Shih Tzu Standards
- 10-11"
- 10-16 lbs
- small, toy breed
- large, heavily coated ears
- tail is carried over back and well plumed
- dense, long flowing coat
- can be any color
History of the Shih Tzu
As with the other Chinese palace dogs the history of the Shih Tzu is lost. It is likely the result of an ancient crosses between the Tibetan Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. Centuries ago, the Dalai Lama would make gifts of the Lhasa Apso to the rulers of China. Once there inevitable matings would occur and the offspring became prized in their own right. They were kept exclusively by the Imperial family and for centuries they were never released to anyone outside the household. Once almost an extinct breed, nearly every Shih Tzu today can be traced back to fourteen dogs imported to England in 1930.
Related Breeds: