The Shih Tzu Handbook

By Sharon Vanderlip D.V.M.

Dedicated pet owners will rejoice at this comprehensive dog guidebook! The Shih Tzu Handbook provides advice for both new and experienced dog owners on purchasing, housing, training, and caring for your pet Shih Tzu.

Affectionate and confident, Shih Tzus make wonderful canine companions. As part of the B.E.S. Pet Handbook series, The Shih Tzu Handbook provides detailed information on the behavior and care of Shih Tzus of all ages, including:

• Finding a reliable breeder or seller
• Animal origins and traits
• Dietary needs
• Housing
• Health care
• Training and exercise
• Grooming
• Every aspect related to maintaining a healthy and thriving pet

Written by experienced breeders, trainers, and veterinarians, the B.E.S. Pet Handbook series covers everything animal owners need to know about their pets and creating a forever home!

Ready for even more animals and various breeds?

All of the books in the B.E.S. Pet Handbook series cover a wide range of cute pets with high quality, full-color photos and instructive line drawings.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sourcebooks
• Release date: Aug 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781438092829

Book preview

Chapter One

Shih Tzu History

Your fortune cookie reads There is a Shih Tzu in your life. Could it be true? Remember the first time you ever saw a Shih Tzu? You were captivated. And now you can’t stop thinking about this remarkable little dog. You wonder, Who is this charismatic canine with the beautiful flowing coat and an aura of magic? Even its name sounds exotic! The Shih Tzu—what does it mean? And where does it come from? Could this be the perfect dog for me?

We are about to begin a fascinating journey that will answer those questions and many more. You will learn what you want to know about the Shih Tzu and discover the qualities and characteristics of this unique breed. So let your imagination run free as we step back in time to faraway places and ancient civilizations. Slip back into hidden valleys and remote, misty mountains to find the imperial palaces of China and the religious temples of Tibet. There, more than 3,000 years ago, at the foot of religious leaders, Buddhist monks, and powerful rulers, proudly sat the ancestors of today’s Shih Tzu.

Lion Dogs

The Shih Tzu (pronounced sheed zoo) is a charming, intelligent, regal little dog. It may be small in stature, but it never fails to make a big impression on everyone it meets. With its winning personality, luxurious coat, and elegant demeanor, this attractive canine draws admirers wherever it goes. And Shih Tzu are just the right size, too. At only 9 to 10 inches (22.8 to 25.4 cm) high at the shoulder and weighing only 9 to 16 pounds (4 to 7.2 kg), Shih Tzu fit in every home and on every lap.

Shih Tzu means lion in Chinese. For several hundreds of years, many Asiatic dogs were bred to resemble small lions. Lion dogs were small and bearded, had round heads, flat faces, short noses, large round eyes, square bodies, and short legs. Lions held great significance in the Buddhist religion. They were considered the sacred beasts of Buddha and it was said that Buddha tamed a lion and rode it. Legend also said a lion followed Buddha everywhere. In the same manner, it was said that lion dogs followed in Buddha’s footsteps and it was believed that lion dogs housed the spirits of Buddhist monks.

Today the white blaze on a Shih Tzu’s forehead is called the Star of Buddha and the dark markings across the back are said to resemble the saddle Buddha used to ride a lion. Through the years, dedicated Shih Tzu breeders have done their best to follow the Shih Tzu ideal standard to keep the breed similar in size and appearance to the treasured lion dogs of ancient times.

Ancestral Shadows

There are hundreds of breeds of dogs and every one of them, including the Shih Tzu, traces back to the same prehistoric carnivorous (meat-eating) relative, a creature called Hesperocyonines. The fossil record tells us that Hesperocyonines evolved in North America about 40 million years ago and resembled a cross between a weasel and a fox. Before Hesperocyonines became extinct 15 million years ago, it gave rise to various canine species.

During the next several million years, many canine species became extinct, such as the dire wolves (Canis dirus), large wolves that lived in North America during the Pleistocene era and died out as recently as 10,000 years ago. However, there are 35 living species of canids that still exist today (including foxes, wolves, coyotes, jackals, and dogs). All of these species originated and evolved in North America and all are distant descendants of Hesperocyonines.

Approximately 7 million years ago many canid species migrated from North America to Asia. One theory is that this migration was facilitated by a land bridge that may have existed during that era. This was a time before dogs, as we know them, existed. Of course, no human was there to document the migration or to record how the different species continued to evolve, but we do know that the Shih Tzu’s remote ancestors were among them. The Shih Tzu’s sweet expression and gentle demeanor belie the fact that, like all members of the domestic dog species (known as Canis familiaris), the Shih Tzu is a direct descendant of the gray wolf and shares 98.2 percent of its genetic material in common with this very close wild ancestor.

