The Shih Tzu is a small dog from the Asian country of China.  A companion breed, the Shih Tzu was once kept sacred and exclusively by the Imperial family.
   
    Shih Tzus stand between 8-11 inches at the withers and weigh between 9-16 pounds.  This little dog has a long, double coat, which is more hair than fur.  This breed is considered to hypoallergenic and they shed very little.  Any color or pattern is allowed on the Shih Tzu, but white on the forehead and tip of the tail is preferred.  The hair that grows around its face is said to look like a chrysanthemum flower.  Shih Tzu’s tail curl and are carried over the back.
   
    The exact origin of the Shih Tzu is lost with time; however, recent DNA testing found that they are one of the oldest of dog breeds.  Depending on the source it is thought that the breed was originally kept in the monasteries of Tibet and then given to the Chinese, but some also believe that the Lhasa Apso was given to the Chinese and they then crossed it with the Pekingese to create the Shih Tzu.  Whichever story is the truth of the little dogs’ origins we know that they were kept by the Imperial family and for centuries they were never released to anyone outside the household.  Once almost an extinct breed every Shih Tzu today can be traced back to fourteen dogs imported to England in 1930.
   
    The Shih Tzu is a lively and alert breed.  Full of character, they make friends easily and do well with older children.  Often they can be jealous of babies and younger children, and may become snappish toward them.  They can be a stubborn breed, which sometimes can make them difficult to train and housebreak.  The Shih Tzu is a playful breed that loves attention.