A breed that’s small, adorably furry and perennially pony-tailed is none other than the infamous Shihtzu. This creature belongs to the companion or lap dog category and is a favorite pet of many families and individuals around the world. Additionally, it is also a famed glamorous breed on the dog show competition.

This long and silky furred creature is believed to have been a favorite of the Chinese Imperial household. Many paintings of ancient China were found depicting a lion-like little dog, which is the modern day Shihtzu that accompanies the Chinese royalties. Because of this lion resemblance, the Shihtzu is called in China and Tibet as the Lion Dog or The Tibetan Lion.

When the Chinese opened up to Western trade, at first they were hesitant to sell their precious tiny dog breeds. In the 1930′s, the Shihtzu finally reached Norway and England. There it was nicknamed the Chrysanthemum dog due to the chrysanthemum-like features of its face.

The Shihtzu is very distinct in its autocratic air and it is concluded that generations of living in the Imperial Palace brought about this air of arrogance in them. However, the Shihtzu is a very devoted little breed that is sweet, trusting and loyal. Despite its size, it is surprisingly fearless, wise, happy and playful.

Moreover, this tiny breed is spunky and alert and thus will make a wonderful watch dog. Other dogs may be wary of strangers but not the Shihtzu. It is sociable and open to friendship to both humans and animals.

Agility and obedience competition- wise, the Shihtzu marks very low. Its obedience intelligence is of low degree and in fact, it ranks 70 in Stanley Cohen’s Intelligence of Dogs. It does champion, however, the competition for the elegantly furred dogs, the show dog competition.

The Shihtzu’s origin is not clear but some evidence suggests its supposed place of origin. A particular evidence shows that the modern day Shihtzu came from the Gobi Desert Kitchen Midden Dog, a scavenging type of dog. Other evidence rather shows that the Shihtzu came from the inter-mixing of the Pekingese and Tibetan Lhasa Apso in China.

The Shihtzu will do fine in a city kind of dwelling. It is not active outdoors but will need daily walks still in order to keep itself healthy. Well- ventilated spaces are best for the Shihtzu for it is sensitive to heat.

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