Caravan trails through Central Asia, also known as “Silk Trade Route,” became very important roads for commerce between China and Europe. The camel caravans carried tea, porcelain, amethyst, gold, silver and dogs to the bazaars in the Near East. There is evidence that Chinese silk was exchanged for animals and animal products during this time. The pet dogs were especially those which the Eastern Roman Empire and Greece were famous for owning. Tibet developed in the late sixth century and had no recorded history prior to the seventh century from an area ruled by several tribal confederations into an extremely powerful Buddhist kingdom. Earlier magical animistic rites were incorporated in later Buddhism religious practices. The two queens, wives of Song-Tsen Gam-po (the most important king of the Tibetan dynasty) are jointly credited for introducing Buddhism into Tibet. The second king of Tibet was a champion of Buddhism. His name was Khri-slon-Ide-Brtsan. He established the grea...

There is one person in particular who did very much to encourage the Lion Dog mystique of the Shih Tzu. Her name was Dowager Empress T’zu His, a concubine that took over the imperial throne and governed China ruthlessly and cynically for half a century. We owe our present day Shih Tzu to the efforts of this woman. The circumstances in which this mystique developed and thrived are absolutely incredible. At some points in the Shih Tzu history it looked as if this breed would not survive and yet it did and went on to become one of the most popular breeds of all time. For hundreds of years all kinds of small dogs had been bred and very much loved in China. The Europeans were emerging from the Dark Ages and the Chinese were thriving in a much sophisticated civilization. The achievements of the Chinese were so great that as far back as the sixth century B.C., the Chinese considered themselves a “special people” that lived in the center of the universe. Dowager Empress T’zu Hsi had a m...

The day a young Shih Tzu puppy leaves his mother and littermates can be the most traumatic day of its life. With just a little preparing in advance you can make the experience as pleasant as possible. It is quite normal for a Shih Tzu puppy to cry at this time. It does not mean this is not the puppy for you. Many people believe puppies can somehow “choose” them and that is the puppy for them. I really don’t believe this. I have had owned many Shih Tzu puppies and most of them saw me for the first time at the airport when I picked them up. None of them have had the chance to personally “choose” me as their owner. And all of them have loved me. Take along some paper towels or something to clean up after your Shih Tzu puppy in the car. There is a chance the puppy will become car sick or just a little nauseated from being taking away from mom and littermates. This is all quite normal and will pass. When you get home with your Shih Tzu puppy take him immediately to the spot wh...

Dry Eye Can Be Successfully Treated and Not So Common In the Shih Tzu Did you know the Shih Tzu can suffer from “dry eye” just like people can? Dry eye occurs sometimes when the glands of the eyes do not produce enough tears. The production of tears is necessary to keep the eyes lubricated and healthy. Without this natural tear production, “dry eyes” can occur in the Shih Tzu very similar to people’s dry eye conditions. Dry eye problems in the Shih Tzu can be treated successfully in most cases depending upon the cause. The condition is called “keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS for short) develops from a dysfunction or an underdevelopment of the lacrimal glands. The lacrimal glands are tissue that produces the aqueous portion of tears. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is very common in dogs. The dry eye condition is not only seen in the Shih Tzu. In fact, it is more common in English bulldogs, Cocker spaniels and pugs. The condition is extremely rare i...

Although the day-to-day care of the show dog exceeds the grooming required for a pet dog, the groomer has a responsibility to perform a work of art in both cases. Training and experience helps a groomer to look at a photograph of any Shih Tzu and to know instantly which bits of hair are clipped or scissor. Expert brushing is an art. You might be shocked to find out your carefully brushed Shih Tzu still has tangles when a more experienced person gets a bin full of hair when complete brushing takes place. There is more to brushing your Shih Tzu than you probably realize. Brushing Steps: Put the Shih Tzu on the table. Start on the bottom of the fore left leg. Lift the hair above the section you are working on, and brush the section below. Comb through the coat. Use a grooming spray if necessary. Continue up the leg. Continue the brushing and combing across the Shih Tzu’s quarters, along the back and neck. Pay special attention to behind the ears and underneath the legs. Ma...

Your Shih Tzu will eat about the same food every day. This is why it is so important that the brand of dog food you feed is high in nutrition. The food you feed your Shih Tzu is his or her main source of nutrition and it is vital to a long and healthy life. You might think that all pet food manufacturers have your dog’s best interests in mind when it comes to formulating their dog food products. This is not always the case. The current pet food regulations allow manufacturers to use ingredients that you would never knowingly feed your Shih Tzu. You would probably be in a state of shock to learn exactly what some pet food manufacturers actually put into their foods. Many pet food manufacturers include by-products like feet, bones and intestines, chemical preservatives like BHA and BHT, and grains like corn, wheat, gluten and soy, that are used as protein sources, but are most often difficult to digest. All these “wrong” kinds of ingredients can put unnecessary stress on your pet’s sy...

A high quality dog food for the Shih Tzu does not contain by-products or inferior grains, chemical additives or preservatives of any kind. By-products, inferior grains, chemical additives and preservatives are all known to be harmful to your Shih Tzu. Many times dog food manufacturers will use very high temperatures when cooking their products. This actually destroys nutrients and vitamins. They will then add flavor enhancers or coloring to replace what the high temperature cooking process takes from the appearance and flavor of the food. Pay attention to how your dog food is cooked. A high quality dog food for the Shih Tzu will only contain natural goodness in a superior food product that is formulated especially to promote good health. Dog food manufacturers who are actually concerned about the health of your Shih Tzu will be extremely careful about every single ingredient. Fresh human quality foods from carefully selected farmers and growers combined with the high quality ex...

There is evidence that Maltese type dogs were present in China as early as 8000 B.C. Maltese are white. It is very likely these white Maltese type dogs were interbred in Tibet with Tibetan Terriers to produce the Lhasa Apso type temple dogs. Those presented by wandering Lamas were likely bred with the existing Pekingese type dogs. A few paintings and art objects dating back to the seventh century depict dogs resembling the Shih Tzu. Some of our white Shih Tzu today probably is a result of these early breedings with the Maltese. I have one solid white female who does look a lot Maltese, however, he pedigree shows only Shih Tzu ancestors. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) the Shih Tzu type dog was a cherished pet – highly favored by the royal family. A cult-like worship for the Shih Tzu developed at this period. Eunuchs were charged with duties of breeding and rearing the beautiful Shih Tzu royal pets. Competition among the eunuchs to gain royal favor became fierce, as each trie...

There has also been opinions that the Tibetan Lion Dog is the result of a cross between the Lhassa Terrier and the Pekingese. The dogs of each country, the Lhassa Terrier from Tibet and the Pekingese from China had been taken to the other country from time to time. The cross in Tibet that was taken out of that country through India has been called the Apso, while the Chinese cross has more of the Pekingese. It is the opinion of some that all these breeds were interbred to create the first Shih Tzu in China. When first Shih Tzu imported into England in 1930, the Shih Tzu were classified as Apsos. The two breeds were distinguished as separate in 1934. The Shih Tzu of Scandinavian background were in an even different category during this same time period. It is not documented anywhere of any of the Shih Tzu Scandinavian lines being mistaken for Lhasa Apso, even after importation into the United States. Their appearance was so different of the Lhasa Apso that there was no likeli...

In the Pavillion of Green Ripples in the Imperial Garden, Forbidden City, Beijing (formerly Peking), China, ShihTzu romped with each other, the enunchs, and the Empress and her attendants. Shih Tzu was a highly valued companion of the Palace. The Summer Palace, Peking (now called Beijing), was where the Dowager Empress ruled her Empire during the summer months. Her Shih Tzu and favorite attendants resided in the Summer Palace throughout her annual stay. An American was actually among the very first to receive a Shih Tzu as a gift from the Dowager Empress. Sarah Conger, wife of American Minister to China Edwin H. Conger, received the Shih Tzu from the Dowager Empress in 1903. Centuries ago when East met West on the Ancient Silk Trade Route various Maltese type dogs were mated with Oriental type dogs. The white Shih Tzu is a “throwback” result from the genetic influence of infusion of Maltese bloodlines. I have one Shih Tzu who resembles a Maltese and is solid white. Her name is B...

The origin of the Shih Tzu is most likely Tibet, however, it has always been categorized as a Chinese breed. Tibet is a remote area full of mountains on the Indian-Chinese border. The relationship between these two areas has had a long time reputation of being quite stormy. Buddhism is the religion of Tibet. Buddhism originated in India. One of the main beliefs of Buddhism is that souls are reborn into another body (not necessarily human). It is a learning process toward the soul leading a perfect, spiritual, Buddhist life. As a result the soul achieves nirvana, leaving nothing else for it to learn on earth. The early Tibetans believed holy Buddhist monks who transgressed were reincarnated as small, short-legged, hairy dogs, which were known as “Ha-pa,” meaning lap dog. These particular dogs lived in Buddhist monasteries and were treated with great respect. The lion inherited the symbols of Indian Buddhism and was a revered figure for the Tibetans. The lion also had a ve...

Dry Eye Can Be Successfully Treated and Not So Common In the Shih Tzu Did you know the Shih Tzu can suffer from “dry eye” just like people can? Dry eye occurs sometimes when the glands of the eyes do not produce enough tears. The production of tears is necessary to keep the eyes lubricated and healthy. Without this natural tear production, “dry eyes” can occur in the Shih Tzu very similar to people’s dry eye conditions. Dry eye problems in the Shih Tzu can be treated successfully in most cases depending upon the cause. The condition is called “keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS for short) develops from a dysfunction or an underdevelopment of the lacrimal glands. The lacrimal glands are tissue that produces the aqueous portion of tears. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is very common in dogs. The dry eye condition is not only seen in the Shih Tzu. In fact, it is more common in English bulldogs, Cocker spaniels and pugs. The condition is extremely rare i...

If you want that perfect show dog look in your Shih Tzu you might as well relax to the fact that it involved brushing, brushing, brushing, and daily brushing. A thorough head-to-tail groom is often needed at least every other day if not “daily.” However, Shih Tzu coat textures are very different. You might get by with once weekly brushing if the Shih Tzu’s coat is the type of texture that does not mat and tangle easily. If you have only one Shih Tzu, grooming should not be a problem. It can be quite pleasurable for you and your Shih Tzu. It can be an excellent time to bond with each other, and have nice close little chats with each other.

Although the day-to-day care of the show dog exceeds the grooming required for a pet dog, the groomer has a responsibility to perform a work of art in both cases. Training and experience helps a groomer to look at a photograph of any Shih Tzu and to know instantly which bits of hair are clipped or scissor. Expert brushing is an art. You might be shocked to find out your carefully brushed Shih Tzu still has tangles when a more experienced person gets a bin full of hair when complete brushing takes place. There is more to brushing your Shih Tzu than you probably realize. Brushing Steps: Put the Shih Tzu on the table. Start on the bottom of the fore left leg. Lift the hair above the section you are working on, and brush the section below. Comb through the coat. Use a grooming spray if necessary. Continue up the leg. Continue the brushing and combing across the Shih Tzu’s quarters, along the back and neck. Pay special attention to behind the ears and underneath the legs. ...