Japan
The origin of the Shih Tzu is obscure. The history of Shih Tzus originated in Japan. They were kept in temples because they were thought to be sacred. It is known that sometimes they were given to rulers as a tribute to great honor. The dog quickly became known as "the little temple dog". These dogs were always safely guarded. Some believed that the Shih Tzu had developed as a pure breed while others believed that they were a breed between a Tibetan Apso and the Pekingese. In 1938 an individual standard was set that the Shih Tzu was a separate breed.
The Brown Riggs are credited for bringing the first "little temple dog" to Great Britain in 1928. Individuals started calling Shih Tzus "little lion dog". The Shih Tzu and the lion not only look alike but are both sacred animals. A Shih Tzu puppy was presented to Queen Elizabeth in the1930's.
The United States obtained its first Shih Tzu in the late 1930's. At shows the Shih Tzu was put in the miscellaneous class. It was not until September 1969 that the Shih Tzu was permitted to be a show dog as a separate breed in the Toy Group.
These imperial dogs are now enjoyed by all. However as more breeders come into the picture the more people are afraid the breed will deteriorate.