Dogs were the first animals to be domesticated by humans, although precisely when and where remain topics of lively debate. Archaeologists contend that the fossil evidence places canine evolution somewhere between 13,000 and 20,000 years ago, most likely when wolves became scavengers around human campsites and settlements. A study of mitochondrial DNA sequences (genetic material that remains relatively unchanged through maternal lineage) suggests domestication may have occurred 100,000 years ago, but not all scientists are in agreement. Some researchers accept a time range of 40,000 years, which falls somewhere between the fossil and genetic data.

Mitochondrial DNA studies indicate that canine domestication began in East Asia; however, a more recent and extensive survey of the canine genome points instead to domestication originating in the Middle East. Another study, also based on DNA studies, tells us there was actually more than one domestication event. In other words, domestication likely occurred at different times in different areas with local strains of wolves.

In a recent study, scientists analyzed the DNA of 85 dog breeds. Based on DNA similarities, they categorized the breeds into four broad categories: wolflike, herders, hunters, and mastifflike. The Shih Tzu, having its roots in Asia, was discovered to be among the breeds most closely related to wolves, supporting the claim that Shih Tzu are among the oldest of the domesticated breeds.

In 2013, researchers collected DNA from ancient European wolflike and doglike canids. They compared the DNA samples to 77 dogs from a wide variety of breeds, plus 49 wolves from various parts of the world, and four coyotes. The researchers concluded that dogs actually descended from a population of ancient European wolves that are now extinct. Clearly, the mystery of the Shih Tzu’s ancient origin is not yet solved!

We can only wonder at the fascinating changes that took place over the ages. Looking at today’s gentle, yet elegant Shih Tzu, it’s hard to imagine wild, savage, primitive canines far back in the trunk of the breed’s family tree.

Origin of the Breed

The Shih Tzu’s entire history will always remain a mystery, but we are fortunate to have the fossil record to help us glimpse across millions of years and fill in some gaps. For example, fossils tell us that although dog ancestors evolved in North America, the brachycephalic (short-skulled, short-nosed, flat-faced) dog breeds, such as the Shih Tzu, Pug, and Pekingese, originated in Central Asia.

In addition to the fossil record, we have written history and legends to help us roughly piece together the last 3,500 years of the Shih Tzu’s history. We also have meticulously maintained breeding records and pedigrees for more than 50 years.

Few dog breeds have such a well-documented and exciting history as the Shih Tzu. This little dog has a big story to tell.

Asian Roots

Dogs have been an important part of Asian life for thousands of years. Skeletal remains of dogs have been found in Asia dating back more than 3,000 years, to the Shang Dynasty (1480 to 1050 B.C.). Many historians believe that the Asiatic dog breeds originated in Tibet and reached China as early as 1,400 years ago, probably by way of the Silk Trade Route, a route of more than 4,000 miles along the Great Wall of China from Sian, the capital of the Chinese Empire, over the Parmirs Mountains, and across Afghanistan. The Chinese traded silk in exchange for pet dogs. In addition, Dalai Lamas gave holy dogs and lion dogs to dignitaries of the Chinese imperial courts as diplomatic gifts and tributes during the Ch’ing dynasty, or Manchu dynasty (1644–1911).

Although lions are not native to China, the lion was considered Buddha’s sacred and most important beast. The Chinese imperial courts began importing lions more than 2,000 years ago and lion dogs became especially popular in the Imperial Palace during the Manchu Dynasty. Because they were so low to the ground, lion dogs were often called under the table dogs. Various under the table dogs were bred in China for 3,000 years. The Shih Tzu is not mentioned by name in the literature until the late fourteenth century.

There are several types of lion dogs, including the Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Pug, and Japanese Chin. The Shih Tzu was sometimes called the chrysanthemum-faced dog because of the way its hair grows out of its flat, round face in all directions, like a flower. Lion dogs were sometimes referred to as sleeve dogs because they fit, and could be carried about, in the large sleeves that were the fashion of the elite in China. They were also sometimes called Fu dogs (or Foo dogs), after a lionlike creature seen in art forms. The name was derived from a pair of dogs given to the Chinese court during the Tang dynasty in A.D. 624 that were believed to have come from Fu Lin, Turkey (Byzantine Empire).

In China, breeding and raising lion dogs was the responsibility of the eunuchs of the imperial courts. They competed to produce and raise the most attractive dogs. The best specimens were painted in the imperial dog books or on tapestries. Having one’s animal painted was an honor and a great compliment. Eunuchs who produced the best dogs were rewarded with gifts from the emperor.

Lion dogs were considered to bring good luck. In addition to participating in regal processions and following at the heels of emperors and empresses, lion dogs reportedly guarded Buddhist temples, barking at would-be intruders. It was against the law to sell any of these royal dogs; to do so was punishable by death.

