Menu

Download our Petland App today for information on your local Petland's Available Pets and Pet Supplies. All at the tips of your fingers!

Petland Logo
Login/Register

Please create a free account, or login by clicking here.

Shih Tzus – What Do You Know about the Revered “Lion Dog”?

March 7, 2018

Many people know about Shih Tzus, but what of their storied past? Read on for more!

Hello lovelies and welcome to our newest blog! We hope you’re ready and raring to go about our latest subject, the mysterious, yet lovable, Shih Tzu! We’ve done several breeds already, but this one really tugs at our heart strings! This breed has been around for a very long time and once you take a look at this blog, you’ll know why!

The Shih Tzu is formally the Tibetan Shih Tzu Kou.

Contrary to popular belief, the Shih Tzu does not originate in China, but in Tibet. The Tibetan monks considered the Shih Tzu holy and kept them in their temples. The Shih Tzu worked alongside the monks, functioning as alarm or guard dogs and even turning prayer wheels in daily Buddhist rituals. They were then sent to Chinese emperors as gifts, thus giving them their Chinese name. In the Chinese language, Shih Tzu means “Lion Dog”, as much for its features as its strength of character. They also earned the moniker of “chrysanthemum-faced dog”, which refers to the way the hair grows outwards from the center of the dog’s face.

Shih Tzus have been around the block, a couple times.

As one of the oldest breeds in existence, the Shih Tzu’s origins are shrouded in mystery and it’s hard to pin down exactly when they came about. The earliest definitive traces of the breed are Chinese paintings circa 500 AD and also documents describing these dogs being gifted for the second time from China to the Byzantine Empire. Much later, they became the official breed of the illustrious Ming dynasty, who kept them as pets for the royal family for centuries. However, the Shih Tzu very nearly went extinct in China after the Communist Revolution.

Sooooo, how did they get here, in America?

Because the breed was declining in China, a few citizens of the U.K. wanted to preserve the breed by importing them into the country in the 1930s. This importation essentially saved the breed, as all modern day Shih Tzus can be traced to the original 14 dogs brought from China to England. It was actually American soldiers who brought the Shih Tzu back to America after World War II, where they quickly gained popularity amongst the people. The Shih Tzu breed was then recognized by the AKC in 1969 and currently holds 20th place for most popular breed in America.

Interesting in finding out more about the Shih Tzu puppies for sale in our store? Check out our available puppies page to see all of our precious Shih Tzu puppies for sale!

Related Articles

View All Articles

  • Image Not Found

    New Year Fireworks and Your Pets

    In years gone by, New Years was not a time of celebration for me. I owned several horses and lived near a city center in north Texas. When others were watching the fireworks in awe...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Giving the Gift of Love and Cuddles for Christmas 2020

    There is little that can rival the excitement of seeing a box wiggle and squeak under the Christmas tree for kids and adults alike. To make it the best Christmas gift you’ve ever...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Puppy Pals For Tough Times: Service Dogs In The Time of COVID

    2020 has been a hard time for dog lovers. COVID has made it difficult to take care of them, be it getting to the vet for treatments or even adopting one in the first place. And the...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Thanksgiving With Your Pets

    The year 2020 has been different than any year we have experienced, and with the holidays right around the corner, we don’t see that letting up. So Thanksgiving may look differen...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Life Hacks for New Puppy Owners

    You and your family made the decision to bring a new puppy into your home, found the one that stole your heart, and now that puppy you dreamed about is a reality. And reality has h...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    National Cook for Your Pets Day

    Today, November 1, 2020, is Go Cook For Your Pet Day. Here are a few great recipes to honor your BFFF (best four-footed friend) in the kitchen this year. Animals can have sensitive...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    It’s Decorating Season!

    As we near the 2020 holiday season, it’s time to look back over the year and celebrate what’s coming next. There is lots of partying during the fall and early winter months, an...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Hitting the trails in the fall!

    Fall is a wonderful time to hit the trails with Fido. The days are crisp and clear and the outdoors calls as much to you as to your fur-buddy. If you plan on hiking with your dog, ...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Autumn festivities with awesome DIY Halloween toys!

    Halloween is right around the corner, and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be just as fun for your pets as it is for you! While you’re preparing costumes, decorations, and ...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal?

    Dogs aren’t just pets anymore, they assist us with a number of things from detecting cancer to helping comfort those with PTSD. Petland has a long history of supporting therapy c...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Fun Tips on Training Your Dog Regardless of His Age

    Training puppies is an easy endeavor but training an old dog is really hard. Or so you’ve heard. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”  Wrong on both counts. First ...

    Read This Blog

  • Image Not Found

    Natural Disaster Preparedness For You and Your Pets

    This year has been one of unique challenges due to COVID-19, forcing us to stay at home. But the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has already had 9 named storms, “the most ever rec...

    Read This Blog

Help Need Help?