Shih Tzu’s History

The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.

Scientists have found fossils from more than 10,000 years ago, which shows that the dogs of that time are closely linked to the breed of today.

Keep reading and find out all the secrets of this fascinating breed!

Where does the Shih Tzu come from and who are its ancestors?

The ancestry of the Shih Tzu is somewhat unclear due to its age. The Shih Tzu breed would originate from Tibet, where its roots come from, being linked to the Buddhist religion, and is a dog that lived in the Imperial Palaces of royalty, since, the ancestor of the dog that we know today, would be handed over to an Emperor of China, China being known, as the country that created this breed, over time, rather than Tibet where it originated.

In the 17th century, probably at the time of the Qing dynasty, between 1644 and 1662, the Dalai Lama gave the Chinese Emperor a few Shih Tzu specimens, which were known as the Lion Dog. Court artists portrayed Shih Tzu on tapestries that adorned the imperial palaces of Emperors, for several hundred years. And, at the end of the 19th century, the Empress Ts’eu-hi, a great admirer of the Shih Tzu, and grandmother of the Last Emperor, had specialized caregivers for the care of more than a hundred dogs of this breed, which she bred. with great care becoming the breed that is known today, being in 1908 at the death of the Empress, that the Shih Tzu had a great loss for the breed. But above all, their large kennels were destroyed, as well as most of the dogs after the Communist Revolution.

How the Shih Tzu managed to save itself from extinction and reached Europe

It was not until the beginning of the 20th century, and due to the stories and adventures of A. David-Néel, who was the first western woman to pass through the gates of the Forbidden City of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, that the Shih Tzu became popular and was widely known in Europe. In 1937, with Japan’s invasion of China, this beautiful breed of dog was exterminated in China. But, seven years earlier, in 1930, Lady Brownrigg took four specimens called Shu-ssa, Hibou, Lung-fu-ssu and Mei Mei to England. She tragically died of the latter, due to the attack of a Sealyham Terrier on her arrival in London. After her arrival in Great Britain, and while still in the quarantine period, the first litter of Shu-ssa and Hibou was born, saving the Shih Tzu from extinction.

Lady Brownringg junto a Shussa y Hibou

In 1930, after their arrival in Great Britain and during the quarantine period, the first litter of Shu-ssa and Hibou was born.

From that point on, the popularity of the Shih Tzu began to grow in Europe and North America. In 1935, the first Shih Tzu was registered with the British Kennel Club and in 1969 the first club of the breed was created in the United States.

Today, the Shih Tzu is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world due to its friendly personality, small size, and long, soft coat. They are calm and companion dogs that adapt well to life in apartments or small houses.

The Shih Tzu today

The Shih Tzu is a breed of dog that has remained popular over the years. Their small size and friendly personality make them excellent life companions. Today, the breed remains popular with those looking for a companion dog, but it is also used in dog shows around the world.

The Shih Tzu’s long, silky coat is one of its most distinctive features, and is also one of the reasons it is popular with allergy sufferers. Unlike many other dog breeds, the Shih Tzu has a soft coat rather than a harsh, woolly coat. This means their fur is less likely to cause allergies in people.

In addition, the Shih Tzu is a low-maintenance breed of dog in terms of exercise. Despite their small size, they are not particularly energetic and can easily adapt to apartment living or in a home with limited space. However, it’s important to make sure they get enough physical activity to keep them healthy and happy.

As for his temperament, the Shih Tzu is known to be a friendly and affectionate breed. They are very loyal dogs and get along well with children and other pets. Although they can be stubborn at times, they are intelligent and respond well to positive training.

In short, the Shih Tzu remains a popular breed today due to its size, silky coat, friendly personality, and low maintenance.It is an excellent option for those looking for a loving and loyal life partner, especiallyfor those with allergies. In addition, its adaptable behavior and ease of training make it an excellent choice for families with children and other pets.

In short, the Shih Tzu is a breed of dog with a long and fascinating history,dating back thousands of years.Throughout the centuries, this breed has been valued for its beauty, its personality and its history,and today it is still one of the most popular and beloved breeds in the world.

