Breed Overview

The American Kennel Club official recognition of the Shih Tzu in 1969 and its historical journey from imperial palaces.

Fourteen dogs leaving China during political upheaval became the sole foundation for every Shih Tzu alive today.

The history of the Shih Tzu reveals how the imperial court breed nearly vanished in China after 1949 and survived abroad.

Dowager Empress Cixi passing in 1908 scattered Shih Tzu dogs from Forbidden City palaces into homes across the globe.

Dowager Empress Cixi and her royal kennels shaped the history of the Shih Tzu in imperial China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The history of Shih Tzus in the Qing Imperial Court reveals how Dowager Empress Cixi pampered hundreds of dogs in the Forbidden City.

Shih Tzu history during the Yuan and Ming dynasties reveals how Tibetan temple guardians became treasured imperial palace residents.

Tibetan lion dogs traveled along ancient trade routes as imperial gifts, becoming pampered sacred residents within China.

Tibetan monks held Shih Tzus sacred because the dogs symbolized Buddhist teachings, reincarnation, and courage as living lion dogs.

Tibetan lion dogs trace their history from ancient Buddhist monasteries to the opulent Chinese imperial courts.