Where Do Shih Tzus Come From? Lion Dog of the Forbidden City & the 14 Dogs That Saved the Breed 🐾

Q: What does Shih Tzu mean?

Lion dog in Chinese. The lion is a sacred animal in Buddhism, so a dog that looked like one was considered holy.

Breedpedia Ep.06 — the Shih Tzu, from the Forbidden City to your couch, in about a minute.

Quick answer: The Shih Tzu is an ancient companion breed from Tibet and the Chinese imperial court. Its name means "lion dog" in Chinese. Tibetan monks raised the "holy" lion-like dogs, and they were sent to Chinese emperors as gifts, where they were refined inside the Forbidden City for centuries. Every Shih Tzu alive today descends from just 14 dogs brought to England and Scandinavia in the 1930s. Adults stand about 9–10.5 in (23–27 cm) tall, weigh 9–16 lb (4–7 kg), and live about 10–16 years. They are famously sweet, sociable, and low-shedding, which is why they are one of the most popular small dogs in the world.

Where do Shih Tzus come from? 🏯

The Shih Tzu's story starts high in Tibet. Buddhist monks kept small, lion-like "holy dogs," and a pair of them was the ultimate diplomatic gift from the Dalai Lama to the Chinese emperor. Inside the Forbidden City in Beijing, these Tibetan dogs were crossed with Chinese court breeds such as the Pekingese, and the Shih Tzu as we know it took shape. Written records of the breed go back more than a thousand years.

The name is a clue. Shih Tzu (獅子狗) is simply the Chinese word for "lion" plus "dog": a little lion. In the Buddhist tradition, the lion is a sacred animal, which is why a dog that looked like one was treated as holy. In the 1930s, English fanciers added another nickname, the "chrysanthemum-faced dog," because the hair on its muzzle grows upward and outward like flower petals.

What were Shih Tzus bred for? 👑

Nothing but company. The Shih Tzu is one of the very few breeds with no hunting, herding, or guarding history at all. It was bred for a single job: sitting with royalty.

Sleeve dog. Court ladies and officials carried small dogs inside the wide sleeves of their silk robes.
Bed warmer. Its thick double coat kept imperial beds warm on cold Beijing nights.
Under-the-table dog. At banquets it waited under the table for scraps, a habit modern Shih Tzus have kept.

Under Empress Dowager Cixi in the late 1800s, the palace kennels housed Pekingese, Pugs, and Shih Tzus, and eunuchs competed to breed the best dogs to win the court's favor. A successful breeder could be rewarded with the income from a rice field. When Cixi died in 1908, organized palace breeding ended.

The legend of the Star of Buddha ⭐

A favorite Shih Tzu legend says that when bandits attacked the Buddha, his small companion dog turned into a huge lion and drove them off. The grateful Buddha kissed the dog on the forehead, and the spot where he kissed it became the white mark many Shih Tzus carry on their heads, the "Star of Buddha." The white patch on the back is said to be the saddle he rode on. It is a legend, not history, but it explains why the breed was treated as sacred.

How 14 dogs saved the Shih Tzu 🚢

Here is the breed's most dramatic true story. After the Chinese revolution of 1949, the Shih Tzu was nearly wiped out in its homeland as a symbol of the old aristocracy. Luckily, a handful had already left. In 1928, Lady Brownrigg, the wife of a British officer stationed in China, brought two black-and-white Shih Tzus, Hibou and Shu-ssa, home to England. Between 1928 and 1952, thirteen dogs were imported to England and Scandinavia, and one Pekingese was used in a single cross in 1952.

That means every Shih Tzu in the world today descends from just 14 dogs: seven males and seven females. The UK Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1940, American soldiers brought it home after World War II, and the AKC recognized the Shih Tzu in 1969. Your Shih Tzu is a great-great-grandchild of those fourteen.

Shih Tzu puppy at Kim's Pups in Seoul, Korea

What is a Shih Tzu like? Personality 💛

The AKC sums it up in one line: "Where Shih Tzu go, giggles and mischief follow."

