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Courtesy of Sherwood Mousavi

About the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, with origins traced to Tibet and China over 1,000 years ago. These dogs were prized by Chinese royalty, particularly during the Ming Dynasty, and were kept exclusively within the Chinese imperial palace. They were bred by crossing the Lhasa Apso with the Pekingese, creating a small, sturdy dog with a luxurious coat.

Read our complete Shih Tzu guide for temperament, care tips, health information, and costs.

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