The Perros Shih Tzu Imperial is a breed that's steeped in history and luxury. They originated in Tibet and were later bred in China as a companion dog for royalty.
Their name, Shih Tzu, literally means "lion dog" in Chinese, but these dogs are far from fierce. They're known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.
One of the most distinctive features of the Perros Shih Tzu Imperial is their long, flowing coat. It requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
History and Origin
The Shih Tzu Imperial is a breed with a rich and fascinating history. Its origins date back to Tibet, where dogs were sent as gifts to the Chinese royalty. From there, they were bred with Pekingese or Pugs to create the modern-day Shih Tzu.
Documentation of the breed goes back at least 1,000 years, with records showing that short, square dogs existed in China as early as 1000 B.C. This breed has been a favorite companion of Chinese nobility for centuries.
The Shih Tzu Imperial's numbers dwindled to almost nothing during the first half of the 20th century, but thanks to a small group of dedicated breeders, the breed was saved. Every Shih Tzu alive today can be traced back to one of 14 dogs used to rebuild the breed.
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Originally Came from
The Shih Tzu's origins are a fascinating topic. They actually came from Tibet, not China as many people think. Tibet sent dogs to the Chinese royalty as gifts, which is where the breed's history in China began.
Documentation of the Shih Tzu dog breed goes back at least 1,000 years. The breed's ancestry goes back even further, with records showing short, square dogs existed in China as early as 1000 B.C.
These early dogs were likely the ancestors of the Shih Tzu. They were valued for their companionship and were kept by Chinese nobility.
The Shih Tzu was bred with other breeds, such as the Pekingese and Pugs, to create the modern-day breed. This breeding process was done to create a specific size and appearance.
The term "Shih Tzu" was given to these dogs by breeders to distinguish them from the standard size.
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Dogs Saved the Breed
A Small Number of Dogs Saved the Breed. Every Shih Tzu alive today can be traced to one of 14 dogs used to rebuild the breed.
These 14 dogs, consisting of seven males and seven females, were the foundation of the modern Shih Tzu breed. Their descendants have been carefully bred to preserve the breed's unique characteristics.
The breed's numbers dwindled to almost nothing during the first half of the 20th century, making these 14 dogs incredibly valuable. Without them, the Shih Tzu might have disappeared forever.
Chinese Imperial Dog Breed
The Chinese Imperial Dog Breed is a fascinating topic. They originated in Tibet, which was a sovereign nation until the 1950s, and were later sent to the Chinese royalty as gifts.
According to the Chinese Imperial Dog Club of America, the Chinese Imperial dog has been in existence for over 2000 years. This long history is a testament to the breed's enduring popularity.
The breed's compact, well-muscled body is a defining characteristic of the Chinese Imperial dog. They have a sweet facial expression, a small short muzzled face, and bright round eyes.
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These tiny dogs can weigh as little as 9 pounds and stand no higher than 7 to 8 inches tall. Their small size makes them vulnerable to injury, so caution is needed when handling them.
The Chinese Imperial dog is not only a beloved companion but also a beautiful breed. Their luxurious dense coat gives them a "teddy bear" appeal, and their fluffy tail is a delightful addition to their overall charm.
Despite their tiny size, the Chinese Imperial dog has a big history. The breed's ancestry dates back to ancient times, with records showing that short, square dogs existed in China as early as 1000 B.C.
The breed's numbers dwindled significantly during the first half of the 20th century, but a small number of dedicated breeders worked tirelessly to save the breed. Today, every Shih Tzu alive can be traced back to one of 14 dogs used to rebuild the breed.
The Chinese Imperial dog is a unique breed with a distinctive appearance. They are known for their "chrysanthemum-faced" features, where the hair on their faces grows in every direction.
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Breed Characteristics
Perros Shih Tzu Imperial are compact, well-muscled dogs with a sweet facial expression. They have a well-proportioned body with a developed bone structure, but their fluffy coat can make their body shape hard to see.
Their short legs and large paws add to their "cuteness" factor, and their luxurious dense coat gives them a "teddy bear" appeal. However, their dense coat can make them suffer on hot days or in hot climates.
They grow no higher than 7 to 8 inches and weigh in at a mere 9 pounds, making them a tiny breed that can be hurt easily.
Their Name Means "Little Lion"
The name Shih Tzu is a nod to their fearless and confident personality. It translates to "little lion" in Mandarin, giving you a sense of their brave nature.
