Shih Tzu
GroupToy
SizeSmall
Height27 cm
Weight7 kg
Life Span10-16 years
OriginChina/Tibet
TemperamentAffectionate, Outgoing, Playful
ColorsGold & White, Black & White, Silver & White, Brindle
About the Shih Tzu
Bred by Tibetan monks and kept by Chinese emperors as palace dogs. Shih Tzu means lion dog in Mandarin. Almost went extinct after the Chinese Revolution. All modern Shih Tzus descend from just 14 dogs. Their long coat requires daily grooming. Considered one of the 14 oldest dog breeds, with DNA evidence dating back 10,000 years. Bred purely for companionship, not work.
More Toy Breeds
Yorkshire Terrier
Developed in 19th century Yorkshire to catch rats in textile mills. A ratter tur...
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Named after King Charles II, who was so devoted to his spaniels that he allowed ...
Chihuahua
The smallest dog breed, named after the Mexican state. Believed to descend from ...
Maltese
An ancient breed favored by royalty for over 2,800 years. Mentioned by Aristotle...