Shih Tzu

A Toy That Royals Loved to Dress and Display

What is common between Bill Gates, Beyonce, Mariah Carey and Queen Elizabeth II? They have been the celebrity pet-parents of this most beautiful and glamorously presented dog breeds in the world – Shih Tzu. (pronounced SHEED Zoo, SHID Zoo, or SHEET Sue)

Its strikingly good looks endeared it to Chinese emperors, who took it under their wings. It became a toy who they liked to dress and decorate, and of course to display. Often known as a little lion or a lion dog, the Shih Tzu is a unique and well-loved toy dog breed. With their small, sturdy physique, floppy ears, and long (sometimes expertly styled) hair, it’s easy to see why a Shih Tzu counts among the most endearing and coveted dog breeds in the world.

An interesting description of this breed came from James Mumsford, an American teacher and composer: “Nobody knows how the ancient eunuchs managed to mix together: a dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces of domestic cat, one-part court jester, a dash of ballerina, a pinch of old man, a bit of beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one-part baby seal, a dash of teddy bear, and, for the rest, dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin.”

A little unusual but striking in its account of an entity that combines so much in such a tiny frame.

Shih Tzu is also sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on their face grows out in all directions. They look like a flower with a nose for the centre.

Shih Tzu Appearance

One cannot miss a Shih Tzu. It has a commanding presence inversely proportion to its diminutive size. Barely attaining a height of 10 inches, they weigh anything between 9 and 12 lbs or nearly 4 kilos. Their ears flop downward and are covered with thick hair. Their large, round black eyes have an open, trusting gaze. They have a flat, black nose with wide nostrils. Their tail is set high on their backs and curls toward the front. And they prefer to pose majestically, on sofas or couches, overly decorated and decked up.

It’s luxurious double coat often sweeps the floor, coming in a variety of attractive colour combinations like black and white or gold and white with markings on their heads and backs.

They live between 10 and 16 years.

They may have a white marking on their head which is affectionately referred to as the Star of Buddha. And thereby hangs a tale.

Buddha and Shih Tzu

Legends regarding the Shih Tzu abound. One says that Buddha travelled with a little dog fitting the description of a Shih Tzu. As the story goes, one day, several robbers came upon the Buddha with the intent of robbing and murdering him. The little dog changed into a ferocious lion and ran off the robbers, saving Buddha’s life. The lion then turned back into a fun-loving little dog, which the Buddha picked up and kissed. The white spot on the heads of many Shih Tzu supposedly marks the place where Buddha kissed his loyal friend.

Many also believe that Fu Dogs, the guardians of Buddhist temples, are representations of the Shih Tzu.

A Wildly Ancient History

Supposedly a combination of Pekingese and Lhasa Apso, its origin is disputed. While widely believed to have originated in Tibet and often referred to as a Tibetan Lion Dog, some believe that it originated in China because of their claimed presence in China as early as 8000 BC. How did they reached China is still a mystery but genetic evidence strongly point to a Tibetan ancestry? In China, however, they captured the royal hearts and by 1400 A.D., the Shih Tzu was the royal palace pet of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.).

Early 1900s was the time when their existence came under dire peril. Empress Tzu His(originally a concubine), who began a world famous breeding programme died in 1908 and with her, this intensely protected and pampered breed faced near extinction. Their numbers dwindled to only seven males and seven females, which were then used to rebuild the breed. Every Shih Tzu dog alive today is descended from one of those last 14 pups.

Several Shih Tzu were brought to England in the 1930s. and found shelter and patronage in other European countries. Shih Tzu first made their way to the States after World War I, when soldiers returning from Europe and Australia brought a few back with them. Since they arrived in the West, Shih Tzu have become a highly coveted breed, receiving American Kennel Club recognition as a member of the toy group in 1969.

Their universal adoration remains undiminished since then.

And A Tea Cup Shih Tzu

Of recent origin, entirely man-made and touted as rare, these really diminutive specimens were specially bred for their exceedingly small size. Many, however, believe that they are often unhealthy and a symbol of the greed of dog breeders. Yet, they remain in great demand and command a hefty price often disproportionate to their merit.

Shih Tzu Seeks Love

Shih Tzu’s were originally bred “to spend most of their day inside royal palaces,” so they’re used to be happy in confined spaces and are perfectly content living in an apartment. They do need exercise, but for that a walk and one or two lively play sessions each day will suffice.

But their greatest requirement is love and attention. They are most happy when they are with their favorited people, and their throne is their master’s lap. and they make great family dogs and they love to be the centre of attention.

Health, Training and Grooming

Like any dog breed, a Shih Tzu is prone to particular health issues. Shih Tzu are more likely to experience hypothyroidism, intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), and eye issues. Because of their compact face shape, Shih Tzu are also more prone to breathing problems, such as brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome.

Training a Shih Tzu can be both amusing and frustrating. They are inherently stubborn yet get away with it because they are very cute. Praise works better for them than punishment.

Their beautiful flowing silky hair however, present a special challenge for their grooming. But the fascination and excitement of dressing and making up this doll like breed is often overwhelming.  Their marvellous double coat of hair does require regular cleaning and brushing, but then dressing them up in different attires and styling their hair imaginatively, in itself becomes a fulfilling passion.

Phenomenal Companion 

They don’t hunt birds, herd cattle, or pull sleds. They’re just built to love their families. The Shih Tzu was bred for centuries not just for their beautiful silky coats, but to be phenomenal companions. Their idea of a great night is relaxing together on the couch. After all, they have everything you’d want in a dog friend. They’re known for being intelligent, lively, friendly, trusting, and affectionate. And unlike other toy breeds, the Shih Tzu doesn’t yap or demand much, except for plenty of affection. It’s no wonder that Shih Tzu owners develop such strong bonds to these dogs.

With their ability to assess situations much faster than other small breeds, the Shih Tzu is so much more than a pretty face. They make excellent watchdogs; they are always on alert for someone approaching your home and will let you know they’re coming. Even though they may exhibit a stubborn streak and require extra patience when training, they are worth the effort. Their loyalty and calm manner in all types of situations serve them in good stead as emotional support animals when their small size is not an issue.

Personality

With their flowing hair sweeping the ground and their topknot elegantly tied, the Shih Tzu does appear snobbish, suited only for lying about a palace on silk pillows. Nothing could be further from the truth, however. Shih Tzu are beautiful, but they are also friendly, lively, devoted companions.

Small in size but sumptuous on personality, agile and adaptable, the Shih Tzu is universally adored. This pint-sized pooch will love cuddling with you on the couch in front of the TV, but they’re equally happy trotting by your side in the park.

Shih Tzu were originally bred to be companions for emperors in China, but you don’t have to be royal to call one your own. You feel like a royal in the company of this true lap dog: a cute, soft, cuddly friend who will stick by your side wherever you may be. It matters little whether you have a small apartment or a large mansion (again, as long as it has a lap).

Couch potatoes love them, for marathon runners they may be a disappointment unless they want to push their Shih Tzu in a stroller or more appropriately strapped to their backs.