The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with long flowing double coat. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctly arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. Although there has always been considerable size variation, the Shih Tzu must be compact, solid, carrying good weight and substance.
The Shih Tzu, pronounced Sheed Zoo, whether referring to one or to many, is a small, sturdy, heavily coated Toy dog of ancient origin. An adult Shih Tzu should weigh about nine to sixteen pounds, although they may be smaller or larger than this. Over the centuries, the Shih Tzu was developed and bred strictly as a pet and companion. It is regal and dignified, but at the same time playful, lovable, huggable and self-assured.
Small dogs in assorted shapes and colors had been bred in China for centuries, but it was not until Peking had been captured by the Manchus in 1644 that small dogs, which could have been the prototype of the early Shih Tzu, were bred by the eunuchs in the Imperial Palaces. Prior to this time we find references to short-headed, short-legged 'Pai' dogs as early as the 11th Century, and in the 13th Century golden-coated dogs were described and treasured in the courts. In 1850 several of the Tibetan temple dogs were sent as tribute gifts to Manchu Emperors in the palaces in Peking. The Chinese called them Tibetan Shih Tzu Kou or 'Lion Dogs'. Shih Tzu means lion and Kou is the Chinese word for dog.
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