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