View source for Shih Tzu

{{Short description|Dog breed}}
{{for|topics formerly romanized as Shih-tzu|Shizi (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates |date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox dog breed
| image = Shihtzu (cropped).jpg
| image_caption =A Shih Tzu in full show coat
| name =  Shih Tzu
| altname =[[Chrysanthemum]] Dog, Chinese Lion Dog
| country = China
| weight   = {{convert|4|–|7.5|kg}}
| maleheight   = {{convert|20|–|28|cm}}
| femaleheight = {{convert|20|–|28|cm}}
| coat         = See [[#Coat colors and quality|Coats]] section below
| color        = {{ubl|Often multiple color coats|Gold|Dark/light brown|Black|Grey|Liver/white}}
| litter_size  = 2–9
<!-----Kennel club standards----->
| kc_name        = [[China Kennel Union]]
| kc_std         =http://www.cku.org.cn/breed/dog/208
| fcistd = http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/208g09-en.pdf
|kc2_name       = [[The Royal Kennel Club]]
|kc2_std          =https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/utility/shih-tzu/
}}
The '''Shih Tzu''' ({{IPAc-en|uk|ˌ|ʃ|iː|ˈ|t|s|uː}}, {{IPAc-en|us|ˈ|ʃ|iː|t|s|uː}})<ref>{{cite RDPCE|page=1231}}</ref> is a [[toy dog]] or [[pet dog]] breed originating from [[Tibet]] and believed to be bred from the [[Pekingese]] and the [[Lhasa Apso]].
== Description ==
<!-- keep an overview of appearance first and other issues later, in their appropriate section/ create such a section-->
[[File:Shih-Tzu.jpg|thumb|153x153px|A [[Tricolor (dog)|Tricolor]] (black, white, brown) Shih Tzu in show coat.]]
The Shih Tzu is a sturdy little dog with a small [[Snout#Dogs|snout]] and normally has large dark brown eyes. The Chinese have described their head shapes as "owl head" and "lion head", and their mouth as "frog mouths" and their lips as "earthworm lips".<ref name="Juliette. 2007">{{Cite book|last=Juliette.|first=Cunliffe|url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/232358683|title=Shih tzu|date=2007|publisher=Kennel Club Books|isbn=978-1-59378-216-0|oclc=232358683|access-date=11 March 2021|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501052021/https://www.worldcat.org/title/shih-tzu/oclc/232358683|url-status=live}}</ref> They have a soft and long double coat that will tangle and mat easily if not brushed at least every 2 or 3 days. A Shih Tzu should stand no more than 26.7&nbsp;cm (10{{frac|1|2}}") at the [[Withers#Dogs|withers]] and with an ideal weight of 4.0 to 7.5kg (9 to 17 lbs).  Their floppy ears are covered with long [[hair]], and their heavily hair-covered [[tail]] is carried curled over the back. The coat may be of any color, though white and with blazes of grey are frequently seen. A very noticeable feature is the [[underbite]], which is required in the [[breed standard]].<ref name="FCIstandard">{{cite web|url=http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/208g09-en.pdf|title=Federation Cynologique Internationale Breed Standard|website=Fci.be|access-date=11 December 2017|archive-date=31 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031031107/http://fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/208g09-en.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Etymology ==
{{Infobox Chinese
| t = {{linktext|獅子}}
| s = 狮子
| p = shīzi
| j = si{{sup|1}} zi{{sup|2}}
| mi = {{IPA|cmn|ʂʐ̩˥ d͡z̥z̩˨|}}
| ci = {{IPA|yue|siː˥ t͡siː˧˥|}}
| altname = Chinese name
| l = [[lion]]
| w = shih{{sup|1}}-tzu
| y = sī jí
| bpmf = ㄕ ˙ㄗ
| c2 = 西施犬
| p2 = Xī Shī quǎn
| l2 = [[Xi Shi|Hsi Shih]] dog
| w2 = hsi{{sup|1}}-shih{{sup|1}} ch'üan{{sup|3}}
| y2 = sāi sī hyún
| j2 = sai{{sup|1}} si{{sup|1}} hyun{{sup|2}}
| mi2 = {{IPAc-cmn|x|i|1|sh|^|1|-|q|yuan|3}}
| ci2 = {{IPA|yue|sɐi̯˥ siː˥ hyːn˧˥|}}
| bpmf2 = ㄒㄧ ㄕ ㄑㄩㄢˇ
}}
The name comes from the [[Chinese language]] word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as in traditional oriental art".<ref>''Shih Tzu'', by Jaime J. Sucher, p. 5, Barron's Educational Series, 2000, {{ISBN|0-7641-1043-8}}</ref> (The [[Pekingese]] breed is also called "lion dog" in Chinese.) The name ''Shih Tzu'' is the [[Wade-Giles]] [[romanization]] of the [[Mandarin Chinese]] word for "lion".
