Shih Tzu Origin and History: The Complete Guide

The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with a rich history that dates back over 1,000 years.

Originally from Tibet, the Shih Tzu was bred as a companion dog for the royal family.

Their name "Shih Tzu" literally means "lion dog" in Chinese, but they don't have any lion-like features.

In fact, the Shih Tzu was highly valued for its gentle and friendly nature, making it the perfect companion for royalty.

The breed was later introduced to China, where it became a favorite among emperors and nobles.

Their distinctive long coats and friendly demeanor made them a staple in Chinese palaces for centuries.

Worth a look: Mini Shih Tzu Puppy

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

These dogs were held in high regard by many Chinese dynasties, living in the royal court and being 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 companions to help generate heat.

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The breed was first mentioned in tapestries dating back over 2000 years, and it's believed that Buddha rode down to earth on the back of a lion, which is why the Shih Tzu was held in such high regard.

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

The first Shih Tzus were imported to England in 1930, and the Shih Tzu Club of England was formed in 1934. The Kennel Club (UK) officially recognized the Shih Tzu as a separate breed from the Lhasa Apso in 1940.

A pair of Shih Tzus was first brought to England by Lady Brownrigg in 1928, and they were classified as "Apsos" by the Kennel Club.

The breed was later recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969, and it's now one of the most widely recognized and favored breeds in the USA and worldwide.

The modern Shih Tzu is descended from thirteen dogs imported to England and Scandinavia between 1928 and 1952, and the breed has been recognized by all major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

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The Shih Tzu breed has a rich history that spans over 2000 years, with origins in Tibetan monasteries and a special place in Chinese royalty.

These dogs were highly prized by the Chinese emperors, who kept them hidden from the public eye as companions and "warmers" to generate heat.

The Shih Tzu breed was first mentioned in tapestries dating back over 2000 years, which suggests that they were indeed highly valued by the royal family.

Empress Tzu Hsi was gifted a breeding pair of Shih Tzus by the Dalai Lama in the late 1800s, and she went on to create a strict breeding program to create her ideal "Imperial Dog".

The breed almost went extinct after Empress Tzu Hsi's death, but a pair of Shih Tzus eventually found their way to England in 1930.

The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzus Club, and the dogs were categorized again as Shih Tzu.

For more insights, see: Shih Tzu Hypoallergenic Dogs

The Shih Tzu breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) on May 7, 1940, and it wasn't long before the breed spread throughout Europe and was brought to the United States after World War II.

The modern Shih Tzu is descended from 13 dogs imported to England and Scandinavia between 1928 and 1952, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969.