Shih Tzu Ancestors: A Look at the Breed's Rich History

The Shih Tzu breed has a rich and fascinating history that spans over 1,000 years. They originated in Tibet and were later bred in China as a palace dog for royalty.

One of their earliest ancestors was the Lhasa Apso, a small, long-haired dog that was highly valued in Tibetan culture. The Lhasa Apso was known for its loyalty and protective nature.

In China, the Shih Tzu was bred to be a companion dog for the emperors, and they quickly became a favorite among the royal family. The name "Shih Tzu" literally means "lion dog" in Chinese.

Related reading: Tibetan Mastiff China

The Shih Tzu breed has a rich history that spans over 2000 years, with its earliest ancestors dating back to 1000 B.C. in China.

These ancient dogs were highly valued by Tibetan monasteries and were often given as gifts to Chinese royalty.

They were considered "warmers" for their humans, kept in sleeves or placed on the feet of their royal companions to generate heat.

The Shih Tzu breed was so cherished by Chinese dynasties that they lived in the royal court and were kept hidden from the public eye.

In the late 1800s, Empress Tzu Hsi was gifted a breeding pair of Shih Tzus by the Dalai Lama, which she used to start a strict breeding program to create her ideal "Imperial Dog".

The breeding program was discontinued after the empress died, and the breed almost went extinct.

A pair of Shih Tzus eventually found their way to England in 1930, and the Shih Tzu Club of England formed in 1934.

The Kennel Club (UK) officially recognized the Shih Tzu as a separate breed from the Lhasa Apso in 1940.

Every Shih Tzu dog alive today is descended from one of the last 14 pups used to rebuild the breed after its numbers dwindled to just seven males and seven females.

You might like: What Were Shih Tzus Bred for

The Shih Tzu's ancient roots are fascinating. Artistic renderings of the little lion dog predate the common era, with some dating back at least 2,000 years.

Their origins are shrouded in mystery, but it's believed that the Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, and pug played a role in developing the Shih Tzu. Tibetan monks bred the little lion dog as the ideal companion animal and guard dog for the emperor and his royal courts.

The breed's ancestors date even further back, with the ancient Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso breeds being precursors to the modern Shih Tzu.

The Shih Tzu's origin story is a fascinating one. It's believed that the Lhasa Apso, the Pekingese, and the pug played a role in developing the Shih Tzu.

These breeds were bred by Tibetan monks to create the ideal companion animal and guard dog for the emperor and his royal courts. Artistic renderings date the Shih Tzu back at least 2,000 years.

The name "Shih Tzu" translates to "little lion" in its original Mandarin Chinese, which gives you an idea of their regal roots. Their long silky coat flows around their face, giving the impression of a mane.

In Tibetan Buddhist temples, monks developed the Shih Tzu, and according to legend, Buddha is said to have ridden to earth on the back of a lion, which may be some of the reason behind their name.

Readers also liked: Shih Tzu Lion Dog

The Lao breed, like many others, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information about the Lao breed in the article section facts provided.

The Shih Tzu has an incredible history that spans thousands of years. Artistic renderings of this little lion dog predate the common era, which means they've been around for at least 2,000 years.

Their origins are shrouded in mystery, but it's believed that the Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, and pug played a role in developing the breed. Tibetan monks bred the Shih Tzu as the ideal companion animal and guard dog for the emperor and his royal courts.

The Shih Tzu remained a secret to the western world until the 1930s when they were gifted to English and Dutch nobility. This restricted ownership to Chinese royalty for centuries, keeping the breed under wraps.

Their moderate energy, small size, friendly attitude, and hypoallergenic status likely contribute to their popularity. According to the American Kennel Club, the Shih Tzu was the 20th most popularly owned dog in 2022.

Like other brachycephalic breeds, the Shih Tzu is known to have some breathing problems due to their short nose. This is something to consider if you're thinking of bringing a Shih Tzu into your family.

For more insights, see: Shih Tzu 100 Years Ago

The Shih Tzu breed has a rich and fascinating history. They originated in Tibetan monasteries over 2000 years ago, and were often given as gifts to Chinese royalty.

In fact, Shih Tzus were so cherished by Chinese dynasties that they lived in the royal court and were kept hidden from the public eye. They were considered "warmers" for their humans, often kept in sleeves or placed on the feet of their royal human companions to help generate heat.

Shih Tzus were bred by Empress Tzu Hsi in the late 1800s to create her ideal "Imperial Dog". After her death, the breeding program was discontinued, and the breed almost went extinct.

A pair of Shih Tzus eventually found their way to England in 1930, and the Shih Tzu Club of England formed in 1934. The Kennel Club (UK) officially recognized the Shih Tzu as a separate breed from the Lhasa Apso in 1940.

Their earliest ancestors can be traced as far back as 1000 B.C. in China, but Shih Tzus as we know them today originated in Tibet.

Expand your knowledge: Shih Tzu Good with Kids