[[File:Shih-tzu-Fibi.jpg|thumb|A female Shih Tzu at around 18 months of age.]]
[[File:Pebbles the unique alpha Shih Tzu.jpg|thumb|right|A female Shih Tzu, with different colored eyes.]]
In contemporary Mandarin, the Shih Tzu is generally known as the "Xi Shi dog"; [[Xi Shi]] was regarded as one of the most beautiful women of [[History of China#Ancient China|ancient China]]. Shih Tzu was nicknamed the "[[Chrysanthemum#China|chrysanthemum]] dog" in [[England]] in the 1930s.<ref>''Shih Tzu For Dummies'', by Eve Adamson, p. 257, For Dummies, Publisher, 2007, {{ISBN|0-470-08945-8}} quote: "Lady Brownrigg, who brought the first Shih Tzu into England, coined the phrase Chrysanthemum Dog."</ref> The dog may also be called the [[Tibet]]an Lion Dog, but whether the breed should be referred to as "Tibetan" or "Chinese" is a source of both historical and political contention. A book on the breed states that "dog historians tend to have very strong opinions" on the subject.<ref>''Shih Tzu For Dummies'', by Eve Adamson, p. 27, For Dummies, Publisher, 2007, {{ISBN|0-470-08945-8}} quote: "...dogs related to the modern-day Shih Tzu probably came from Tibet, but how long they were there and how much influence they had on the present day Shih Tzu may never be known." The author then says, "Dog historians tend to have very strong opinions." It is often mistakenly said that the Shih Tzu is Chinese royalty.</ref>
== History ==
One theory is that the Shih Tzu descended from a cross between the [[Pekingese]] and [[Lhasa Apso]].<ref name="Clark/Brace">{{cite book| last = Clark| first = Anne Rogers| author-link = Anne Rogers Clark| title = The International Encyclopedia of Dogs |author2=Andrew H. Brace | publisher = Howell Book House| year = 1995| pages = 416–417| isbn = 0-87605-624-9}}</ref> The dogs were favorites of the Chinese royals during the [[Ming dynasty|Ming Dynasty]] and were so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away. The [[Empress dowager|Dowager Empress]] [[Empress Dowager Cixi|Cixi]] developed a program dedicated to breeding Shih Tzus.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Breed History - Shih Tzu Club UK |url=https://www.theshihtzuclub.co.uk/shih-tzu/breed-history |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=The Shih Tzu Club}}</ref> Many [[court eunuch]]s also bred Shih Tzus to win favor with the Emperor.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |last3= |first3= |date=December 27, 2023 |title=Shih Tzu History: How the Royal Tibetan Dog Was Saved From Extinction |url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/shih-tzu-history-royal-tibetan-dog-saved-extinction/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=[[American Kennel Club]] |language=en}}</ref>
The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe ([[England]] and [[Norway]]) during the 1920s and 1930s. Lady Brownrigg, an Englishwoman living in China, first brought two Shih Tzus to England in 1928.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> These dogs were classified by the [[Kennel Club]] as "Apsos".<ref name="Clark/Brace" /> The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club,<ref>''The Shih Tzu'', by Audrey Dadds, p. 29, Howell Book House, 1975, {{ISBN|0-87605-309-6}}</ref> and the dogs were categorised again as Shih Tzu. This was the result of the first congregation of these dogs from China at Crufts in 1933 at which it was realised that the Tibetan Terrier, Apso and Shih Tzu were distinctly different breeds.The breed spread throughout Europe and was brought to the United States after [[World War II]], when returning members of the U.S. military brought back dogs from Europe and Asia, in the mid-1950s. The Shih Tzu was recognized by the [[American Kennel Club]] in 1969 in the [[Toy Group]].<ref name="Clark/Brace" /><ref name=":1" />
In 1934, the Shih Tzu Club of England was founded<ref>{{cite web |title=The Kennel Club |url=http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=4102 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127024239/http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=4102 |archive-date=27 November 2016 |access-date=2016-11-26}}</ref> and the breed was officially recognised by the [[The Kennel Club|Kennel Club (UK)]] on 7 May 1940. When it became eligible for Challenge Certificates, none were awarded until 1949. The breed is now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.<ref name="FCIstandard" /> It is also recognized by the [[Fédération Cynologique Internationale]] for international competition in Companion and Toy Dog Group, Section 5, Tibetan breeds.<ref name="FCIstandard" />
