Amazing Shih Tzu Facts

• Shih Tzus almost went extinct!

The Shih Tzu was nearly wiped out after the Communist takeover of China in 1949.

Luckily for Shih Tzu lovers, a princess secretly saved seven males and seven females.

And, as a result, every Shih Tzu alive today can be traced to one of the 14 dogs that were used to rebuild the breed.

• Military Personnel Brought the Shih Tzu to the U.S.

After Shih Tzus were imported to England from China, The English then exported them to other countries throughout Europe.

American soldiers  stationed in European countries took Shih Tzus back with them to the  United States in the late 1940s and 1950s.

• The Shih Tzus sleeping with the Emperor at his feet were considered the palace's "last line of defense".

• People commonly associate the Shih Tzu with China, but they actually came from China’s western neighbor, Tibet.

Tibet sent dogs to the Chinese royalty as gifts to ensure safe passage for their traveling monks.

• The Mandarin phrase “Shih Tzu” translates to "Little Lion". 

The Shih Tzu was  likely given this name because of its association with the Tibetan Buddhist God of Learning, who, according to legend, traveled with a  small lion dog that could transform into a full-sized lion.

• The Shih Tzu (pronounced sheed zoo) is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.

• Shih Tzus are often called “chrysanthemum-faced dogs” because the hair on their faces grows in every direction. 

• Many Celebrities Own Shih Tzus.

Some of their famous owners include: Linda Dano, Bill Gates, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret, Jayne Seymour, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Colin Farell, Andie MacDowell, Jon Stewart, Vidal Sassoon and the Dalai Lama.

• Shih Tzus are Glamorous...and Athletic!

Looking at the long flowing coats of Shih Tzu show dogs, we tend to think the breed's more glamorous than sporty. But underneath that gorgeous coat is a muscular body that is quite agile.

In fact, in 2014, a Shih Tzu became the first of his breed to win both a champion title and an agility title.

• The AKC National Champion for 2023!

In 2023, Comet the Shih Tzu won 2023 AKC National Champion + Best in Show winner!

• Shih Tzus do have unique smiles, thanks to their undershot bite.

A Shih Tzu's lower jaw is just wider than the upper jaw, so their upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth when their mouth is closed.

• Shih Tzus don't have fur!

Just like you, Shih Tzus have hair instead of fur. In fact, they actually have two coats of hair. 

The topcoat is the long, silky hair that you see. The undercoat is shorter and feathery.

• Shih Tzu are hypoallergenic!

Fur makes dander which can cause allergic reactions in people.

And, since Shih Tzu have hair instead of fur, they shed very little and are as hypoallergenic as a dog can be.