Shih Tzu – A Little Dog With A Big Story To Tell

Few dog breeds have such a well-documented and exciting history
as the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu’s entire history is steeped in
legends, myths and mystery. However, we have fossil records that
tell us the brachycephalic (short-skulled, short-nosed,
flat-faced) dog breeds, which include the Shih Tzu, Pug, and
Pekingese originated in Central Asia. In addition, we also have
written history and legends to help us sort of piece together
the last 3,000 plus years of the Shih Tzu’s history. There are
meticulously maintained Shih Tzu breeding records and pedigrees
for more than 50 years as well.

Many historians believe the Asian dog breeds originated in Tibet
and reached China as early as 1,400 years ago. The Chinese
traded silk in exchange for pet dogs along the Great Wall of
China. The Dalai Lamas also gave “holy dogs” to the Chinese
imperial courts as diplomatic gifts and tributes during the
Manchu dynasty (1644-1911). In literature the Shih Tzu is
mentioned by name in the late fourteenth century.

In China breeding and raising Shih Tzu were the responsibility
of the eunuchs of the imperial court. Eunuchs who produced the
best dogs were rewarded with gifts. Competition between the
eunuchs to produce and raise the most attractive Shih Tzu was
fierce. The best Shih Tzu specimens were painted in the imperial
dog books and tapestries.

The Shih Tzu was considered to bring good luck. These regal
little Shih Tzu followed on the heels of emperors and empresses.
If you have ever owned a Shih Tzu, you will find one of their
favorite activities is following around after you and right on
the heels of your feet is where they try to ride. Shih Tzu think
they should make each and every step you make. I have one Shih
Tzu at the present time, Duke, by name, who tries to walk with
me in between my feet. It is quite amusing.

It was against the law to sell any of the royal dogs in China
during the Manchu dynasty. The punishment was death.

As war dominated the political picture in Asia the “Lion Dogs”
was added to the list of tragic casualties. By 1884 the American
Kennel Club was founded and was registering thousands of dogs.
There were no Shih Tzu among them.

In 1908 the thirteenth Dalai Lama gave the Empress Dowager of
China some Shih Tzu-type dogs. The Empress fell passionately in
love with these little dogs. She instructed the court eunuchs to
maintain a breeding program for many years. Although the Empress
Dowager was noted to be a cruel dictator she had a soft spot in
her heart for the little Shih Tzu. The Empress Dowager was the
person who most influenced the development of the Shih Tzu. At
her death in 1908, some of the imperial palace Shih Tzu were
sold to wealthy individuals or given as gifts to foreign
dignitaries an visitors.

It is questionable as to how many of these survived as it has
been noted some of the eunuchs fed the Imperial Palace Shih Tzu
glass to keep them from surviving. They were so possessive of
their Imperial Palace bloodlines, this was the only way they
could think of to keep others from gaining access to their
secrets.

The Shih Tzu, a little dog with a big story to tell has much,
much more to say.