Holy Dogs

In Tibet, where the cult of the lion may have preceded that of China by several hundred years, Dalai Lamas kept holy dogs (the ancestors of Lhasa Apsos) in monasteries for centuries. The Dalai Lama was believed to be a reincarnation of Buddha and Tibetan monks were devoted to breeding holy dogs to resemble lions as much as possible.

It has been reported that around 1650 the Dalai Lama visited China and brought along three holy dogs from a temple in Tibet. Some researchers believe that these three holy dogs may have been interbred with Pekingese to create offspring with shorter muzzles, broader heads, and shorter legs and that these three animals are the foundation of today’s Shih Tzu breed.

Predecessors

Some people think that the Shih Tzu was created by crossing Lhasa Apsos with Pekingese; others adamantly disagree. Another theory is that the Tibetan Spaniel may have been bred with the Pekingese to create the predecessor of the Shih Tzu and suggests that the Tibetan Spaniel is more similar to the Shih Tzu in conformation and temperament than is the Pekingese. Many believe that the Shih Tzu developed centuries ago in Tibet and reached China originally as a pure breed. Whatever the answer, it eludes us today. Perhaps in the future, with sophisticated scientific techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA analysis, the Shih Tzu’s most contested secrets may be revealed.

No matter what its exact beginnings are, there is no doubt that the Shih Tzu is the result of interbreeding original Tibetan holy dogs and various lion dogs in China. It is generally accepted that the oldest and smallest of the holy dogs are the ancestors of today’s Shih Tzu.

Fight for Survival

As civil upheaval and war dominated the political picture in Asia, the Shih Tzu joined the list of tragic casualties. By 1750 lion dogs no longer existed in Tibet and were essentially limited to the imperial palace in Peking. By contrast, in Europe and the United States, almost 400 different dog breeds had already been established, dog shows had gained in popularity, and owning a purebred dog was considered a status symbol. By 1884 the American Kennel Club was founded and was soon registering thousands of dogs a year—yet there wasn’t a Shih Tzu among them.

The thirteenth Dalai Lama gave the Empress of China (Dowager Empress T’Zu His) some Shih Tzu-type dogs. She became enamored with the little canines and instructed the court eunuchs to maintain a breeding colony of them for many years. The Dowager Empress was the most powerful political figure in China in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She was a cruel dictator. Ironically, despite her tyrannical behavior, she had a soft spot in her heart for the Shih Tzu and was the person who most influenced the development of the breed. After her death in 1908, the imperial court dogs were sold to wealthy individuals or given away as gifts to foreign dignitaries and visitors. Some of these dogs were bred according to their appearance and type, but a formal registry or breed book was not maintained. Dogs that looked like Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apsos were grouped together and given several names: Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu Kou, Lion Dog, Lhasa Lion Dog, Apso, Holy Dog, and Lhasa Terrier.

The China Kennel Club was formed in 1923 but there was no breed standard, description, or registration. Without breed guidelines, it was difficult to judge Shih Tzu-type dogs. In 1934 the Peking Kennel Club was formed. The club hosted a dog show and held a class in which Lhasa Lion Dogs could compete. Once again, the same judging difficulties were encountered. There was too much variation in size and appearance among the animals. Finally, a long-overdue standard was drawn up in 1938 describing the ideal Shih Tzu Lion Dog.

Tragically, the following years were disastrous for the Shih Tzu breed. The Communists invaded Peking in 1949 and dog breeding in China came to an end. Fortunately, a British diplomat was able to import a few Shih Tzu into the United Kingdom in 1949. The last Shih Tzu recorded to leave China arrived in England in 1952, just before the remaining animals were destroyed by the Communist Revolution that led to the extinction of the Shih Tzu in Asia. The foundation of the Shih Tzu breed, as we know it today, comes primarily from the few Shih Tzu that were imported into the U.K. in the 1900s.

Peking Kennel Club Official Shih Tzu Standard 1938–

List of Desired Shih Tzu Characteristics

•  Lion head with long, heart-shaped ears and long hair on the ears

•  Skull broad and flat

•  Long hair on the hind legs

•  Large eyes, covered completely by hair

•  Paws broad and flat, covered with hair

•  Tail carried over the back

•  All colors allowed, but honey color is a favorite

•  13–15 inches (33–38 cm) tall at the shoulders

•  10–15 pounds (4.5–6.8 kg)

A Second Chance

During the 1930s a few Shih Tzu were exported to England, Ireland, and Scandinavia, primarily through the efforts of Mrs. Douglas Brownrigg (the wife of a general) of England and Miss Madelaine Hutchins of Ireland.