Shih-Tzu Dog Breed Resources & Info

The Shih Tzu and Imperial Shih Tzu, in English pronounced ("shee tzoo"), in singular and plural, (Traditional Chinese: 獅子狗; Simplified Chinese: 狮子狗; pinyin: Shīzi Gǒu; Wade-Giles: Shih-tzu Kou; literally "Lion Dog") is a dog breed which originated in China. The spelling "Shih Tzu", most commonly used for the breed, is according to the Wade-Giles system of romanization. The Shih Tzu is reported to be the oldest and smallest of the Tibetan holy dogs, its vaguely lion-like look being associated with the Snowlion. It is also often known as the "Xi Shi quan" (西施犬), based on the name of Xi Shi, regarded as the most beautiful woman of ancient China. The Shih Tzu and The Imperial Shih Tzu is known to be a companion dog with great charm.

Shih-Tzu Dog Breed Resources

Shih Tzu, Dog Breed Information Center®, Dog Breeders, Dogs
Shih Tzu information from the Dog Breed Information Center®, Dog Breeders, Dogs, Puppies, Shih Tzus

American Shih Tzu Club
The American Shih Tzu Club, Inc. (ASTC) was formed in 1963 by a small group of individuals who shared a common interest in, love for, and commitment to the Shih Tzu breed.

American Kennel Club - Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu Breed Standard. Toy Group. General Appearance. The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with long flowing double coat ... more...

Dog Owner's Guide Profile: The Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu (pronounced Shid Zoo in singular and plural) comes by his regal attitude quite honestly, for he was developed as a favored pet of Chinese emperors of the Manchu Dynasty from the middle of the 19th Century. more...

Shih Tzu Secrets
For People With Shih Tzus - Or People That Want One... "Top Shih Tzu Expert Reveals The Little-Known Secrets About Shih Tzus -- Amazing Facts ...

American Kennel Club - Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with long flowing double coat. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion ... more...

Dog Owner's Guide Profile: The Shih Tzu
Dog Owner's Guide Profile: The Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu Reporter Website
The Shih Tzu Reporter is a full-size magazine, with color photos, and articles written by experts on all aspects of Shih Tzu.

US Shih Tzu Rescue
United States wide group of volunteer Shih Tzu rescue people dedicated to rescuing and adopting out Shih Tzu to forever homes.

Shih Tzu Rescue Adoption and Education Safehouse
Their goal is to create a greater awareness of STRAES and Shih Tzu. It is an opportunity to reach thousands of Shih Tzu lovers and potential Shih Tzu lovers, ... more...

Shih Tzu Rescue
listing of Shih Tzu rescue organizations. ... Colorado Shih Tzu & Maltese Rescue; Only adopts to Colorado residents.

Training Shih Tzu
Teach your Shih Tzu 100 English words! Respect training program. Solving behavior problems. Information on housebreaking Shih Tzu puppies and dogs.

Shih Tzu Farm
The full of links on Shih Tzu, including Shih Tzu clubs, books on Shih Tzu, daily news, and other information for Shih Tzu owners and lovers.

Shih Tzu, shih tzus, dog breeders, puppies
Shih Tzus classified ads for purebred puppies and dogs from professional to hobby Shih Tzu dog breeders.

Shih Tzu on Encyclopedia.com
Shih Tzushē dzoo, breed of active, alert toy dog originating in Tibet centuries ago. It stands from 8 to 11 in. (20.3-27.9 cm) high at the shoulder and ... more ..

Tippy O'Toole - Shih Tzu - Rescued Pound Dog
Tippy O Toole a shih tzu, from a pound dog to a champion and loving pet.

Shih Tzu Puppy - Shih Tzu Breed Information
Learn about the Shih Tzu puppy breed in our Shih Tzu information guide. The Shih Tzu puppy guide reveals Shih Tzu puppy characteristics to Shih Tzu ownership requirements. Browse Shih Tzu puppies. ... Overview: The silky Shih Tzu is sweet and playful ... more ...

Shih Tzu Puppies For Sale
Find Shih Tzu puppies for sale from dog breeders in your area. Advertise your Shih Tzu puppies for sale or adult Shih Tzus dogs for sale.

All About Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu breed site with loads of info about this elegant, fun loving companion and clown.

Google Directory - Recreation > Pets > Dogs > Breeds > Toy Group > Shih Tzu
Small show hobby breeder of Shih Tzu. Site includes show pictures, up and coming stars,Shih Tzu information links and more

Finding an Shih Tzu Breeder
Shih Tzu Dog Breeders Showcase is a great way to find dog breeders in your area. Dogs SHIH TZU DOG BREEDERS Shih Tzu Dog Breeders Showcase Finding an Shih Tzu is easy.

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Shih Tzu History

The Shih Tzu has been around for a long time. The Shih Tzu was bred to sit around the palace of the Emperor of China and bark when people or animals approached: this is allegedly to alert people to the presence of unwanted visitors. It is believed that this ornamental breed was created by breeding the Bei-jing gou (Pekingese) with a Tibetan dog breed, the Lhasa Apso. Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog. The Shih Tzu is also known as the Chinese/Tibetan Lion Dog or the Chrysanthemum Dog. It is called the chrysanthemum dog because its face looks very much like the flower. In 1994, the Shih Tzu became the 12th most popular breed of dog in the AKC's 139 breeds with more than 37,000 new individuals.

Shih Tzu Standard

The Imperial Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu breed or lion dog is characterized by its long, flowing double coat; sturdy build; intelligence; and a friendly, lively attitude. In breeding all coat colors are allowed. The Shih Tzu's hair can be styled either in a short summer cut, or kept long as is compulsory for conformation shows. Although Shih Tzu owners do not generally find fur on furniture or cloths, they do shed small amounts of fur bit are still considered to be a hypoallergenic pet. The shedded hair are usually trapped in the Shih Tzu's dense undercoat until the Shih Tzu starts to do activities that involve a lot of movement (e.g., running around.)

The AKC Shih Tzu breed standard calls for the dog to have a short snout, large eyes, and a palm-like tail that waves above its torso. The ideal Shih Tzu to some is height at withers 9 to 10 1/2 inches. The dog should stand no less than 8 inches and not more than 11 inches tall. The Shih Tzu should never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty. Regardless of size or gender, the Shih Tzu should always be solid and compact, and carry good weight and substance for its size range.

James E. Mumford described the breed in an American Shih Tzu magazine, giving a picture of the versatile character of the Shih Tzu: "Nobody knows how the Ancient Eunuchs managed to mix together…And now here comes the recipe: A dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces of domestic cat, one part court jester, a dash of ballerina, a pinch of old man (Chinese), a bit of beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one part baby seal, a dash of teddy bear and the rest dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin."