Shih Tzu

More dynamic in spirit than its close associate the Lhasa Apso, this popular breed comes from Tibet via China, where it was a favourite of the Chinese imperial court. What we see today is probably the result of selective breeding in the Dowager Empress Cixi (Tzu-Hsi) kennels in Peking in the late 19th century, almost undoubtedly of Tibetan dogs similar to the Lhasa Apso, with smaller Pekingese-type dogs. Shih Tzus have dense, thick coats like their Lhasa Apso relatives. It’s best to tie up the hair in a topknot to enhance vision or simply keep facial hair clipped short. Like the Pekingese, Shih Tzus seem to be unaware when their prominent eyes brush against vegetation or other objects and as a result they are prone to sometimes serious eye injuries. Shih Tzus are more extrovert than Lhasas. Their small size and willingness to spend considerable amounts of time ensconced on sofas make them ideal companions for people who live in small dwellings. Their median life expectancy, 13.4 years, is almost identical to that of the Pekingese. As with most small dogs, they are prone to gum disease.