History of the Shih Tzu Dog

According to the American Kennel Club, the exact origin of the Shih Tzu is not known. Dogs resembling the Shih Tzu are found in historic art objects from as early as 624 A.D. Other legends claim the small dogs were bred to be "under table dogs" as early as 1,000 years before the time of Christ. Regardless, the Shih Tzu has a long and interesting history.

  1. Meaning

    • The Chinese translation of Shih Tzu is lion, according to the American Kennel Club. The lion was an important animal in the Buddhist beliefs. Other names given the dog breed include the "chrysanthemum-faced dog," because the hair around the face grows in many directions.

    Early History

    • The history of the Shih Tzu prior to the 1600s is mostly speculation. Legend has it that small dogs given as gifts from royalty in Tibet to royalty in China. These dogs were most likely crossed with other small dogs from Tibet and other countries known to China. Early records indicate small dogs, possibly Shih Tzu, were given by Chinese royalty to leaders in countries such as Turkey and Greece as early as 624 A.D., according to the website imperialshihtzu.com.

    Modern Shih Tzu

    • According to the American Kennel Club, the Dowager Empress Cixi operated a kennel raising Shih Tzu as well as pugs and Pekingese. After her death in 1908, breeding ceased and the breed nearly ended during the communist revolution. In 1930, only seven female and seven male dogs remained. From these animals, breeding resumed in China and England.

    English Shih Tzu

    • Originally considered part of the Lhasa apso breed, the Kennel Club of England later ruled the Shih Tzu was a separate breed. The Shih Tzu Club of England was formed in 1935. The breed spread from England to other European countries and Australia before World War II.

    Shih Tzu in America

    • American soldiers returning from Europe after World War II brought the dogs back to the United States. The breed became part of the American Kennel Club in 1969 and is classified as part of the Toy Group.