There is only one type of Shih Tzu breed - the one that the Tibetan
monks gave to the Chinese Emperors. This dog has a history of
more than 3000 years. However, the first mention about the types
of Shih Tzu dogs is some 1400 years ago when the history chronicled
the Tibetan monks gifting these dogs to the Manchu Dynasty emperors.
At that time, these dogs were left in charge of the palace eunuchs
who competed against one another to get the best specimens for
breeding them.
Back then the ‘Lion Dogs’ were considered as good luck charms
and were very highly valued in China and later on in Asia. This
dog first reached Europe when Lady Browning brought this wonderful
species to England. As luck would have it, the temperament of
the dogs fitted the quiet and somber society in England and the
dog was a great hit there.
AKC Recognition
During the World War II, American soldiers found this wonderful
dog and fell in love with it as well – thence brought it with
them to US and in 1969, this dog was at last recognized by the
American Kennel Club. Gradually this breed became the favorite
pet throughout the world. Today you can find the Shih Tzu wherever
you go – this lovely dog is lucky after all!
Based on its history there are two main types of Shih Tzu dogs,
(i) the American Shih Tzu and (ii) the European Shih Tzu.
The American Shih Tzu
The following traits are specific of the American type of Shih
Tzu:
1. Their legs are high and they front legs face forward.
2. The chest is small.
3. The head is more or less square-ish and is set on a very
short neck.
4. The eyes are smaller and do not face the front completely.
5. The shoulders of the American type of Shih Tzu are frontal.
The European Shih Tzu
1. The legs are smaller and are held further apart; they look
slightly bent.
2. The chest is broad and proud.
3. The head is round and the neck is long and slender.
4. The eyes are protruding and large.
5. The shoulders of this dog are laid behind.
These types of Shih Tzu are purebred. There are a good number
of Shih Tzu dogs that are passed as purebreds but are not, and
these are the ‘imperial Shih Tzu’, the ‘tiny Shih Tzu’, and the
‘tea-cup Shih Tzu’. Though breeders are selling these breeds as
purebreds, beware that these are not really recognized by any
national level kennel. These dogs are genetically defective and
it is not a good idea to buy one or breed one.
