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Shih Tzu
Columbia Encyclopedia entry: Shih Tzu
Shih Tzushē dzoo, breed of active, alert toy dog originating in Tibet centuries ago. It stands from 8 to 11 in. (20.3–27.9 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 9 to 18 lb (4.1–8.2 kg). Its double coat consists of a soft, woolly underlayer and a long, dense, luxurious topcoat that may be any color. A probable descendant of the Lhasa apso, the Shih Tzu was sent as a gift by the Tibetan Dali Lamas to the Chinese emperors as early as the 16th cent. In China it was crossed with the Pekingese, both breeds being referred to there as lion dogs. In its relatively short history in the United States, the Shih Tzu is gaining in popularity as a house pet and watchdog. See dog.

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Wikipedia search results for: Shih Tzu
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Shih Tzu is a breed of small companion dog of very ancient type, with long silky fur. The breed originated in China, possibly by way of Tibet. The name is both singular and plural. Shih Tzu , is the Chinese name rendered according to the Wade-Giles system of romanization in use when the breed was first introduced in Europe; the Chinese pronunciation is approximately. The name translates as Lion Dog, so named because the dog was bred to resemble "the lion as depicted in traditional oriental art," such as the Chinese guardian lions. The Shih Tzu is also often known as the "Xi Shi quan", based on the name of Xi Shi, regarded as the most...more »
Columbia Encyclopedia search results: Shih Tzu
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