The Shih Tzu breed dates back to A.D. 624. Then were later bred in the Forbidden City of Peking for the Chinese Court. As they felt these dogs resembled a lion, they were given the name Shih Tzu from the buddhist belief there is an association between the lion and their Deity. Shih Tzu means lion. In 1930 two pairs were brought from China to England for breeding. During WWII members of the American Armed Forces stationed in England brought some back to the U.S.
You can view the AKC standard of the Shih Tzu |
