10 Cool Facts About Shih Tzus

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We want to know everything about dogs. Everything! But there are countless breeds of dog out there, and each one is a unique animal with its own history. That's why every week, we shine a spotlight on a different breed. This week, learn some fun facts about Shih Tzus.

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"SHIH TZU" MEANS "LION DOG"

The name "Shih Tzu" in Chinese means "lion dog," reflecting both the breed's lion-like features and the legend that Buddha rode to earth on the back of a lion. The breed's more formal name is Tibetan Shih Tzu Kou. "Shih" is Chinese for "lion," and "kou" means dog. "Tzu" roughly translated means "son" or "child."

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THE SHIH TZU IS ONE OF THE OLDEST DOG BREEDS

The Shih Tzu's exact origins remain mysterious because the breed has been around for thousands of years, and the details of its development are lost. There are Chinese paintings dating back to around the year 500 C.E. that depict dogs believed to be Shih Tzus. There are also documents describing the dogs as gifts to China from the Byzantine Empire.

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TIBETAN MONKS CONSIDERED SHIH TZUS SACRED

Shih Tzus and similar breeds were present in Tibetan Buddhist temples, where Tibetan monks revered the dogs as holy. More than just companion animals, these Shih Tzus worked beside the monks, acting as guard dogs or alarm dogs, and even turning prayer wheels during daily Buddhist prayer rituals.

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SHIH TZUS WERE THE OFFICIAL DOG BREED OF THE MING DYNASTY

Shih Tzus have been popular in China for centuries, but particularly during the Ming dynasty lasting 1368-1644 A.D. Shih Tzus served as house dogs for the royal family during most of those years. They remained popular throughout further dynasties too, but nearly went extinct in China following the Communist Revolution.

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TODAY'S SHIH TZUS ALL DESCEND FROM JUST 14 DOGS

While the Shih Tzu breed's popularity was declining in China during the early 20th century, it took off in England. General Douglas and Lady Brownrigg imported a few of the dogs to the U.K. in 1930. The Brownriggs owned Shih Tzus named Ta Chi, Shu Ssa, Yangtse and Tzu Hsi. All modern Shih Tzus can be traced to 14 of these dogsbrought to England in the '30s.

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SHIH TZUS ARE ALSO KNOWN AS "CHRYSANTHEMUM DOGS"

While the breed's name means "lion dog," Shih Tzus are also nicknamed "chrysanthemum dogs." The nickname reflects an apparent resemblance between the the long hair on Shih Tzus' faces and the petals of a chrysanthemum flower. It's also an indirect reference to the breed's Chinese heritage, because chrysanthemums are important Chinese cultural symbols.

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AMERICAN SOLDIERS BROUGHT SHIH TZUS TO THE U.S. IN THE 20TH CENTURY

World War II introduced American military personnel stationed overseas to dog breeds unknown in the United States. Many soldiers returning from the European theater brought Shih Tzus back with them, and the breed quickly gained popularity among American dog lovers.

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THE AKC FIRST RECOGNIZED SHIH TZUS IN 1969

Although Shih Tzus date back to nearly the beginning of the common era, they are relatively new to the Western world. As previously mentioned, Shih Tzus were first introduced to England in the 1930s and then America after World War II. It wasn't until Sept. 1, 1969, that the American Kennel Club first recognized the breed.

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THE SHIH TZU IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR DOG BREEDS IN AMERICA

During its 70 or so years in America, the Shih Tzu has remained popular. The breed is one of the most-registered according to the AKC's registration statistic. It stands currently as the 15th most popular dog breed in the U.S., although that number shows a recent drop from 11th in 2012, 10th in 2008 and ninth in 2003. But despite the slight dip in recent years, the breed remains widely loved.

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SHIH TZUS ARE POPULAR WITH CELEBRITIES

Lots of famous folks from all cultural spheres own or have owned Shih Tzus. The Dalai Llama is a Shih Tzu fan, proving the breed's continued popularity in Tibetan Buddhism. Singer Mariah Carey owns two lion dogs, named Bing and Bong. Even business magnate/philanthropist Bill Gates had a Shih Tzu. Its name was Ballmer, presumably in tribute to Steve Ballmer, ex-CEO of Microsoft.

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