Shih Tzu

In the 19th century, the Shih Tzu became the preferred breed of the Dowager Empress Cixi, former concubine of Xianfeng, who was also nicknamed the pearls of the empress. A kennel of about a hundred dogs of different breeds was then established in the Forbidden City. The Shih Tzu is said to come from a cross between Lhassa Apsos and small Chinese dogs. At the death of the empress in 1908 and with the fall of the empire, the Shih Tzus left the Forbidden City and gradually disappeared from the Middle Kingdom. In 1928, three dogs were exported to Great Britain, mainly by Lady Brownrigg, wife of British general Douglas Brownrigg, who thus initiated the breeding of the breed in Europe. In 1933, she exhibited her dogs in the category of "Tibetan dogs" but quickly characteristics specific to the breed took over to become a separate category. Thus, in 1934, the Lhassa Apso and the Shih Tzu were differentiated and exhibited separately. The Shih Tzu was previously named "Tibetan lion dog" then the name "Shih Tzu" was officially finalized from 1935 onwards. In 1940, the breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club with authorization to participate in dog shows from 1949. After the war, in 1951, in order to prevent exported dogs from being registered as Lhassa Apsos, the English Kennel Club adopted a resolution prohibiting breeders from selling to the United States until the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955. In France, the breed was introduced by the Countess of Anjou upon her return from China where her husband was a diplomat in 1946. The breed was formalized in 1953 at the LOF of the French Kennel Club.

General appearance: Sturdy dog with abundant but not excessive hair, with an proud bearing. Important proportions: The length of the body, measured from the withers to the base of the tail, is greater than the height at the withers. Head: The head is broad and round, the eyes are well set apart. The head is shaggy with full mustache and beard. The hair growing upward on the muzzle gives the appearance of the chrysanthemum, which is why it is nicknamed the "chrysanthemum dog". The hair must not obstruct the vision. Facial region: - Nose: Black, but in dogs whose coat is liver (brown) or carries liver markings, the nose is dark brown. - Muzzle: Muzzle of good width, square and short about 2.5 cm from the tip of the nose to the stop. - Jaws/teeth: Jaws of equal length (edge to edge) or slight lower prognathism. - Eyes: Large, dark and round, well set apart but not protruding.

Neck: Well proportioned, elegantly curved. Its length is sufficient for the head to be held proudly. Tail: It forms an abundant plume. It reaches approximately the level of the skull in height, giving a well-balanced silhouette. Body: - Back: Straight. - Loin: Well attached and solid. - Chest: Broad and well descended.

Height and weight: - Height at the withers: Must not exceed 27 cm. The type and characteristics of the breed are of the utmost importance and must not, under any circumstances, be sacrificed for height alone. - Weight: 4.5 kg to 8 kg. (Ideal weight estimated at 4.5 to 7.5 kg).

- Purchase price: approximately 1000 to 1500 euros for pure breeds.

Routine care is related to monitoring the condition of the ears, cleaning the eyes with appropriate products, either saline solution or veterinary eye wash solutions. The hair must not obstruct the dog's vision. It is recommended to trim the nails with appropriate nail clippers.