Chinese Imperial Dogs ~ The Shih Tzu

                                                                                                                       

The Shih Tzu is an elegant Chinese Imperial temple dog.  For centuries the little Shih Tzu were house pets and personal property of only the royal families of Imperial China.  Hidden away in the palaces and beloved at court where the dainty and well-proportioned little Imp was selectivity and carefully bred to conform to the Imperial ideal.  Only the beautifully faced, smaller size quality ShihTzu were highly prized in the imperial court, where the petite Imps lived in luxury.

The Shih Tzu is known as "Lion Dog", so named because they were bred to resemble the lion as depicted in traditional oriental art. The Shih Tzu is also often known as the "Xi Shi quan", based on the name of Xi Shi, regarded as the most beautiful woman of ancient China.  In addition, the Shih Tzu have the nickname "Chrysanthemum Face" as the hair on their faces grows out in circular direction, making the face look like a little flower.

The little Imps have easily won many hearts and have become one of the most beloved toy breeds in the US.  Although small in stature, ShihTzu are strong and sturdy.  They come in many different colors:   Cream, Gold, Light-Dark Brown, White, Brindle, Imperial Blue, Black or combination.  While the Chinese Imperials bred the Shih Tzu to be smaller in stature, under 10 pounds, in the UK they are typically between 10 and 18 pounds.  Here in the United States the standard is 9-16 pounds. Whatever color and size or however they are marked, each one of them is uniquely special.

When you take a Shih Tzu puppy into your home it is very much like adopting a child as the little Imps are quite childlike.  The ShihTzu's personality is a unique blend of intelligence, charm, love, fun and self-importance which proves to be an irresistible combination.    At the same time they are active and alert, they are sweet and playful if not somewhat stubborn.  Their qualities make them a good choice as a therapy dog and as wee watchdogs.  They may bark to let you know someone is at the door or that they hear a strange noise outside, but once the person is let in - they will love whomever they know are your friends.

The Shih Tzu is a wonderful toy breed for families with children.  As well as companion dog for an individual or the elderly.  Being playful and affectionate, they adapt well to any family situation and get along nicely with anyone or other animals.  Our little imps share our home with our cats and children baby to 15.  They all get along wonderfully.  The ShihTzu enjoys cuddling in laps and romping about the room as well as being foot warmers... even in the hot summer months.  They want nothing more than to be adored ~ which you can't help but do.  Being a non-aggressive breed they are unlike other toy breeds in that they do not exhibit noisy yapping, which endears them to you even more.

The ShihTzu requires a minimum amount of exercise.  They are happy as long as they are free indoors ~ the little amount of running around that they do is all that they need.  They make good apartment dogs.  Since they thrive on human company they should never be kept as a kennel dog, they should live indoors with their owners comfy and warm.  They thrive on human companionship and do best treated as one of the family.

Many people who are allergic to dogs and cats are not allergic to Shih Tzu.  As Shih Tzu do not shed seasonally and are considered one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Owning Shih Tzu can be the most delightful experience any family can embark upon.