During the [[Chinese Communist Revolution]] in 1949, all Shih Tzus were killed off due to their association with wealth. As such, the modern Shih Tzu is descended from thirteen dogs imported to England and [[Scandinavia]] between 1928 and 1952.<ref name=":1" /> Controversially, breeder Freda Evans of England introduced a black and white [[Pekingese]] into the breed in 1952. Today, both the U.K. and U.S. Kennel Clubs recognize the descendants of the Shih Tzu and Pekingese cross as [[purebred]] Shih Tzus.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
In the United States, the Shih Tzus were ranked the 15th most popular breed in 2013, falling slightly in popularity since 2012 when it was placed in 11th position.<ref>[http://www.akc.org/news/the-most-popular-dog-breeds-in-america/ American Kennel Club 2013 Dog Registration Statistics Historical Comparisons & Notable Trends] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117192503/http://www.akc.org/news/the-most-popular-dog-breeds-in-america/ |date=17 January 2017 }}, ''The American Kennel Club'', Retrieved 30 April 2014</ref> In [[Israel]] the Shih Tzus were ranked as the most popular breed in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=dog ownership data in Israel, government data |url=https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/seker-klavim-2019}}</ref>
[[File:Chinese_guardian_lion,_Veendam_(2020)_02.jpg|thumb|A Chinese guardian lion (or "Fu"/"Foo" dog) statue in the Groninger city of [[Veendam|Veendam, Veenkoloniën.]] These statues are meant to guard this building, with the one on the left holding a ball and the one on the right with her puppy.]]
== In Buddhist mythology ==
Shih Tzus are largely associated with [[Buddhism]] and [[Buddhist mythology]]. The name "Shih Tzu" in Mandarin directly translates to "little lion," an animal considered sacred in Buddhist religion. Lions symbolize royalty, strength, and bravery – "fear nothing, and act without delay."<ref name=":22">{{cite web |title=History of the Shih Tzu Dog Breed |url=https://www.everythingshihtzu.com/shih-tzu-history.html |access-date=2022-02-24 |website=Everything Shih Tzu}}</ref> Pairs of [[Komainu|stone lions or lion dogs]] located outside guard palace doors, tombs, temples, and public buildings are thought to protect these buildings from harmful individuals and spiritual influences.<ref name=":22" /> These stone statues are often called [[Chinese guardian lions|Fu (or Foo) dogs]], and it is suggested that these are the lionized form of the Shih Tzu.<ref name=":02">{{cite web |publisher=National Purebred Dog Day |date=2019-04-26 |title=Shih Tzu Legends |url=https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/shih-tzu-legends/ |access-date=2022-02-24 |website=nationalpurebreddogday.com |language=en-US}}</ref> "Fu" roughly translates to "happiness" in Manchurian, with legend stating Fu dogs are happy Shih Tzus forever guarding the temple of Buddha.<ref name=":02" /> Fu dog statues typically represent a male and female Shih Tzu, carved out of stone, jade, teak, ivory, cinnabar, bronze, or ceramics.<ref name=":12">{{cite web |last=Jorgensen |first=Anthony |title=Shih Tzu – History and Legends {{!}} HealthGuidance.org |url=https://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15305/1/shih-tzu-history-and-legends.html |access-date=2022-02-17 |website=HealthGuidance.org {{!}} |language=en-US}}</ref> The male dog is often seen holding a ball with his left paw and the female dog holds her puppy. Sources state this holds a symbolic meaning, with the male dog representing powers over nature, energy, wisdom, and precious stones and the female dog symbolizing protection, play, and a disciplinary attitude.<ref name=":12" />
[[File:Shih Tzu - Star of Buddha.jpg|thumb|A male Shih Tzu shown with the star of Buddha on his head, marked by the white patch of hair.]]
