The Shih Tzu (pronounced sheed zoo) is among the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Way before they were popular in America, they were cherished in East Asia. Here are some fascinating facts about the Shih Tzu.
1. The Breed Is More Than 1,000 Years Old
Paperwork of the Shih Tzu goes back at least 1,000 years. These brief and stout pooches were most likely the ancestors of the Shih Tzu.
2. They Came From Tibet
People typically associate the Shih Tzu with China, but they really came from China’s western next-door neighbor, Tibet, which was a sovereign country up until the 1950s. Tibet most likely sent pets to the Chinese royalty as gifts. The Chinese then reproduced them with Pekingese or Pugs to create the modern-day Shih Tzu.
3. Their Name Means “Little Lion”
The Mandarin phrase “Shih Tzu” translates to little lion. The Shih Tzu was likely offered this name because of its association with the Tibetan Buddhist God of Learning, who, according to legend, traveled with a small lion dog that might change into a full-sized lion.
4. They Are Also Called “Chrysanthemum-Faced Dogs”
Shih Tzu are called “chrysanthemum-faced canines” due to the fact that the hair on their faces grows in every direction. Shih Tzu owners who keep their pet dogs clipped short know all too well that very little time passes prior to a Shih Tzu’s hair grows up from her snout and in front of her eyes.
5. They Were Wiped Out During the Communist Revolution
When China underwent its Communist Revolution, the Shih Tzu breed all but disappeared. This may not have really been triggered by communism; a contributing aspect was the 1908 death of the Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, who supervised a world-renown breeding program of Shih Tzu, Pekingese, and Pugs. When she passed away, the reproducing program broke down, and it became nearly impossible to get a Shih Tzu.
6. 14 Dogs Saved the Breed
Due to the fact that their numbers diminished down to almost absolutely nothing throughout the very first half of the 20th century, every Shih Tzu alive today can be traced to one of 14 pet dogs– 7 males and seven females– that were utilized to restore the breed.
7. Military Personnel Brought them to the U.S.
After Shih Tzu were imported to England from China, the English exported them to other countries in Europe. American soldiers stationed in European countries took Shih Tzu back to the United States with them in the late 1940s and 1950s.
8. Many Celebrities Have Owned Shih Tzu
Since the Shih Tzu is one of the most popular dog breeds, it’s no surprise that lots of stars have actually owned them. Celebrity owners of Shih Tzu consist of Nicole Richie, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Colin Farell, Bill Gates, and even Queen Elizabeth II.
9. Shih Tzu Are Glamorous … and Athletic
Provided the long flowing coats of Shih Tzu reveal dogs, we tend to believe of this breed as more attractive than sporty. In 2014, a Shih Tzu ended up being the first of his breed to win both a champion title and a dexterity title.
Conclusion
The Shih Tzu (pronounced sheed zoo) is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. When China underwent its Communist Revolution, the Shih Tzu breed all but vanished. When Empress Tzu Hsi died, the reproducing program fell apart, and it became almost impossible to get a Shih Tzu.
Provided the long flowing coats of Shih Tzu show canines, we tend to think of this breed as more attractive than stylish. In 2014, a Shih Tzu ended up being the very first of his breed to win both a champion title and an agility title.
The post was seen on American Kennel Club.
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