9781422279403

an uncanny ability to recognize their own breed; once you own one, you will find it a great temptation to make it two! The Shih Tzu is an active dog who loves to play, especially with soft toys. The independent streak means he can amuse himself for hours with dog toys—or sleep happily in the security of his own home. In terms of exercise, the adaptable Shih Tzu will enjoy as much as he is given. Tracing back in time The Shih Tzu is one of several breeds originating in Tibet and China that were intended to look like little lions. It’s hard to sepa- rate the origins of the Shih Tzu, Pekingese (pictured here), and Lha- sa Apso, and centuries ago they were probably not distinct breeds. During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), these dogs became fa-

vored pets of the royal family, and there are ancient scrolls with pictures of these lion dogs. (Eunuchs were charged with breeding a variety of these dogs). At the same time, lion dogs were be- ing bred in the temples of Tibet. Statues of these holy dogs were placed to guard the entrances to Buddhist temples. Lion dogs were exchanged between the royal palace in Beijing and the tem- ples of Tibet. During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), the Dalai Lama (the spiri- tual and political leader of Tibet) sent a

pair of Shih Tzu as a gift to Empress Cixi when she came to power in 1861. The dogs quickly became her favorite among all her breeds of little lions, and she appointed her chief eunuch to oversee the breeding program. She also insisted that he keep complete pedi- grees and descriptions of all markings on all dogs used for breeding.

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