The Shih Tzu (pinyin: Shizi Gou, Wade-Giles: Shih-tzu Kou) is a breed of dog originating in China. The spelling Shih Tzu, most commonly used for the breed, is according to the Wade-Giles system of romanization.
[ad#left-336]The actual pronunciation of this name Shih Tzu is approximately like the sher of sherbet followed immediately by the dds of adds. The meaning of the breed name was originally lion dog because this variety of dog wasbred to resemble a miniature lion. It is now often called by a homonymic name,xi shi quan (???), based on the name of Xi Shi, regarded as the most beautiful woman of ancient China.
It is believed that this ornamental breed was created by breeding the Bei-jing gou (Pekingese) with a Tibetan dog breed, the Lhasa Apso.
Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog.
James Mumford wrote a lovely description of the breed in an American Shih Tzu magazine which gives a picture of the versatile character of the Shih Tzu.: Nobody knows how the Ancient Eunuchs managed to mix together…And now here comes the recipe: A dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces of domestic cat, one part court jester, a dash of ballerina, a pinch of old man (Chinese), a bit of beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one part baby seal, a dash of teddy bear and the rest dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin.
Written by: Kevin Hart
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