--- title: "Shih Tzus – What Do You Know about the Revered “Lion Dog”?" id: "105227" type: "post" slug: "shih-tzus-what-do-you-know-about-the-revered-lion-dog" published_at: "2018-03-07T16:33:29+00:00" modified_at: "2023-10-24T11:00:20+00:00" url: "https://petlandoklahoma.com/2018/03/07/shih-tzus-what-do-you-know-about-the-revered-lion-dog/" markdown_url: "https://petlandoklahoma.com/2018/03/07/shih-tzus-what-do-you-know-about-the-revered-lion-dog.md" excerpt: "Many people know about Shih Tzus, but what of their storied past? Read on for more! Hello lovelies and welcome to our newest blog! We hope you’re ready and raring to go about our latest subject, the mysterious, yet lovable,..." taxonomy_category: - "Blog" --- [Home](https://petlandoklahoma.com/) / [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/blog/) / [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) / **Shih Tzus – What Do You Know about the Revered “Lion Dog”?** [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) # Shih Tzus – What Do You Know about the Revered “Lion Dog”? March 7, 2018 · 3 min read · [cosmick](https://petlandoklahoma.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandoklahoma.com) ## **Many people know about Shih Tzus, but what of their storied past? Read on for more!** Hello lovelies and welcome to our newest blog! We hope you’re ready and raring to go about our latest subject, the mysterious, yet lovable, Shih Tzu! We’ve done several breeds already, but this one really tugs at our heart strings! This breed has been around for a *very* long time and once you take a look at this blog, you’ll know why! #### **The Shih Tzu is formally the Tibetan Shih Tzu Kou.** Contrary to popular belief, the Shih Tzu does not originate in China, but in Tibet. The Tibetan monks considered the Shih Tzu holy and kept them in their temples. The Shih Tzu worked alongside the monks, functioning as alarm or guard dogs and even turning prayer wheels in daily Buddhist rituals. They were then sent to Chinese emperors as gifts, thus giving them their Chinese name. In the Chinese language, Shih Tzu means “Lion Dog”, as much for its features as its strength of character. They also earned the moniker of “chrysanthemum-faced dog”, which refers to the way the hair grows outwards from the center of the dog’s face. #### **Shih Tzus have been around the block, a couple times.** As one of the oldest breeds in existence, the Shih Tzu’s origins are shrouded in mystery and it’s hard to pin down exactly when they came about. The earliest definitive traces of the breed are Chinese paintings circa 500 AD and also documents describing these dogs being gifted for the second time from China to the Byzantine Empire. Much later, they became the official breed of the illustrious Ming dynasty, who kept them as pets for the royal family for centuries. However, the Shih Tzu very nearly went extinct in China after the Communist Revolution. #### **Sooooo, how did they get here, in America?** Because the breed was declining in China, a few citizens of the U.K. wanted to preserve the breed by importing them into the country in the 1930s. This importation essentially saved the breed, as all modern day Shih Tzus can be traced to the original 14 dogs brought from China to England. It was actually American soldiers who brought the Shih Tzu back to America after World War II, where they quickly gained popularity amongst the people. The Shih Tzu breed was then recognized by the AKC in 1969 and currently holds 20th place for most popular breed in America. #### **Interesting in finding out more about the Shih Tzu puppies for sale in our store? Check out our available puppies page to see all of our precious Shih Tzu puppies for sale!** [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandoklahoma.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. 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I’ve been thinking about adopting so I stopped in the other day to ask some questions. A young man named terry helped me and he was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I will be back! Posted on Google Daniel Quill Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been really unsure about what pet I should bring home as I’ve recently experienced a loss & didn’t know what kind of companion would support me best. A worker by the name of Terry listened to my concerns with compassion & grace. He matched me with the best fury friend I could have ever asked for. Great service!! Highly recommend!!! Posted on Google Tavian McMartin Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and i stopped in to look at puppies to expand our family, and we were met with a welcoming environment, and some of the friendliest staff weve had the privilege of meeting. They were very attentive, and helped us find our dream puppy! Shout out to Terry for treating us like long time friends, and for making it a smooth process. We wish we could give more than 5 stars! Posted on Google joseph Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Terry was a big help. Would recommend this store Posted on Google Tom Autry Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Terry was a big help and very knowledgeable. Will definitely be returning when I’m in the market for a new pet Posted on Google John Jones Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Staff was nice and animals were even better it was a nice experience in there Posted on Google DarkInsticts 2 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I wanted to say it was my first time in petland because I just got a dog I couldn't have been more happy with all they had and the staff were so helpful in telling me what my dog is going to need and want so thank you Posted on Google Alex Johnzon Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went in the other day and was in awe of the animals they were all so pretty and taken care of. I was expecting it to smell and be loud like a pound, but the animals all were happy and I loved to interact with the animals Posted on Google Corbin Franks Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome experience they took care of us the whole team was awesome and very friendly! Verified by Trustindex Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more ```