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China
Information
Shih Tzu |
Few dog breeds have such a well-documented and exciting history as the
Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu’s entire history is steeped in legends, myths
and mystery. However, we have fossil records that tell us the
brachycephalic (short-skulled, short-nosed, flat-faced) dog breeds,
which include the Shih Tzu, Pug, and Pekingese originated in Central
Asia. In addition, we also have written history and legends to help us
sort of piece together the last 3,000 plus years of the Shih Tzu’s
history. There are meticulously maintained Shih Tzu breeding records
and pedigrees for more than 50 years as well.
Many historians
believe the Asian dog breeds originated in Tibet and reached China as
early as 1,400 years ago. The Chinese traded silk in exchange for pet
dogs
along the Great Wall of China. The Dalai Lamas also gave “holy dogs” to
the Chinese imperial courts as diplomatic gifts and tributes during the
Manchu dynasty (1644-1911). In literature the Shih Tzu is mentioned by
name in the late fourteenth century.
In
China breeding and raising Shih Tzu were the responsibility of the
eunuchs of the imperial court. Eunuchs who produced the best dogs
were rewarded with gifts. Competition between the eunuchs to produce
and raise the most attractive Shih Tzu was fierce. The best Shih Tzu
specimens were painted in the imperial dog books and tapestries.
The
Shih Tzu was considered to bring good luck. These regal little Shih Tzu
followed on the heels of emperors and empresses. If you have ever owned
a Shih Tzu, you will find one of their favorite activities is following
around after you and right on the heels of your feet is where they try
to ride. Shih Tzu think they should make each and every step you make.
I have one Shih Tzu at the present time, Duke, by name, who tries to
walk with me in between my feet. It is quite amusing.
It was against the law to sell any of the royal dogs in China during
the Manchu dynasty. The punishment was death.
As
war dominated the political picture in Asia the “Lion Dogs” was added
to the list of tragic casualties. By 1884 the American Kennel Club was
founded and was registering thousands of dogs. There were no Shih Tzu
among them.
In 1908 the thirteenth Dalai Lama gave the Empress
Dowager of China some Shih Tzu-type dogs. The Empress fell passionately
in love with these little dogs.
She instructed the court eunuchs to maintain a breeding program for
many years. Although the Empress Dowager was noted to be a cruel
dictator she had a soft spot in her heart for the little Shih Tzu. The
Empress Dowager was the person who most influenced the development of
the Shih Tzu. At her death in 1908, some of the imperial palace Shih
Tzu were sold to wealthy individuals or given as gifts to foreign
dignitaries an visitors.
It is questionable as to how many of
these survived as it has been noted some of the eunuchs fed the
Imperial Palace Shih Tzu glass to keep them from surviving. They were
so possessive of their Imperial Palace bloodlines, this was the only
way they could think of to keep others from gaining access to their
secrets.
The Shih Tzu, a little dog with a big story to tell has much, much more
to say.
Connie Limon
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