Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu's purpose is to be a house pet and companion. They are outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting towards all.

The breed was introduced to China in the mid 17th century. Dogs were brought from Tibet to the Chinese court. These dogs were bred in the Forbidden City of Peking. The smallest of these dogs resembled a lion. Shih Tzu means "Lion." From these dogs, the Shih Tzu known today was developed. They were often called "the chrysanthemum-faced dog" because the hair grows on their face in all directions.

These dogs were small, intelligent, and extremely docile. It is known that the breeding of the Shih Tzu was delegated docile. It is known that the breeding of the Shih Tzu was delegated to certain court eunuchs who vied with each other to produce specimens which would take the emperor's fancy. Those who were selected had their pictures painted on hangings or tapestries, and the eunuchs responsible for the dogs were given gifts by the emperor.

The Shih Tzu was a house pet during most of the Ming Dynasty and that they were highly favored by the royal family. At the time of the Revolution, a large number of dogs were destroyed and only a few escaped the invaders' knives.

In 1934, the Peking kennel Club was formed and by 1938 a standard for the breed was developed. They were 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 in September 1969.

The Shih-Tzu is an alert and spunky little dog. Happy and hardy, endowed with loads of character. They are royally dignified, courageous and sometimes arrogant. This breed does well with polite, careful children. The gentle loyal Shih-Tzu makes friends easily and although obstinate can respond well to consistent patient training. A very alert watch dog, the Shih-Tzu likes to bark, but is usually quiet inside the house. They are stubborn and clever. Shihs can get snappish if they are surprised or peeved. Playful and lively, this affectionate little dog needs to be with people and are generally good with other pets. Some can be difficult to housebreak.

Shih Tzu's should be 9 to 10 and a half inches tall, and can be any color. They require grooming every 4 to 8 weeks.

The Shih Tzu's large eyes are susceptible to lacerations, infections, and eyelid/eyelash defects. This breed is prone to heatstroke in hot, humid, and/or stuffy conditions.

Health concerns include portosystemic shunt, patellar luxation, kidney failure, and von willebrand's disease.

Shih Tzu's showing at a dog show