| If you are thinking about buying a Shih Tzu puppy - | | | | middle of the 19th Century the Shih Tzu was bred as |
| congratulations! This adorable and loyal dog will most | | | | a watchdog for the emperors of the Manchu |
| likely become an important and treasured part of | | | | Dynasty. Typical of a Shih Tzu; these little dogs were |
| your family.The Shih Tzu is a toy dog; characterized | | | | expected to do little else that sit on laps and be |
| by its proud, sturdy and miniature stature - this dog | | | | pampered. You can now see where the "pampered |
| breed is one of the most popular of the miniature | | | | princess" aspect of the breed originated from! The |
| breeds. But did you know it was originally bred to | | | | Shih Tzu was kept along some other toy dog breeds |
| look like a lion?The Shih Tzu's regal attitude is as a | | | | and while originally they were strictly bred in separate |
| result of its long and distinguished history. Recent | | | | quarters but it is believed that after the empress |
| DNA testing has confirmed what researchers already | | | | died they were crossbred with the other dogs.The |
| suspected - the Shih Tzu is one of the oldest breeds | | | | Shih Tzu's were not kept separate from the other |
| of dog. The name comes from that of Xi Shi who is | | | | palace dogs and today's Shih Tzu's have traces of |
| regarded as one of the most beautiful women in | | | | Pekingese and Pugs thanks to the sloppy breeding |
| ancient China.The earliest history of the Shih Tzu | | | | practices at the palace.At this time it was somewhat |
| dates back many centuries. The Buddhist monks bred | | | | of a competition in China between various palaces to |
| what is now believed was a cross between the | | | | produce the best looking dogs with the most |
| Pekingese and a Tibetan dog breed called Llasa | | | | beautiful colorings and coats. Breeding practices |
| Apso.The Buddhist monks were known for breeding | | | | became guarded secrets and sadly the records of |
| special temple dogs. These monks bred special | | | | the Shi Tzu's rich and unique heritage will never be |
| "palace dogs" for various emperors. As was their | | | | known.Today's Shih Tzu's are a popular breed which |
| custom they sent some of what they then called the | | | | is widely loved and make a great royal |
| Tibetan Shih Tzu Kou or Tibetan Lion Dogs to the | | | | companion.Steve Allison is a third generation of |
| Tzu Hsi - the Empress of the Manchu Dynasty. She | | | | professional dog breeders along with his brother |
| fell in love with her little dogs and they became | | | | Gary. |
| common around the palace from then on.From the | | | | |