The Story of the Shih Tzu

The Story of the Shih Tzuthe Lion Dogs were bred to resemble the drawings
Far away in Tibet, a country with a recorded historyand statues of the symbolic lions or if the artists
going back almost 1,500 years is where our Shih Tzucreated their 'lions' in the likeness of the little dogs
began. The country was noted for its devotion to(ancestors to our Shih Tzu).
Buddhism.The snow lion was called Gang Seng and was
Some of the tallest mountains in the world edge theconsidered to be so powerful that he could cause
country of Tibet. Winters in Tibet are severe withseven dragons to fall out of the sky with one roar. The
temperatures to 14 degrees F in December. Thesymbolic lion was believed to have the ability to walk in
winds in Tibet are strong and biting with hard frosts.the clouds. He could also speak with the voice of truth
Snowfall is light. In the summer, daylight temperaturesand fearlessness.
reach a maximum of 75 degrees F with a sharp dropTibet was a difficult place to get to. China was a
in temperature at night. Throughout most of the yearneighbor to Tibet. Gifts from Tibet to China were sent
there is sunshine and the air is dry and pure.as tribute to the Chinese emperors, among which
The people of this remote and rather mysterious landwere Tibetan Lion Dogs (ancestor to our Shih Tzu).
of Tibet were like so many other cultures in our world.These little dogs traveled with the caravans on long
They kept dogs in a domestic environment. Therejourneys from one country to the other. A small army
were large dogs used for guarding and small, shaggyof eunuchs took care of the little dogs. The little
dogs used as companions and as watch-dogs to alertTibetan Lion Dogs (ancestors to our Shih Tzu)
the larger dogs. These small dogs were the ancestorsadapted well as they have continued to do wherever
of our Shih Tzu. The history of the Shih Tzu, however,they have gone to live through the centuries.
is steeped in myth and legends, which makes it difficultIn China, everything must have been very different
to sort the true facts of our Shih Tzu.from Tibet. The summers in Peking were warm and
One tale in particular, which I find interesting, is that ofhumid with a lot of rain. The winters were very cold,
the small Lion Dogs were trained to turn the prayersomewhat like Tibet, with temperatures as low as 0
wheels as part of the daily ritual in the monasteries.degrees F in January. It is recorded that the little
There was a belief that those monks whose life hadTibetan Lion Dogs settled in and became great
been less than exemplary, would in accordance withfavorites of the Manchu emperors.
the Buddhist theory of reincarnation, be reborn as oneMost likely they were interbred with the short-faced
of the temple dogs.Chinese breeds - the Chinese Pug and the Pekinese,
Buddhism in Tibet recognized a large number of divinewhich is probably what gives the Shih Tzu the
beings. Each being symbolized an aspect of life. Onecharacteristics that differentiate them from the Tibetan
was Buddha Manjusri, the God of Learning. The GodLion Dogs that later became the Lhasa Apsos.
of Learning was said to travel with a small Lion DogConnie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a
(ancestor to our Shih Tzu) that could turn into aFREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and
full-sized lion and carry him vast distances on his back.wellness for you and your pets. Designer dog clothes
Oddly enough, there were no actual lions in Tibet, onlyare offered on the website. Discounts are offered to
artistic works of the animal, which were oftensubscribers. Sign up at:
somewhat fantastical. We cannot be sure whetherThis article is FREE to publish with resource box.