Buddhists consider Shih Tzus blessed by and sacred beasts of [[The Buddha|Buddha]]. Legend states Buddha rode to earth on a lion and carried with him a small lion dog which accompanied him everywhere he went.<ref name=":02" /> Legends vary across different sources, however many cite the Shih Tzu accompanied the [[The Buddha|Buddha]] of wisdom, [[Manjushri]].<ref name=":12" /> This lion dog had the ability to turn himself into a lion to carry Manjushri on his back. The physical features of Shih Tzus serve as proof of the eternal connection between Buddha and this breed. According to legend, several robbers surrounded Buddha with the intention of robbing and murdering him when the Shih Tzu transformed into a ferocious lion so large that the robbers were scared and fled the scene.<ref name=":02" /> As the Shih Tzu returned to its dog form, Buddha blessed him for his courage.<ref name=":02" /> Many Shih Tzus reflect this blessing in the form of the "Star of Buddha", which may also be called "Buddha's kiss", represented as a white patch of hair on the top of dog's head. Markings on the dogs back is said to be the saddle Buddha used to ride the dog in its lion form.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |title=14 Insane (but true!) Facts About Shih Tzus - Shih Tzu Daily |url=http://shihtzudaily.com/14-insane-truth-things-about-shih-tzu/ |access-date=2022-02-24 |website=shihtzudaily.com}}</ref> Legends vary across sources, largely because legends are historically passed down by word-of-mouth. Some cite this mark on the head as the place where Buddha kissed the dog, giving it his blessing.<ref name=":3" /> Other sources state Buddha laid his finger on the dog's forehead in blessing, giving it a flash of white hair on its forehead.<ref name=":02" />
== Coat colors ==
The Shih Tzu comes in many colours. The following colours are recognised by [[The Royal Kennel Club]]: {{bulleted list|black & white|brindle|brindle & white|gold & white|gold brindle|gold brindle & white|gold with black mask|grey & white|solid black|solid gold|liver|liver & white|}}
Additionally the following colours are recognised as existing within the breed but not being part of the standard these are: blue, cream, lilac, lilac & white, white, particolour.<ref name="RKC">{{cite web |title=Shih Tzu |url=https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/utility/shih-tzu/ |website=The Royal Kennel Club |access-date=11 January 2024}}</ref>
[[File:Black and White Shih Tzu.jpg|thumb|Black and White coat colour on Shih Tzu|alt=Black and White colored variation of Shih Tzu]]
[[File:Shih Tzu in Tallinn.JPG|thumb|A cream coloured Shih Tzu|175x175px]]
== Health ==
A number of health issues, some of them [[Heredity|hereditary]], have been found in individual Shih Tzu, and are listed below. The popularity of the breed has allowed for extremely poor breeding in general, leading to generalized and lifelong diseases, often from a fairly early age.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}
===Heart disease===
[[Mitral valve disease]] is the most common heart disease in dogs and can lead to [[congestive heart failure]] (CHF). The condition is more common in smaller dogs including the Shih Tzu.<ref name="Cummings">{{cite web |title=Heart Diseases - Dogs |url=https://heartsmart.vet.tufts.edu/heart-diseases-dogs/ |website=Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine |access-date=12 January 2024}}</ref>
=== Brachycephaly ===
[[File:Shih Tzu - Brachycephalie - Qualzucht.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|A Shih Tzu at a dog show.]]
