| If you are thinking about buying a Shih Tzu puppy | | | | palace from then on.From the middle of the 19th |
| - congratulations! This adorable and loyal dog will | | | | Century the Shih Tzu was bred as a watchdog |
| most likely become an important and treasured | | | | for the emperors of the Manchu Dynasty. Typical |
| part of your family.The Shih Tzu is a toy dog; | | | | of a Shih Tzu; these little dogs were expected to |
| characterized by its proud, sturdy and miniature | | | | do little else that sit on laps and be pampered. |
| stature - this dog breed is one of the most | | | | You can now see where the "pampered princess" |
| popular of the miniature breeds. But did you know | | | | aspect of the breed originated from! The Shih |
| it was originally bred to look like a lion?The Shih | | | | Tzu was kept along some other toy dog breeds |
| Tzu's regal attitude is as a result of its long and | | | | and while originally they were strictly bred in |
| distinguished history. Recent DNA testing has | | | | separate quarters but it is believed that after the |
| confirmed what researchers already suspected - | | | | empress died they were crossbred with the other |
| the Shih Tzu is one of the oldest breeds of dog. | | | | dogs.The Shih Tzu's were not kept separate from |
| The name comes from that of Xi Shi who is | | | | the other palace dogs and today's Shih Tzu's have |
| regarded as one of the most beautiful women in | | | | traces of Pekingese and Pugs thanks to the |
| ancient China.The earliest history of the Shih Tzu | | | | sloppy breeding practices at the palace.At this |
| dates back many centuries. The Buddhist monks | | | | time it was somewhat of a competition in China |
| bred what is now believed was a cross between | | | | between various palaces to produce the best |
| the Pekingese and a Tibetan dog breed called | | | | looking dogs with the most beautiful colorings and |
| Llasa Apso.The Buddhist monks were known for | | | | coats. Breeding practices became guarded secrets |
| breeding special temple dogs. These monks bred | | | | and sadly the records of the Shi Tzu's rich and |
| special "palace dogs" for various emperors. As | | | | unique heritage will never be known.Today's Shih |
| was their custom they sent some of what they | | | | Tzu's are a popular breed which is widely loved |
| then called the Tibetan Shih Tzu Kou or Tibetan | | | | and make a great royal companion.Steve Allison is |
| Lion Dogs to the Tzu Hsi - the Empress of the | | | | a third generation of professional dog breeders |
| Manchu Dynasty. She fell in love with her little | | | | along with his brother Gary. |
| dogs and they became common around the | | | | |