| ih-Tzu. The History Of The Shih Tzu | | | | history. Another interesting fact about the breed is |
| The Shih-Tzu is one of the most loved companion lap | | | | that it was also known to resemble the look of a |
| dogs around today. However, while the breed may | | | | flower as well as a lion, though it was still mainly |
| look quite cute and cuddly, its history may just | | | | called the lion dog. |
| surprise you. There are many different opinions on | | | | The Shih-Tzu club was actually started in the |
| what the Shih-Tzu’s original purpose was and | | | | 1950’s, though the breed at the time was |
| here we will look at the different theories and the | | | | slightly larger than it is today. |
| actual history behind the breed. | | | | The breed has gone through such a transformation |
| How the Shih-Tzu Has Developed | | | | since it was first introduced and in 1952 a woman |
| It has been rumored that the Shih-Tzu started out in | | | | named Freda Evans acquired two Shih-Tzu dogs and |
| monasteries and that it was trained to turn the | | | | she decided that they needed to be bred with the |
| prayer wheels. However, a Tibetan Monk has told | | | | Pekingese. The move did not go down well with |
| how the story of the Shih-Tzu being a monastery | | | | members of the Kennel Club, but today the dogs |
| dog is complete nonsense. | | | | that were bred with the Pekingese line are |
| Another myth is that the breed used to travel with | | | | recognized as pure bred Shih-Tzu’s. |
| the Buddha Manjusri and the dog used to transform | | | | As well as a companion breed, the Shih-Tzu also was |
| into a full sized lion to carry the Buddha on its back. | | | | used as a show dog, especially in the 1960’s |
| So the breed certainly has a religious background and | | | | when the first champion was crowned. As time has |
| that is to do with the fact that it has been around | | | | gone on, the Shih-Tzu has become increasingly |
| for so long. It is one of the oldest breeds of dog | | | | popular both as a show dog and as a companion lap |
| available today. | | | | dog. |
| The name of the Shih-Tzu actually means Little Lion | | | | The breed has been around for thousands of years |
| and the breed was brought over from China. | | | | and it is showing no sign of decreasing in popularity |
| They were brought over to England by Lady | | | | as of yet. |
| Brownrigg and her goal was to breed a small | | | | Shih Tzus have a genuine love for their owner. |
| companion palace dog. It wasn’t until 1933 | | | | Always loyal, sometimes lazy, but always a joy to be |
| that the Shih-Tzu was actually recognized and around | | | | with and one of the best known of all the lap dog |
| the same time the Lhasa Apso which has a similar | | | | breed. The Shih-Tzu is a wonderful dog for the right |
| appearance to the Shih-Tzu. | | | | owner. |
| The main purpose of the Shih-Tzu has always been | | | | The legends that surround the Shih-Tzu are certainly |
| as a companion breed. It is hard to believe that such | | | | interesting and it is hard to believe that such a small |
| a small, lovable lap dog has such a heroic and ancient | | | | breed of dog can have such a big part in history. |