Like the Pekingese, the Shih Tzu enjoys
the comforts of life but they differ from it in a number of ways. It
is less dignified, more friendly, energetic and alert but just as pompous!
They are not an aggressive breed and usually get on well with children.
Description & History
The Shih Tzu (pronounced "shid zoo") is
considered to be Tibetan, although its origins are mixed Tibetan-Chinese.
As a token of respect, it was a yearly custom for the Dalai Lama to
give dogs to the Emperor of China. In exchange, he received either dogs
or other gifts from the Imperial Palace. It was from this practice,
continued for hundreds of years, that small dogs from Tibet originally
arrived in China.
The breed, also known as the Lhasa Lion
Dog - Lhasa referring to their Tibetan origin and Shih Tzu being Chinese
for lion - are believed to be a cross between the Lhasa Apso, (the Tibetan
monastery dog) and the Pekingese. It is also possible that the Chinese
Pug was bred with Apso-type dogs to create the Shih Tzu.
For centuries little was known outside
China about the breed, as foreigners were unwelcome. It is known that
they were favourites at the Chinese court and that they had been revered
for hundreds of years.
Years later, when the Chinese authorities
allowed foreigners into their country, they went to great lengths to
make sure that none of these small dogs fell into the hands of Westerners
as they wished the Shih Tzu to remain in China.
However, in 1930 the breed was introduced
into Great Britain by General Sir Douglas and Lady Brownrigg. Gradually,
as they became more popular, more dogs were imported and they were officially
recognised by the British Kennel Club in 1946.