Sweet and people-focused. Centuries of lap duty made the Shih Tzu a dog that wants to be with you, on you, or at least near you.
Sociable. Most Shih Tzus are friendly with strangers, children, and other dogs. They make poor guard dogs and excellent greeters.
Playful but calm. A couple of short walks and some indoor play is enough. They are built for apartments.
A little stubborn. Smart, but with a royal sense of independence. Short, treat-based training sessions work best, and house-training takes patience.
Food-motivated. The "under-the-table dog" never forgot. Watch the treats to keep them at a healthy weight.

And a genetic plot twist: in a 2004 DNA study of 85 breeds, the Shih Tzu landed in the group closest to the wolf, right after breeds like the Husky and Malamute. The gentlest lapdog carries some of the oldest genes.

How big do Shih Tzus get? Size and teacup Shih Tzus 📏

The AKC standard calls for a height of 9–10.5 in (23–27 cm) at the shoulder and a weight of 9–16 lb (4–7 kg). The FCI allows up to 8 kg. Shih Tzus reach their adult size at around 10–12 months.

Interestingly, the first Shih Tzus brought to England in 1928 weighed 12–15 lb, almost exactly today's standard. Unlike the Pomeranian, which shrank by a factor of ten, the Shih Tzu has barely changed size in a hundred years.

A teacup Shih Tzu or "imperial Shih Tzu" is a nickname for a dog at the smallest end of the breed, often under 9 lb (4 kg) as an adult. No kennel club recognizes it as a separate size. If you want a smaller Shih Tzu, ask the breeder for the puppy's current weight and both parents' adult weights rather than trusting a label. At Kim's Pups we share both for every puppy.

Shih Tzu coat, colors, and grooming ✂️

The Shih Tzu has a long, flowing double coat that keeps growing, more like hair than fur. That is why it sheds very little and is a popular choice for people with mild allergies, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. The breed comes in almost every color: gold and white, black and white, brindle, red, liver, blue, solid black, and more.

The trade-off is grooming. A full show coat needs daily brushing and regular baths. Most pet owners choose a short puppy cut or a "teddy bear cut" every 4–6 weeks, which keeps the breed's famous chrysanthemum face and makes care easy. The top-knot, the little ponytail on the head, started as a practical way to keep hair out of the eyes.

Shih Tzu lifespan and health 🩺

Shih Tzus are long-lived, usually 10–16 years, and many reach 17 or 18. Health topics to discuss with your vet and breeder include:

Heat sensitivity: as a short-nosed (brachycephalic) breed, the Shih Tzu overheats easily. Walk in the cool hours and never leave it in a hot car.
Eyes: the large, prominent eyes need daily wiping and protection from scratches.
Ears: hair grows inside the ear canal, so regular cleaning prevents infections.
Dental care: a small mouth means crowded teeth. Brush regularly and schedule dental checks.
Knees and hips: luxating patella and hip dysplasia occur in the breed. Keep your Shih Tzu lean.

Shih Tzus in Korea 🇰🇷

In Korea, the Shih Tzu was the national dog of the 2000s. Together with the Maltese and the Poodle it formed the famous "big three" small breeds. In 2026 it had a viral comeback when a popular TV host was nicknamed "Shih Tzu face" and then adopted a rescued Shih Tzu puppy on a hit show. When a dog's face becomes shorthand for "gentle," you know the breed has become a classic.

Looking for a Shih Tzu puppy? See our available puppies, or read how adoption and worldwide delivery work at Kim's Pups.

Shih Tzu FAQ ❓

Where do Shih Tzus come from?

From Tibet and the Chinese imperial court. Tibetan monks raised the lion-like dogs, they were sent to Chinese emperors as gifts, and the breed was refined in the Forbidden City in Beijing.

What does Shih Tzu mean?

"Lion dog" in Chinese. The lion is a sacred animal in Buddhism, so a dog that looked like one was considered holy.

What were Shih Tzus bred for?

Purely for companionship. They were carried in the sleeves of court robes, warmed imperial beds, and waited under banquet tables for treats.

How big do Shih Tzus get?

Adults stand about 9–10.5 in (23–27 cm) tall and weigh 9–16 lb (4–7 kg). They reach adult size at around 10–12 months.

What is a teacup or imperial Shih Tzu?

