligence are often anthropocentric. We measure dogs by our own standards, forgetting that each breed was developed for a specific purpose. The Shih Tzu’s purpose was to be a beloved companion, and by all accounts, they excel at it. So, the next time you see a Shih Tzu seemingly ignoring you, consider this: they might just be activating their brains in a way that’s far more sophisticated than we give them credit for. And as for Mark Consuelos, becoming a “Shih Tzu man” is indeed a noble, and perhaps even enlightened, path.
