The Shih Tzu

It is said that the first Shih-Tzu came from a breeding of two dogs that were given as gifts to the Imperial Court of the Tang Dynasty from the King of Vigur. All of the dogs used for breeding in the Imperial Courts of China were always chosen with great care. The line of dogs that descended from this first breeding were designated with the name Shih-Tzu, meaning “lion” in chinese.

The first Shih Tzus were brought to England in 1930 and the breed steadily gained in popularity from that time. At first they were called “Apsos” but this name was changed by the Kennel Club to the Shih-Tzu. The breed flourished and gained more recognition throughout the dog shows of Europe and by the end of World War II it had traveled to the shores of the United States.

The Shih Tzu appears quite haughty and rather distant in the show ring. In reality they are a playful and energetic dog and get along famously with children, the elderly and everyone in between. They make good house dogs, being small enough to dwell in an apartment and not needing an inordinate amount of exercise.

The Shih Tzu breed is plagued by an inherited condition known as “familial nephropathy”, a kidney disorder. This disease can be found also in Tibetan Spaniels, the Llhasa Apso, the Tibetan Terriers and the English Cocker. It is a fatal condition and as yet there is no successful diagnostic testing that can predict this condition, although it is under study in several Veterinary colleges.

The Shih Tzu has a long straight and silky double coat, with a topknot of hair that can be kept out of the dogs eyes with a band. The little dog possesses a deep and wide ribbed chest similar to the Pekingese. He is short and his coat often extends clear to the ground. He has a broad head with large expressive eyes that do not bulge out, a short nose and hair which flows over each side of the nose and under the lips, giving a bearded appearance to the face. The coat requires daily or weekly brushing and the pet owner often finds that this is too much of a chore. It is best if the coat is trimmed rather than shaved, since the double coat provides some protection from the elements and protects the skin from sunburn.

Shih Tzu are lively and happy and should be generally of a good disposition, as they were bred to be pets and not guarding dogs. It is an indoor dog and should not be kept in a kennel. If used for breeding in a kennel it is highly important that the puppies be brought into the house and be socialized early, they simply are not a “kennel” breed. They take well to households with children and with other animals. These little dogs have found a place in many homes as loving, affectionate and gentle family members.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs