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. ...