Where the Shih Tzu came from
The Shih Tzu's early history is partly tradition, and the AKC says the origins are unknown. One story says dogs like them came from Tibet and were given as gifts to the Chinese court. Another says Empress Dowager Cixi started a breeding program. The name comes from the Mandarin word for lion, because the dogs were bred to look like the lions in traditional art.
Lady Brownrigg is said to have brought two Shih Tzu to England in 1928. The Kennel Club first listed them as Apsos. The Shih Tzu Club was founded in 1934, the first standard followed in 1935, and the Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1940.
Servicemen returning from World War II brought some dogs to America, and the American Shih Tzu Club formed in 1963. The AKC recognized the Shih Tzu in 1969 in the Toy Group. Today they are friendly, easygoing family companions.
- 1928 Lady Brownrigg is said to bring two Shih Tzu to England
- 1934 The Shih Tzu Club is founded in England
- 1940 The Kennel Club recognizes the Shih Tzu
- 1969 AKC recognizes the Shih Tzu
The job a Shih Tzu was bred for
The job was being a warm, friendly companion. That shaped an affectionate dog who likes lap time and company. At home they are sociable and can lose interest in training.
Sports that fit a Shih Tzu
- Trick dog. Fun
- Scent work. Good
- Rally. Fun
- Therapy work. Friendly
Training tips for a Shih Tzu
- Use small treats and short sessions.
- Housetraining takes patience and routine.
- Start grooming handling early and make it pleasant.
- Keep walks easy and avoid heat.
Body and health
Flat faced. Heat and breathing issues. Avoid hard exercise.
Fun fact. Shih Tzu comes from the Mandarin word for lion, because the dogs were bred to look like the lions in traditional Chinese art.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Shih Tzu is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
Looking for a different breed? See what 75 breeds were bred to do.