A nickname for a Shih Tzu at the smallest end of the breed, usually under 9 lb (4 kg). It is not an official size recognized by any kennel club.

Do Shih Tzus shed? Are they hypoallergenic?

They shed very little because their coat grows like hair, which makes them a common choice for people with mild allergies. No dog is completely hypoallergenic.

Are Shih Tzus good family dogs?

Yes. They are affectionate, sociable, and calm indoors, and they usually get along with children and other pets. Very small puppies still need gentle handling.

Do Shih Tzus bark a lot?

Less than many small breeds. They will announce visitors but are generally quiet, calm companions.

How long do Shih Tzus live?

Usually 10–16 years, and many live longer with good care.

Why are all Shih Tzus descended from 14 dogs?

After 1949 the breed nearly disappeared in China. The 13 dogs imported to England and Scandinavia between 1928 and 1952, plus one Pekingese used in a 1952 cross, became the ancestors of every Shih Tzu alive today.

🇹🇭 ชิสุ เป็นสุนัขพันธุ์อะไร มาจากไหน?

ชิสุ (Shih Tzu) เป็นสุนัขเพื่อนเล่นโบราณที่มีต้นกำเนิดจากทิเบตและราชสำนักจีน ชื่อของมันแปลว่า "สุนัขสิงโต" ในภาษาจีน พระสงฆ์ทิเบตเลี้ยงสุนัขศักดิ์สิทธิ์ที่ดูคล้ายสิงโต และดาไลลามะส่งไปเป็นของขวัญแก่จักรพรรดิจีน ในพระราชวังต้องห้ามมันถูกพกไว้ในแขนเสื้อ ใช้ให้ความอบอุ่นบนเตียง และรอขนมใต้โต๊ะ หลังปี 1949 สายพันธุ์นี้เกือบสูญพันธุ์ในจีน ชิสุทุกตัวในโลกปัจจุบันสืบเชื้อสายมาจากสุนัขเพียง 14 ตัวที่ถูกนำไปอังกฤษ ชิสุโตเต็มวัยสูงประมาณ 23–27 เซนติเมตร หนัก 4–7 กิโลกรัม อายุขัย 10–16 ปี นิสัยอ่อนโยน เข้ากับคนง่าย ขนร่วงน้อย แต่ต้องแปรงขนและตัดแต่งเป็นประจำ

🇮🇩 Shih Tzu itu anjing seperti apa dan berasal dari mana?

Shih Tzu adalah ras anjing pendamping kuno yang berasal dari Tibet dan istana kekaisaran Tiongkok. Namanya berarti "anjing singa" dalam bahasa Tiongkok. Para biksu Tibet memelihara anjing suci yang mirip singa, dan Dalai Lama mengirimnya sebagai hadiah kepada kaisar Tiongkok. Di Kota Terlarang, anjing ini dibawa di dalam lengan jubah, menghangatkan tempat tidur, dan menunggu camilan di bawah meja. Setelah 1949 ras ini nyaris punah di Tiongkok, dan semua Shih Tzu di dunia saat ini merupakan keturunan dari hanya 14 ekor anjing yang dibawa ke Inggris. Shih Tzu dewasa tingginya sekitar 23–27 cm, berbobot 4–7 kg, dan hidup 10–16 tahun. Sifatnya lembut, ramah, jarang rontok bulu, tetapi perlu disisir dan dirapikan secara rutin.

🇭🇰 西施犬（Shih Tzu）係咩品種？由邊度嚟？

西施犬係一種好古老嘅伴侶犬，源自西藏同中國皇宮。佢嘅名「獅子狗」喇中文入面即係細獅子。西藏僧侶飼養呢種似獅子嘅聖犬，達賴喇嘛將佢哋送畲中國皇帝做禮物。喇紫禁城入面，佢哋信人放喇袍袖入面帶住行、幫皇帝暖床，仲會喇飯桌底等零食。1949 年之後呢個品種喇中國差唔多絕種，而家全世界所有西施犬都係由當年帶去英國嘅 14 隻狗繁衍落嚟。成年西施犬身高約 23 至 27 厘米，體重 4 至 7 公斤，壽命 10 至 16 年。性格溫馴、親人、甩毛少，但要定期梳毛同修剪。