The Shih Tzu originated from China, and is a breed of small companion dog of very ancient type. It is characterised by its long, silky fur. In those days, they were popular among the nobles, and highly valued in the palace. The noticeably supercilious look with the head held quite high with both the nose and the tail in the air is quite representative of the royal ancestry of the breed.

Shih Tzu (in Chinese, pronounced as Shih-tzu kou) translates as Lion Dog, because of its resemblance of a lion depicted in ancient traditional art, such as the Chinese guardian lions. The dog may also be known as “Xi Shi quan”, based on the name of Xi Shi, who is regarded as the most beautiful woman of ancient China.

The Shih Tzu is a friendly lap dog. They are generally adorable, good-humoured and obedient as well. Once thought to be bred as a Chinese royalty dog, it gave the Shih Tzu an arrogant trait. The dog is considered to be a hypoallergenic breed.

The Shih Tzu is a small dog with a short muzzle and large deep dark eyes. The ears are covered with long fur, and the profoundly furry tail is carried curled over the back. Shih Tzus are slightly longer than taller, and they usually carry themselves with markedly pompous demeanour.

Because of its long silky glossy coat, it is necessary to brush the coat daily to prevent tangles. For easy maintenance, it is recommended to have the coat clipped short. Also, it is essential to make sure that the dogs’ face is cleaned of any food remnants. A good way to keep the face clean and dry is to train the Shih Tzu to drink from a water bottle. This will prevent red yeast from growing on the Shih Tzu’s beard and moustache.