The Shih Tzu (Shih Tzu Kou) or Chrysanthemum Dog (Lion Dog, Chinese Lion Dog, Xi Shi dog) is an ancient companion and lap dog, whose true origin is still veiled in mystery. However, there are actually three theories on how Shih Tzus came into being. According to the first theory, the breed originated more than 2.000 years ago in Tibet, where it was bred by lamas in lamaseries. The lamas gifted a few of these dogs to rulers at the Chinese Imperial Court in the 17th century, when the breed was finally given its present name. If this theory is correct, then this is officially the smallest of all Tibetan breeds. According to the second theory, the breed was actually developed in the 17th century in the city of Peking (Beijing), China, by crossing the Pekingese with the Lhasa Apso. The third theory suggests that the breed actually originated in China around 800 B.C. Anyhow, the recent DNA study confirmed that the Shih Tzu is actually one of the 14 oldest (ancient) dog breeds in the world, which are closely related to the wolf. In this group, apart from its “relatives,” the Lhasa Apso, Pekingese and Tibetan Terrier, are some of the most famous breeds around the globe, such as the Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, Siberian Husky, Basenji, Samoyed, Afghan Hound, etc. Continue Reading →