The [[Brachycephaly|short nose]] of the Shih Tzu causes breathing difficulties and other health issues in the dog. [[Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome]] (BAOS) is a condition caused by brachycephaly. The main issues arising from the shortened muzzle are [[stenotic nares]], where the nostrils are close together causing difficulties with breathing through the nose; an elongated [[soft palate]]; and tracheal hypoplasia, a narrow windpipe. This causes difficulty breathing which leads to increased respiratory effort which further narrows the trachea which can lead to laryngeal collapse. Dogs suffering from BAOS struggle with exercise, are prone to heat stroke due to ineffective evaporative ability, and have [[Insomnia|trouble sleeping]].<ref name="UFAW">{{cite web |title=Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion Animals |url=https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/shih-tzu-brachycephalic-airway-obstruction-syndrome |website=Universities Federation for Animal Welfare |access-date=12 January 2024}}</ref>
=== Eye issues ===
It is very common for Shih Tzus to develop eye problems at any age, and even more so once they are older. Most veterinarians will recommend eye drops to assist with any eye irritations. Some dogs have allergies which cause excess discharge around the eye. Older Shih Tzu are known to develop cataracts which can be corrected with surgery. If not treated, the dog may become blind in the eye that has the [[cataract]]. The distinctive large eyes can easily be scratched which may cause an ulcer. The dog will normally have the injured eye closed or half closed and may have excessive tears. The most common problem of Shih Tzus concerning eye conditions is the formation of [[Epiphora (medicine)|epiphora]] caused by the fur on the eyelids scratching the conjunctiva and the cornea. However this can be medicated by the application of prescribed eye drops from a certified veterinarian such as eyevita.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Christmas |first1=Richard E. |title=Common ocular problems of Shih Tzu dogs |journal=Canadian Veterinary Journal |date=June 1992 |volume=33 |issue=6 |pages=390–393 |pmid=17424020 |pmc=1481255}}</ref> Shih Tzus are also prone to excessive tear production which in turn cause tear stains around the eyes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2022 |first=Gemma |last=Johnstone |title=Why Is My Dog's Fur Pink or Brown? |url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-is-my-dogs-fur-changing-color/ |access-date=2023-10-20 |website=American Kennel Club |language=en}}</ref> A study from Japan reviewing cases of dogs presented for [[ophthalmologic]] examination found the Shih Tzu to make up 16% of all glaucoma cases whilst only making up 8.2% of the total population used in the study.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=KATO | first1=Kumiko | last2=SASAKI | first2=Nobuo | last3=MATSUNAGA | first3=Satoru | last4=NISHIMURA | first4=Ryohei | last5=OGAWA | first5=Hiroyuki | title=Incidence of Canine Glaucoma with Goniodysplasia in Japan: A Retrospective Study | journal=Journal of Veterinary Medical Science | publisher=Japanese Society of Veterinary Science | volume=68 | issue=8 | year=2006 | issn=0916-7250 | doi=10.1292/jvms.68.853 | pages=853–858| doi-access=free | pmid=16953087 }}</ref>
[[File:Shih tzu 1.jpg|thumb|Shih tzu with hair covering eyes.  Untrimmed hair can be an issue.  This is remedied with a top knot or a short puppy cut.]]
