The Shih Tzu Mix Is a Royal Breed

At one time Shih Tzus were bred to be a companion dog to Chinese royalty. Their personality today still reflects this. By nature they will appear to be arrogant. However, they very devoted to their owners and also displace traits of adaptability. They are sweet, loving, playful and tend to be very trusting. Through the Shih Tzu mix is considered to be a friendly lapdog, they are not afraid to stand up for themselves. They are very courageous and clever and make an alert watchdog.

Shih Tzus are known as the “Lion Dog.” They were bred to resemble the lion as depicted in traditional oriental art. Theories state that a Shih Tzu mix is a cross between a Pekingese and a Tibetan dog. Documents and paintings date this breed as far back as the sixteenth century. Their DNA confirms that they are among the most ancient dog breeds around today. In the seventeenth century they were brought over from Tibet and bred in the forbidden city of Perking. The Shih Tzu mix quickly became the favorite of the imperial Chinese court. These dogs were so revered that the Chinese refused to trade or sell them to the West until around 1930. The first pair were imported to England and recognized by in Britain in 1946 and by the American AKC in 1969.

A standard Shih Tzu mix will have a short muzzle with large eyes and drop ears. They’re coats can grow long enough to reach the ground. They require a good amount of grooming. If they do have long hair it will require constant brushing, otherwise their hair will matte (knot). With their long hair they make glamorous show dogs. Most owners today get their hair clipped into a puppy cut. Their coats can be of any color; however a blaze of white on the forehead and tail tip is often seen. They are slightly longer than they are tall. The Shih Tzu mix is one of the few breeds that have hair above their nose that grows upwards. Their head is round with a pronounced bread and moustache. It’s common for red yeast to grow in their breads and moustache; they are often trained to drink from a water bottle. As a breed they are sensitive to heat.

Shih Tzus are alert, hardy and gifted with a lot of character. If they are not training properly, they tend to take the role as a pack leader and will try to tell their owner what to do or what they want. However, with the proper training they are affectionate little dogs that love to be around people and other pets. To have one is to love one.