The Shih Tzu’s adorable “smooshed” face and flowing coat didn’t happen by accident. This beloved toy breed has a fascinating ancestry that traces back to ancient Tibet and involves careful crossbreeding between specific dog breeds over many centuries.
The Shih Tzu is believed to be bred from crossing the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso, two ancient breeds that contributed to its distinctive appearance and gentle temperament.
Understanding these parent breeds helps explain why your Shih Tzu has certain traits, from their sturdy build and luxurious double coat to their friendly yet sometimes stubborn personality.
You’ll discover how Chinese royalty treasured these dogs so much that they refused to sell or trade them for years, and how this selective breeding program created the charming companion you know today.
Learning about your Shih Tzu’s genetic background can help you better understand their care needs, potential health concerns, and why they behave the way they do.
Origins of Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu comes from Tibet originally. This small dog has very old roots that go back many centuries.
Most experts believe the Shih Tzu originated in Tibet around 600 AD. The breed then moved to China where it became very popular with royal families.
Two main breeds likely created the modern Shih Tzu:
- Pekingese
- Lhasa Apso
The name “Shih Tzu” means lion in Chinese. People bred these dogs to look like the lions you see in Chinese art and statues.
Tibetan monks may have given these dogs as gifts to Chinese emperors. The dogs were so special that Chinese royalty would not sell or trade them for many years.
Key timeline facts:
| Time Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 600 AD | First Shih Tzus in Tibet |
| Late 1800s | Given to Chinese courts |
| 1920s-1930s | Brought to Europe |
| 1969 | Recognized in America |
During China’s Communist Revolution in 1949, all Shih Tzus in China were killed. Every Shih Tzu alive today comes from just 13 dogs that were saved in England and other countries.
Your Shih Tzu carries genes from these ancient Tibetan temple dogs. This makes the breed one of the oldest in the world.
What Breeds Make a Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu comes from two main ancestor breeds that were mixed together centuries ago. These parent breeds shaped everything about your Shih Tzu today.
The Lhasa Apso was the first key breed used to create the Shih Tzu. This breed came from Tibet and gave the Shih Tzu its long, flowing coat and small size.
The Pekingese was the second parent breed. Chinese royalty owned these dogs, and they passed down the flat face and round eyes you see in modern Shih Tzus.
| Parent Breed | Contribution to Shih Tzu |
|---|---|
| Lhasa Apso | Long coat, small size, sturdy build |
| Pekingese | Flat face, round eyes, royal temperament |
Chinese breeders mixed these two breeds in the royal palace during the 1600s. They wanted a dog that combined the best traits of both breeds.
The mixing happened over many generations. Breeders carefully picked which dogs to mate based on looks and personality.
You can still see both parent breeds in your Shih Tzu today. The long coat comes from the Lhasa Apso side. The flat face and big eyes come from the Pekingese heritage.
This crossbreeding created a completely new breed. Your Shih Tzu has traits from both parents but is now its own distinct breed recognized worldwide.
Characteristics of Dog
The Shih Tzu comes from mixing two ancient breeds – the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. This mix created a sturdy toy dog with distinctive features.
Physical Features
Your Shih Tzu will have a compact body that stands 8-11 inches tall. They weigh between 9-16 pounds when fully grown.
The most noticeable feature is their flat face with a required underbite. Their large, dark eyes give them an alert expression. The nose is short and black.
Coat and Colors
You’ll find Shih Tzus have a double coat that’s soft and long. The hair grows continuously and needs regular brushing every 2-3 days to prevent mats.
Common coat colors include:
- Black and white
- Gold and white
- Brindle patterns
- Solid gold
- Grey and white
- Liver colors
Some dogs have a white patch on their forehead called the “Star of Buddha.”
Body Structure
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ears | Floppy, covered with long hair |
| Tail | Curved over the back, heavily feathered |
| Legs | Short but sturdy |
| Head | Round with owl-like or lion-like shape |
The breed’s nickname “little lion” comes from their confident appearance and flowing coat. Their compact size makes them perfect lap dogs, while their sturdy build means they’re not fragile like some toy breeds.
