Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos' playful banter on 'Live with Kelly and Mark' took an unexpected turn when the topic of their beloved shih tzu, Lena, came up. The debate centered around the intelligence of the breed, with Consuelos initially suggesting that shih tzus are considered less intelligent compared to other dog breeds. Ripa, however, passionately defended her furry friend, arguing that Lena is a smart dog and that shih tzus are simply selective about when they choose to use their intelligence.
The discussion began with Consuelos mentioning a pyramid ranking the smartest dog breeds, placing shih tzus at the bottom. Ripa was quick to react, exclaiming, 'No!' and expressing her disagreement. She argued that shih tzus are intelligent but choose when to engage, using the example of Lena, who she claimed is a smart dog. Consuelos, however, countered with Lena's difficulty in playing fetch, suggesting that she might not be as bright as Ripa claimed.
The debate then took a humorous turn as Ripa attempted to explain Lena's behavior. She suggested that Consuelos' lack of interaction with Lena on the floor might be the reason for her selective engagement. Ripa's playful quip about whispering to Lena at night, reminding her that Consuelos didn't want her, added a layer of humor to the exchange. Consuelos humorously conceded, calling himself a 'shih tzu man,' which Ripa found amusing, calling it a 'big man' statement.
This lighthearted moment showcased the couple's playful dynamic and their love for their pets. Ripa's defense of shih tzus and her playful banter with Consuelos added an entertaining element to the show, highlighting the unique personalities of the hosts and their pets. The segment also sparked a discussion about the varying intelligence perceptions of different dog breeds, leaving viewers with a fun and thought-provoking moment.
