My DIL’s dog looks exactly like that little Shiitehead. Extremely intelligent, easy to train and looks forward to coming to my house cause we play and FEED him. He’d protect us in a minute.
I have heard they are wonderful dogs. I think the whole “poofy hairdo’s” that you see in the dog shows have sort of ruined their true nature. (I know some people like it but I think it is silly). I bet your DIL’s dog looks very forward to you visiting!