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History of the Shitzu Dog Breed
Modern DNA testing reveals that the Shitzu (pronounced hed-zĂĽ or het
sĂĽ) is one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world. Those who live with a
Shitzu can easily imagine their regal, loyal little companions gracing the
imperial palaces of ancient China.
Although historians disagree on the exact dates when the Shitzu
breed emerged, they are generally believed to have descended from Tibetan
dogs that were given to Chinese rulers as tribute. Once in China, these
relatives of the Lhasa Apso may have been bred with the Chinese Pekingese
to produce the Shitzu. The name Shitzu means “lion dog,” and their
long hair does resemble a mane and gives them a lion-like appearance.
Some scholars say Tibetan monks gave these dogs as gifts to Chinese
rulers from during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644); others point to a gift of
these dogs from the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, to the Dowager
Empress Tzu Hsi of the Manchu Dynasty in the late 1800s.
However, similar dogs appear in paintings and art objects from the Tang Dynasty
(618–907) and during a later period from 990–994, suggesting that the Shitzu
were in China for centuries before these dates. Marco Polo, the famous Italian
explorer who spent 17 years in China during the 1200s, reported seeing
small “lion” dogs in the courts of Emperor Kublai Khan.
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A Sacred Dog
Buddhists revere the Shitzu because they resemble lions, an important
Buddhist symbol. Some people believe the Shitzu inspired the famous
carvings of Fu Dogs that guard Buddhist Temples and remain popular
statues today, often rendered in jade or porcelain.
The Shitzu is also called the Chrysanthemum Dog because its hair radiates from
its face like the petals of the flower. Asians have cultivated Chrysanthemums for
some 2,000 years as an herb and the Chinese believed the plant contains the power of life.
One of many ancient legends tells how Siddhartha (who would later
become the Buddha) traveled throughout India with a cheerful little dog at
his side. When robbers surrounded him, his tiny companion changed into a
roaring lion who so terrified the would-be robbers that they fled. After this
strange incident the fierce lion reverted back into the small dog.
Full of thanks, Buddha praised and kissed his small pet and blessed him for being so
loyal and brave. According to this legend, white hair growing in the center
of the forehead represents the place where Buddha laid his finger in blessing.
Even today, many judges consider white on the forehead and tip of the tail to
be favorable traits in Shitzu show dogs.
There may be some truth behind this legend. Siddhartha was born a
prince, and although he abandoned earthly riches in his spiritual quest, noble
families of his time period were known to breed toy dogs, so he could well
have had a Shitzu for his traveling companion.
Don’t Forget To Visit
Our Shitzu Gift Shop
Drs. Foster & Smith
Petsafe Dog Doors
Midwest Dog Crates
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