The Shih Tzu Can Trace its Lineage Back 10,000 Years
Dec 05
The history of dogs is amazing. With 701 different modern breeds, dogs are found everywhere on the planet except Antarctica. While most theories agree that all dogs originated in the Far East, there is some disagreement as to exactly how or where. Nevertheless, most scholars would agree that the Shih Tzu is undoubtedly one of the earliest breeds and can trace its lineage back approximately 10,000 years.
Prehistoric Beginnings
Every canine, including the Shih Tzu, can trace its beginnings back to the same prehistoric relative, the Hesperocyonines, an animal that looked like a cross between a fox and a weasel. Fossil records have this creature originating in North America about 40 million years ago, evolving into several different species of dog before its extinction 15 million years ago. Modern day foxes, wolves, jackals, coyotes and dogs all have the same beginning, and are distant relatives of the Hesperocyonines. While no one is alive to tell us precisely, fossils provide evidence to support the idea that the dog first became domesticated somewhere around 15,000 years ago. The dog continued to evolve into thousands of different breeds, varying in size, shape and appearance.
The Far East
Most likely, the modern day dog originated in China, with many of today’s breeds evolving from these early ancient Chinese breeds. The Shih Tzu is one of the closest modern relatives of these ancient breeds and while there is still debate as to exactly where the dog originated, skeletal remains dating back 10,000 years ago resemble the modern day Pug and Shih Tzu. Nevertheless, some historians believe that the Shih Tzu came about as a cross between Pekingese and a Tibetan dog called the Lhasa Apso. These ancient dogs were selectively bred in the forbidden city of Peking as Tibetan holy dogs. Shih Tzu translates as “lion dog”, because the dog was originally bred to resemble the “lion as depicted in traditional oriental art”.
Modern Day Shih Tzu
It wasn’t until the 1930’s that the Shih Tzu was imported into Europe, and shortly after, the United States. The Shih Tzu made its presence known in America after World War II when soldiers returned home from Europe with their dogs. However, it wasn’t until 1969 before they were recognized as their own breed as part of the toy group by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Today, the modern Shih Tzu is recognized by all the major Kennel Clubs in the world and has become quite popular among breeders and families alike. The Shih Tzu is fairly common in American households and continues to be a fascinating animal with some extremely human like characteristics. Known for their affection and intelligence, the Shih Tzu is active and happy, yet walks with slight nobility that can only be explained by their colorful past. Revered by the Chinese as a prized companion, the modern day Shi Tzu walks with a grace and sophistication that can only be explained by thousands of years of adoration.
