| 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 your | | | | From the middle of the 19th Century the Shih Tzu was |
| family. | | | | bred as a watchdog for the emperors of the Manchu |
| The Shih Tzu is a toy dog; characterized by its proud, | | | | Dynasty. Typical of a Shih Tzu; these little dogs were |
| sturdy and miniature stature - this dog breed is one of | | | | expected to do little else that sit on laps and be |
| the most popular of the miniature breeds. But did you | | | | pampered. You can now see where the "pampered |
| know it was originally bred to look like a lion? | | | | princess" aspect of the breed originated from! The |
| The Shih Tzu's regal attitude is as a result of its long | | | | Shih Tzu was kept along some other toy dog breeds |
| and distinguished history. Recent DNA testing has | | | | and while originally they were strictly bred in separate |
| confirmed what researchers already suspected - the | | | | quarters but it is believed that after the empress died |
| Shih Tzu is one of the oldest breeds of dog. The | | | | they were crossbred with the other dogs. |
| name comes from that of Xi Shi who is regarded as | | | | The Shih Tzu's were not kept separate from the other |
| one of the most beautiful women in ancient China. | | | | palace dogs and today's Shih Tzu's have traces of |
| The earliest history of the Shih Tzu dates back many | | | | 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 China |
| Tibetan dog breed called Llasa Apso. | | | | between various palaces to produce the best looking |
| The Buddhist monks were known for breeding special | | | | dogs with the most beautiful colorings and coats. |
| temple dogs. These monks bred special "palace dogs" | | | | Breeding practices became guarded secrets and sadly |
| for various emperors. As was their custom they sent | | | | the records of the Shi Tzu's rich and unique heritage |
| some of what they then called the Tibetan Shih Tzu | | | | 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 widely |
| Empress of the Manchu Dynasty. She fell in love with | | | | loved and make a great royal companion. |