In Tibetan Buddhist legend, the Shih Tzu is said to have traveled with a small lion dog that could transform into a full-sized lion. This mythical association likely influenced the breed's name.
Their name may be a reference to their bold and adventurous spirit, which is still evident in many Shih Tzus today.
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Chrysanthemum-Faced Dogs
The Chinese Imperial Dog, also known as the Chrysanthemum-Faced Dog, is a compact and well-muscled breed with a sweet facial expression.
Their luxurious dense coat gives them a "teddy bear" appeal, but it can also make them suffer on hot days or in hot climates.
Their small size, weighing in at a mere 9 pounds, means they can be hurt easily, so caution is needed.
The hair on their faces grows in every direction, earning them the nickname "chrysanthemum-faced dogs".
Their fluffy and curly tail is just one of the many adorable features of this breed.
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They're Athletic, Too
Despite their elegant appearance, Shih Tzus are surprisingly athletic and can perform well in agility competitions.
Many Shih Tzus have won agility titles, showcasing their hidden talents.
In 2014, a Shih Tzu made history by becoming the first of their breed to win both a champion title and an agility title.
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Coats Come in Many Colors
The Shih Tzu coat is a unique and beautiful feature of this breed. It comes in many colors, making each dog truly one-of-a-kind.
Not all Shih Tzu coats are the same, so it can take some trial and error to perfect a grooming routine. This is especially true when your Shih Tzu is around 10 to 12 months old, as their coat can change during this time.
The Shih Tzu coat is comprised of two distinct layers, which adds to its complexity and beauty.
Celebrities Who Have Owned
Many celebrities have owned Shih Tzu dogs, including Nicole Richie and Mariah Carey.
The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular dog breeds, which explains why so many stars have chosen to own them.
Beyoncé is another celebrity who has owned a Shih Tzu, showing that these dogs can make great pets for people with busy lives.
Colin Farrell and Bill Gates are also on the list of Shih Tzu owners, demonstrating that these dogs are popular among people from all walks of life.
Even Queen Elizabeth II has owned a Shih Tzu, highlighting the breed's regal and dignified nature.
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Dog Breed
The Chinese Imperial dog breed is a compact, well-muscled, and tiny dog with a sweet facial expression.
Their body is well-proportioned with well-developed bone structure, despite being covered in a glorious fluffy coat.
Short legs with large paws add to their "cuteness" factor, but also make them prone to injury due to their small size.
Their luxurious dense coat gives them a "teddy bear" appeal, but can cause discomfort in hot weather, so clipping is a good idea.
Chinese Imperial dogs are not only adorable, but also have a lovely nature to match their good looks.
They grow no higher than 7 to 8 inches and weigh in at a mere 9 pounds, making them a great companion for apartment dwellers or those who want a low-maintenance pet.
The Shih Tzu breed, on the other hand, is also a toy dog breed characterized by its small, compact size.
Despite their short stature, Shih Tzus are quite solid underneath their plush coat and weigh more than they might first appear.
Shih Tzus are relatively easy to care for, but their small size means they can be hurt easily, so caution is needed when handling them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Imperial Shih Tzus good dogs?
Imperial Shih Tzus are affectionate and snuggly companions, making them a great choice for those seeking a loving pet. They are a delightful breed that can bring joy and companionship to many families.
What is the rarest kind of Shih Tzu?
The rarest kind of Shih Tzu is a completely black one without any white markings, making it a highly sought-after and uncommon breed.
What age is an Imperial Shih Tzu fully grown?
Imperial Shih Tzus typically reach full maturity around 10 months old, similar to other toy dog breeds. However, individual growth rates may vary, and some may take up to 12 months to reach their full adult size.
Do Imperial Shih Tzus bark a lot?
Imperial Shih Tzus are prone to barking at various stimuli, including people, dogs, and noises, which can be a common issue for owners. If you're considering bringing an Imperial Shih Tzu into your home, understanding their barking tendencies is essential for a harmonious living situation.
Sources
- Chinese Imperial Dog | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
- Imperial Shih Tzu (caninanacionalaccam.es)
- Facts About the Shih Tzu That You May Not Know (akc.org)
- Shih Tzu - Dog Breeds - American Kennel Club (akc.org)
- Shih Tzu Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To ... (pawlicy.com)
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