This is the oldest and the smallest breed with Tibetan origin. It is a cross linking the Tibetan Mountain Dog, the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. The dog is named after the most beautiful woman in China, Xi Shi. In 1969, the AKC registered the breed. During the Chinese Revolution, the Shih Tzu breed was almost completely wiped out. Only seven males and seven females were saved and today, all can be tracked back to one of these dogs.
The first dogs were imported to Europe and was classified as Apsos. The breed spread throughout Europe and was brought to the US after the World War II when returning member of the US troupe brought the dog back home. After the AKC recognized the Shih Tzu dog, they were categorized then in the “toy group” and is now recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale for international competition in Companion and Toy Dog Group.
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