| The origin of the Shih Tzu is most likely Tibet, however, | | | | centuries ago, Tibetans could not have ever seen a |
| it has always been categorized as a Chinese breed. | | | | lion. They only developed their own version of a lion. |
| Tibet is a remote area full of mountains on the | | | | The small temple dogs were bred and groomed to |
| Indian-Chinese border. The relationship between these | | | | resemble the Tibetan image of a lion. The word "Shih |
| two areas has had a long time reputation of being | | | | Tzu Kou," (as the breed was known) actually means |
| quite stormy. | | | | "Lion Dog." I really think a cat resembles more the lion. |
| Buddhism is the religion of Tibet. Buddhism originated in | | | | The shaggy mane of the dogs that lived in the highly |
| India. One of the main beliefs of Buddhism is that souls | | | | mountainous regions of Tibet met with great extremes |
| are reborn into another body (not necessarily human). It | | | | of temperature. The coat of these dogs offered them |
| is a learning process toward the soul leading a perfect, | | | | a practical purpose of keeping warm, and being lap |
| spiritual, Buddhist life. As a result the soul achieves | | | | dogs, they also kept their owners warm. To fall in love |
| nirvana, leaving nothing else for it to learn on earth. | | | | with a Shih Tzu or many Shih Tzu, at least one must |
| The early Tibetans believed holy Buddhist monks who | | | | always share the bed of its master or mistress. They |
| transgressed were reincarnated as small, short-legged, | | | | are surprisingly still excellent hot-water bottles for their |
| hairy dogs, which were known as "Ha-pa," meaning lap | | | | owners. Though I do live in a haven with them, the |
| dog. These particular dogs lived in Buddhist | | | | transition from one lifestyle to another required some |
| monasteries and were treated with great respect. | | | | very compassionate and comforting companions, of |
| The lion inherited the symbols of Indian Buddhism and | | | | whom the Shih Tzu has provided. |
| was a revered figure for the Tibetans. The lion also | | | | Now China and Tibet have never gotten along with |
| had a very close association with the Shih Tzu | | | | each other. Tibet's history has featured many wars |
| according to Indian Buddhism belief. | | | | with and invasions by its powerful neighbor of China. I |
| One legend tells of Buddha Manjusri, the god of | | | | suppose China's Emperors and Tibet's Dalai Lamas |
| learning, who had a Ha-pa, which could turn into a lion | | | | (spiritual leaders) did just about everything they could |
| for the Buddha to ride. A saddle marking on a Shih | | | | to create cordial relations between these two |
| Tzu is still a highly prized characteristic for this reason. | | | | countries that included:o Tactical marriages arranged |
| It is peculiar to me that the first male Shih Tzu I | | | | between royal Chinese princesses and Tibetan |
| purchased was black and white with a perfect saddle | | | | noblemeno Gifts of "tribute dogs" were very often |
| marking. I left early from a job that was draining the life | | | | made to the Chinese Emperoro During the span of the |
| out of me and making me like a person walking around | | | | Manchu Dynasty (1643 to 1911), many dogs were |
| in a trance, never able to neither smell the flowers | | | | presented to the Chinese Emperor |
| when they bloomed in the spring nor feel the stillness | | | | The dogs presented as gifts were considered |
| of fall or the extreme temperature changes of winter. | | | | precious animals. They were never seen outside the |
| The purchase proceeded many years, still going on, of | | | | Imperial Palace in Peking (now Beijing). They became a |
| learning experiences in many different areas and | | | | symbol of wealth and royalty. For this reason, the |
| subjects. | | | | ordinary people were not allowed to own them. It was |
| I learned after purchasing the male of the highly prized | | | | even against the law and punishable by death if the |
| saddle marking, which must have been my personal | | | | law was broken for the "ordinary" people to own a |
| Ha-pa that turned into a lion for me to ride upon | | | | Shih Tzu. |
| through all these learning adventures. I do not see | | | | It is now thought that the palace eunuchs that were |
| myself as a God of learning, however, it seems as if | | | | trusted with the everyday care of the dogs, sold Shih |
| since the purchase I cannot "stop" learning something | | | | Tzu (particularly those that were not suitable for |
| continually, every day, I am learning, learning, learning. | | | | breeding) outside the palace for monetary gain. It has |
| Before the purchase, my life was pretty stand still, and | | | | also been said the eunuchs may have fed some of |
| without a lot of change or movement. I personally feel | | | | the dogs (probably the better ones) glass to make |
| a mysterious spirituality about acquiring my Shih Tzu. I | | | | them die shortly after the sale to stop others from |
| also feel as though they were a gift from heaven in | | | | breeding. |
| many different ways, and an answer to prayers for | | | | At any rate, I am glad some Shih Tzu survived all that |
| deliverance from the lifestyle I lead. Further, and since | | | | and are here with us today! They are a dog breed |
| acquiring the Shih Tzu, I concentrate more upon | | | | with a long, mysterious and spiritual history. In my |
| achieving "perfection" within my soul. I have lived in a | | | | opinion, they are more than just a dog or pet as well. |
| haven with much time to think deeply about my soul. | | | | What that more is depends upon who you are |
| Howbeit, this haven is full of Lions, but not deadly Lions | | | | perhaps and what your particular need is. |
| as was with Daniel in the Lions Den bible story. | | | | This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. |
| It has been said by many Shih Tzu writers that | | | | |