The exact date of origin of
the Shih Tzu (referred to as "The Lion Dog") is not known, but evidence of it's existence has
come to us from documents, paintings and art objects dating
from A.D. 624. During the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 A.D.),
the King of Viqur gave the Chinese court a pair of dogs said to
have come from the FuLin.
Another theory of their introduction to China was recorded in
the mid - 17th century, when dogs were brought from Tibet to the
Chinese court and bred in the Forbidden City
of Peking. Reported to be the oldest and smallest of
the Tibetan holy dogs, they were associated with the Buddhist
Deity, and highly revered. These dogs were bred by the Chinese court and from
them the dog we know today as the Shih Tzu developed. They
are also called "the chrysanthemum-faced dog" because the hair
grows about the face in all directions.
It is known that the Shih Tzu
was a house pet during most of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644
A.D.) and that they were highly favored by the royal family.
Dowager Empress Cixi (T'zu Hsi) kept an important kennel of
Pugs, Pekingese, and Shih Tzu. After her death in 1908 the
dogs were dispersed and breeding mostly ceased. When the Communist Revolution occurred in China, the breed became almost
extinct. Offspring of the few Shih Tzu that had been given
as gifts to honored guests and dignitaries, and some that had
been smuggled out of the palace, found their way to England where breeding of the Shih Tzu began in
1930. Every Shih Tzu today can be traced to fourteen dogs -
seven bitches and seven dogs. There the breed was first classified as "Apsos" but
after a ruling by the Kennel Club (England) that Lhasa Apsos and
Shih Tzus were separate breeds, the Shih Tzu Club of England was
formed in 1935.
From England, members of the
breed were exported to other countries in Europe and Australia.
American soldiers stationed in these countries brought the breed
back to the United States, thus introducing them to this country.
The Shih Tzu was admitted to registration in the American Kennel
Club Stud Book in March, 1969 and to regular show classification
in the Toy Group at AKC shows beginning September 1, 1969.
~General Appearance~
The Shih Tzu is a sturdy,
lively, alert toy dog with a long flowing double coat.
Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized
companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has
a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail
curved over the back. Although there have always been
considerable size variations, the Shih Tzu must be compact,
solid, carrying good weight and substance. Ideal size at
withers is 9 to 10 1/2 inches, but not less than 8 inches, nor
more than 11 inches. Ideal weight of mature dogs, 9 to 16
lbs. All colors and markings are permissible and are to be
considered equally. Pigmentation on the nose, lips
and pads is usually black, occasionally liver or blue.
~Temperment~
As the sole purpose of the
Shih Tzu is that of a companion and house pet, it is essential
that it's temperment be outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly
and trusting towards all.
~Popularity~
Ranking 11th in popularity
compared to
all other breeds, the Shih Tzu has won the hearts of toy dog
lovers everywhere, with their spunky, sweet little
personalities, and beautiful non-shedding coats. My
experience with these unique, sturdy little dogs has been such a
pleasure! Not overly yappy like some small dogs can be,
all of my Shih Tzu's get along well with each other, and are
kindly to my cats and our puppies. Each one of my boys and
girls can be completely trusted with children, which is a great
plus for families, and they are not overly fragile which makes
them kid friendly. Part of the enjoyment for me personally
has been spending time grooming them to enjoy their beauty,
whether it be with their coats left long like a beautiful show
dog, or in a cute little puppy cut! |