Shih Tzu care

The Shih Tzu is a breed that requires certain care to maintain its health and beauty. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:

  • Grooming: Due to its abundant coat, the Shih Tzu needs to be brushed daily to prevent the formation of knots and tangles. It is also recommended to bathe him every 4 or 6 weeks and cut his hair from time to time to keep it in good condition. Another option is to wear shorter hair, so it does not require care.
  • Feeding: It is important to choose a balanced diet adapted to the needs of the breed. It is recommended to feed the Shih Tzu with high quality food and avoid giving it foods that may be harmful to its health.
  • Exercise: Although it does not require much exercise, it is important to take the Shih Tzu for a walk to keep it fit and stimulated.
  • Health: eIt is essential to carry out regular veterinary checks to detect possible health problems early. In addition, it is important to keep the corresponding vaccinations and deworming up to date.
  • Allergies: The Shih Tzu’s hair is ideal for people with allergies, since it does not usually produce as many reactions as other breeds. However, it is important to keep their coat clean and free of mites and allergens to avoid problems.

By following these tips and paying attention to the specific needs of the Shih Tzu, you can ensure a healthy and happy life for this beautiful breed of dog.

The colors of the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu can come in a variety of colors and patterns. According to breed standards, 14 different colors are recognized, including white, black, gold, grey, red, brown, and combinations of these colors. They may also have markings on their face, legs, and body, which can be various colors./span>

Some specimens may be completely white, black, or gold, while others may have a combination of two or three different colors. It is important to mention that some colors may be rarer than others, and may influence the price of the dog.

It is important to note that the American Shih Tzu Association recognizes all the colors of the breed, but the International Dog Breeding Federation (FCI) only recognizes white, black, gold and red in its standard.

It is important to note that the coat color of a Shih Tzu does not influence their personality or temperament, as these aspects are determined by genetics and the environment in which they are raised. The most important thing is that the owners provide the proper care and love that these furry little ones need.

The character of the Shih Tzu

The character of the Shih Tzu is known to be cheerful, affectionate, sweet and playful. They are friendly dogs that get along well with other animals and people, which makes them an excellent choice for families with children and other pets, as well as for the company of the elderly.

Although they are small dogs, the Shih Tzu has a courageous and self-assured personality, which makes them excellent watchdogs and companions. In addition, they are intelligent and endearing dogs, although they can be a bit stubborn at times.

It is important to note that the Shih Tzu can be a bit independent and reserved around strangers at first, but with proper socialization, they can learn to trust people and get used to new surroundings.

In general, the Shih Tzu is an extremely affectionate and affectionate breed of dog that loves human companionship and will be happy spending time on its owner’s lap or enjoying outdoor activities.

Shih Tzu morphology

The Shih Tzu is a small breed of dog with a compact and robust build. Its body is longer than it is tall, with a rounded head and a wide jaw. The nose is short and broad, and its large, dark eyes are set wide apart. The ears are drooping and covered with long, silky hair.

Its neck is short and strong, and its chest is broad and deep. The back is straight and strong, and the tail, which is set high, is covered with long, curly hair. The legs are short and strong, with round, firm feet.

The Shih Tzu’s coat is one of its most distinctive features. Their hair is long, dense, and silky, with a soft undercoat and a thicker, more water-resistant outer coat. The breed has a wide variety of colors and patterns, including gold, black, white, brown, gray, and brindle.

Regarding their size, the breed standard indicates that Shih Tzus should weigh between 4.5 and 7.5 kg and measure between 20 and 28 cm in height at the withers. However, it is possible to find Shih Tzus smaller or larger than these standard measurements. In some cases, you can find Shih Tzus that have been selectively bred to be smaller, known as “imperial” or “miniature” Shih Tzus. These dogs usually weigh less than 4 kg and have a height at the withers less than 20 cm.

In general, the Shih Tzu is a breed with a very elegant and distinguished appearance. Its coat and structure give it a regal appearance, which has been maintained since its origin as a dog of Chinese royalty..

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