Natural Selection
Shih Tzu can be dated back to as far as the Tang Dynasty in 618 to 907A.D. Another record of Shih Tzu’s entering Chinese Court was in the mid-17th century when these dogs were brought from Tibet. These dogs were then bred in the Forbidden City of Peking (Kennel). These dogs resemble a lion that is represented in Oriental art. Shih Tzu translates into lion. Shih Tzu is the oldest and smallest of the Tibetan holy dogs. Shih Tzu’s are also called “the chrysanthemum-faced dog” because the hair grows about the face in all directions (Kennel). According to the American Kennel Club, “the Shih Tzu was a house pet during most of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 A.D.) and that they were highly favored by the royal family. Dowager Empress Cixi kept an important kennel of Pugs, Pekingese, and Shih Tzu. After her death in 1908 the dogs were dispersed and breeding mostly ceased. When the Communist Revolution occurred in China the breed became almost extinct. Every Shih Tzu today can be traced to fourteen dogs - seven bitches and seven dogs - some of which were imported to England where breeding of the Shih Tzu began in 1930. Shih Tzus were separate breeds; the Shih Tzu Club of England was formed in 1935” (Kennel). DNA analysis placed the ancestors of today's Shih Tzu breed in the group of ancient breeds indicating "close genetic relationship to wolves (Wikipedia).
Shih Tzu’s are small dogs with a short muzzle and large deep dark eyes, with a soft long, double coat consisting of fur and hair. Drop ears are covered with long fur, and the heavily furred tail is carried curled over the back. The coat may be of any color, although a blaze of white on the forehead and tail-tip is frequently seen. The Shih Tzu is slightly longer than tall, and dogs ideally should carry themselves "with distinctly arrogant carriage" (Wikipedia). A very noticeable feature is the under bite, which is required in the breed standard. Shih Tzu’s are friendly dogs, and tend to get along well with most people.
Shih Tzu’s have a thick coat due to the cool habitat they were used to living in, in China and Tibet. Since these dogs are closely related to the wolf family, these dogs still have the instinct to sniff and mark their territory. These little dogs use their ears to sense an intruder. As a dog that lived with monks during the 17th century, these dogs still have a calm disposition and tend to get along with people. Shih Tzu’s tend to walk to an arrogant air this maybe due to how highly they were regarded in China.
I have had a Shih Tzu since he was three months old and Sonny is now over a year old. When Sonny was only six months I observed that he would mark his territory when we go on walks. He wasn’t taught to do that but he just knew to do it. When interacting with other dogs he knows the appropriate way to approach the dogs. Sonny also had the instincts chase smaller animals. He also knows to bark at intruders.
Works Cited
American Kennel Club. “Shih Tzu History.” Web 12 Dec. 2010
“Shih Tzu.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web.12 Dec. 2010
