Tiny Imperial Shih Tzu

Home of the Imperial Shih Tzu

History of the Shih Tzu

The origin of the Shih Tzu appears to be entwined in a mystery of legends of China and Tibet.  One theory  is based on the belief  that the modern day Shih Tzu originated from China during the Manchu dynasty.    They were brought in as tributes from Tibet or as gifts from the Grand Lamas to the Imperial Court of China.   The second theory basis Central Asia as being the origin.  

Anthropology studies have found fossils from Mongolia showing the brachiation (short headed) of the skull of the dog.  Whether this occurred naturally due to evolution or mutant gene is unknown.  But it is felt that this was an early version of the Pekingese, Pug and Shih Tzu.  

China was well known for the silk trade routes.  It is believed that the Shih Tzu (Lion Dog) was introduced into the Imperial Courts of China thru these routes.   The breed is thought to have originated in Tibet as it shares similarity with other Tibetan breeds.  The early of these types of dogs were bred in the monasteries and prized by the Dalai Lamas as "Holy Dogs." .  The first mentions of the Lion Dog have been in 1371 with the Sung Dynasty.    The term Lion Dog was used to refer both large and small sizes.  

The first real breeding information  of the Shih Tzu's started with the Dowager Empress T'zu Hsi who took up breeding the Shih Tzu's  in the late 1800 and early 1900's.    The Empress was very selective in breeding her Tibetan sleeve dogs and supervised all breeding.    She was known for giving these dogs as gifts, but "doctoring" them so they would not be able to produce.  After the fall of the Ming Dynasty, the breeding was taken over by Eunch and most of the records were lost or destroyed.  But by this time, enough of the Empress dogs had been smuggled from the kennels and into the outside world. 

It is believe that the Tibetan sleeve dogs are today's modern Imperial Shih Tzu's.   There is much history as to the Shih Tzu's always having a variety of sizes within the breed. 

I am in the process of writing this information .  . 

Reference Book - The Complete Shih Tzu by Victor Joris.