Smiling Shih Tzu Dog

by Catherine Sherman

Title

Smiling Shih Tzu Dog

Artist

Catherine Sherman

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

"Smiling Shih Tzu Dog" by Catherine Sherman.

A happy shih tzu dog greets visitors with a big doggy smile.

The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion dog" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion as depicted in traditional oriental art,"

A shih tzu, also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog, is a toy dog breed weighing 5 to 7.25 kilograms (11.0 to 16.0 lb) with long silky hair. The breed is thought to have originated in Tibet and then been developed in China. DNA analysis placed the ancestors of today's shih tzu breed in the group of ancient breeds indicating close genetic relationship to wolves. They are known as smart dogs who do not shed their fur.

The dogs were favorites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away. The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe (England and Norway) in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as "Apsos". The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were recategorized as Shih Tzu.

The breed spread throughout Europe, and was brought to the United States after World War II, when returning members of the U.S. military brought back dogs from Europe, in the mid 1950s. The Shih Tzu was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 in the Toy Group.

FIRST PLACE tie "DOGust 1st UNIVERSAL BIRTHDAY Shelter Dogs" contest (07/19/2021)
Featured in "Our 4-Legged Friends" group (09/08/2015); "Waiting Room Art" group (09/22/2015); "Images That Excite You" group (09/24/2015) "The Awww So Cute Factor" group (04/06/2020); "10 Plus" group (01/08/2021); "Amazing Challenges" group (11/14/2022); "Over 5,000 Views" group (02/14/2024)

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September 5th, 2015

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