=== Ear issues ===
A very common issue for Shih Tzus is the development of ear infections, as they have a long coat and hair grows in their ears. If ears are not plucked and cleaned often, ear infections will reoccur and cause more serious health issues.<ref name="Juliette. 2007"/>
===Hepatobiliary===
A UK study found the Shih Tzu to have a 4.02 times greater risk of impaired hepatic perfusion compared to other dogs.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Bandara | first1=Y. | last2=Bayton | first2=W. A. | last3=Williams | first3=T. L. | last4=Scase | first4=T. | last5=Bexfield | first5=N. H. | title=Histopathological frequency of canine hepatobiliary disease in the United Kingdom | journal=Journal of Small Animal Practice | volume=62 | issue=9 | date=2021 | issn=0022-4510 | doi=10.1111/jsap.13354 | pages=730–736| pmid=34155648 }}</ref>
=== Life expectancy ===
A 2022 study in the United Kingdom found the life expectancy of the Shih Tzu to be 11 years, a few months below the average life expectancy of all dogs.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Tzu-yun Teng |first1=Kendy |last2=Brodbelt |first2=Dave C. |last3=Pegram |first3=Camilla |last4=Church |first4=David |last5=O'Neill |first5=Dan G. |title=Life tables of annual life expectancy and mortality for companion dogs in the United Kingdom |journal=Scientific Reports |date=28 April 2022 |volume=12 |issue=1 |page=6415 |doi=10.1038/s41598-022-10341-6 |pmid=35484374 |bibcode=2022NatSR..12.6415T |pmc=9050668 }}</ref> A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 12.8 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for [[Mongrel|crossbreeds]].<ref>{{cite journal | last1=McMillan | first1=Kirsten M. | last2=Bielby | first2=Jon | last3=Williams | first3=Carys L. | last4=Upjohn | first4=Melissa M. | last5=Casey | first5=Rachel A. | last6=Christley | first6=Robert M. | title=Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death | journal=Scientific Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=14 | issue=1 | date=2024-02-01 | issn=2045-2322 | doi=10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w | page=531| pmid=38302530 | pmc=10834484 | bibcode=2024NatSR..14..531M }}</ref> A Japanese study found the Shih Tzu to have a life expectancy of 15 years, above the 14 year average for all dogs.<ref name="pmid29798968">{{cite journal| author=Inoue M, Kwan NCL, Sugiura K| title=Estimating the life expectancy of companion dogs in Japan using pet cemetery data. | journal=J Vet Med Sci | year= 2018 | volume= 80 | issue= 7 | pages= 1153–1158 | pmid=29798968 | doi=10.1292/jvms.17-0384 | pmc=6068313 }}</ref>{{efn| The Japanese study reviewed cemetery data which is unlikely to have any records of still-births and altricial deaths whilst a veterinary clinic likely would have data on these.}}
== Variations ==
=== Kennel club differences ===
There is a difference between the Shih Tzu of the [[American Kennel Club]] and the [[Kennel Club (UK)]]:<!-- reference information in infobox -->
==== The AKC (American Kennel Club) Shih-Tzu ====
* Their front legs (forequarters) are straight. Their hindquarters are muscular. Neither should be too short nor too long.
* The standard head is big and round and is set high with face looking forward or up.
* The neck and body are the most important and should not be exaggerated.
* The eyes are large and face the front.
* The shoulders of the American type of Shih-Tzu are frontal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shih-tzu/#standard|title=Shih Tzu Dog Breed Information|website=Akc.org|access-date=11 December 2017|archive-date=11 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211213648/http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shih-tzu/#standard|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
==See also==
* [[Portal:Dogs|Dogs portal]]
* [[List of dog breeds]]
* [[The Kennel Club]]
* [[Lhasa Apso]]
* [[Pekingese|Pekinese]]
* [[Maltese dog|Maltese]]
{{Portal bar|China|Mammals|Dogs}}
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Shih Tzu}}
{{Wiktionary|Shih Tzu}}
*[https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english-chinese/lion Chinese word for 'lion']
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{{Dogs originating in China and Taiwan}}
{{Toy dogs}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Companion dogs]]
[[Category:FCI breeds]]
[[Category:Dog breeds originating in Tibet]]
[[Category:Toy dogs]]