{"id":16847,"date":"2014-10-02T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-10-01T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=16847"},"modified":"2025-09-04T15:16:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T12:16:16","slug":"shih-tzu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-shih-tzu","title":{"rendered":"Shih Tzu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Shih Tzu<\/strong>, a delightful little dog of Tibetan origin, is a loyal, joyful, and incredibly charming companion. They’re brilliant at chasing away loneliness and bringing countless happy moments into your life. This breed is often dubbed the “lion dog” or “chrysanthemum dog” due to its distinctive appearance and ancient roots. The name “Shih Tzu” (\u7345\u5b50) itself translates almost literally from Chinese as “lion,” hinting at the noble lineage of these tiny creatures. Their history is woven with legends and deeply intertwined with the imperial palaces of China. Discover more about the fascinating history and unique care requirements of these dogs right here on Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinpointing the exact origin of this breed is tricky, as its history spans centuries. Several theories exist. According to the most widely accepted one, the modern Shih Tzu’s ancestors are the Lhasa Apso<\/a> and the Pekingese<\/a>, from whom they inherited their thick coat, flat muzzle, good nature, and profound devotion to their owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shih Tzu: A Brief Breed Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Shih<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Characteristic<\/strong><\/td>Description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Origin<\/strong><\/td>Tibet (Patronage – Great Britain, Development – China)<\/td><\/tr>
Original Name<\/strong><\/td>Shih Tzu (\u7345\u5b50 – “lion”)<\/td><\/tr>
Other Names<\/strong><\/td>Tibetan Lion Dog, Chrysanthemum Dog, Shitzu, Shi-Tsu<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Classification<\/strong><\/td>Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 5 (Tibetan Breeds), No. 208<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/strong><\/td>10-16 years (average 13-14 years)<\/td><\/tr>
Height at Withers<\/strong><\/td>Ideally 25-27 cm, but not less than 20 cm and not more than 28 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>4-8 kg (ideally 4.5-7.5 kg)<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Friendly, independent, intelligent, active, alert, gentle, playful, sometimes stubborn<\/td><\/tr>
Coat Care<\/strong><\/td>High (daily brushing, regular grooming)<\/td><\/tr>
Physical Activity<\/strong><\/td>Moderate (short daily walks, indoor games)<\/td><\/tr>
Health<\/strong><\/td>Prone to certain issues (eyes, breathing, teeth, skin, knees)<\/td><\/tr>
Purpose<\/strong><\/td>Companion dog<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History of the Shih Tzu Breed: From Tibetan Monasteries to Imperial Palaces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Shih Tzu stretches back to ancient Tibet, where similar small dogs lived in monasteries. It’s believed they emerged from the crossing of the Lhasa Apso<\/a> and the Pekingese<\/a>. According to the most widely accepted version, supported by historical records, in the 17th century (roughly 1643-1653), the Tibetan Dalai Lama gifted several of these prized little dogs to the Chinese Emperor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In China, these dogs became the darlings of the imperial court<\/strong> and transformed into a “forbidden breed,” whose ownership and breeding were exclusive to members of the imperial family. They were believed to bring good fortune. They lived in luxury within the Forbidden City, and their breeding was meticulously overseen by palace eunuchs. Occasionally, the Emperor might present a Shih Tzu puppy to a high-ranking official as a sign of special favour. Due to the long hair around their muzzles, resembling flower petals, they were nicknamed “chrysanthemum dogs.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s also a beautiful legend linked to Buddha<\/strong>. It tells of a small dog, “ha-pa,” who accompanied Buddha on his journeys and could instantly transform into a giant lion to protect his master or to allow him to ride on its back. Many believe this legendary dog was indeed a Shih Tzu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the fall of the empire and the proclamation of the Republic of China in 1912, the breed faced near extinction. A few dogs were smuggled out of the country by enthusiasts. The first official import to Great Britain occurred in the 1930s. It was British and Scandinavian dog fanciers who played a crucial role in preserving and developing the breed. In 1934, the breed was recognised as distinct, and in 1940, it was registered by the British Kennel Club. Championship certificates began to be issued from 1949. Today, the Shih Tzu is one of the most popular toy breeds globally, similar to the Tibetan Terrier<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does a Shih Tzu Look Like: Describing the “Chrysanthemum Dog’s” Appearance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Shih<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, compact dog with luxurious, long hair, which is one of the breed’s main distinguishing features. Despite their small size, Shih Tzus carry themselves with a rather proud and confident demeanour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key features of the Shih Tzu’s appearance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n