7 Facts About Shih Tzus You Probably Didn’t Know

Despite their well-earned reputation as charming, sociable, and affectionate pets, Shih Tzus, like all breeds, are shrouded in a multitude of unique and fascinating facts. These compact canines have much more to offer than their adorable and irresistibly squishy faces suggest. Here are seven surprising facts about Shih Tzus that will likely leave you fascinated.

1. Shih Tzus are Incredibly Ancient

One might be surprised to learn that Shih Tzus are one of the most ancient dog breeds, tracing their origins back to Tibet and China more than 1,000 years ago. Evidence of their existence, such as statues and paintings, dates back to the 6th century AD. These dogs were held in such high esteem that they were often given as gifts to Chinese royalty. The Shih Tzu we know today, with its signature long, silky hair, was primarily bred in China’s imperial courts.

2. Their Name is Quite Literal

“Shih Tzu” is Mandarin for “lion dog,” and this breed was named as such for a reason. Tibetan monks bred these dogs to resemble “snow lions,” sacred animals in Tibetan Buddhism. As such, Shih Tzus symbolize luck and fortune in Buddhist mythology, a legacy that still holds sway today.

3. They Were Nearly Extinct

Despite their long and storied history, Shih Tzus faced extinction in the 20th century. After the Communist Party assumed control in China, the royal breeding programs were disbanded, and the number of purebred Shih Tzus dwindled alarmingly. In fact, all modern Shih Tzus can be traced back to just fourteen surviving dogs – seven males and seven females.

4. A Shih Tzu Held a World Record

Surprisingly, a Shih Tzu once held the title of the world’s smallest working dog. A Shih Tzu named Smoky was discovered in a foxhole during World War II. Weighing just four pounds and standing only seven inches tall, Smoky became a war hero, assisting in telegraph wire installations by crawling through tiny pipes, a task that would have taken human engineers several days to accomplish.

5. They’re Not Typical Lap Dogs

While Shih Tzus are small and often classified as lap dogs, their personalities are anything but passive. These canines are known for their active, alert, and outgoing demeanors. They’re curious and playful and are far more likely to be found exploring or initiating a game than lying quietly. So, despite their royal heritage and fancy appearance, Shih Tzus are delightfully down-to-earth.

6. They Have a Unique Dental Structure

Unlike most dogs that have a scissor bite, Shih Tzus are known for their undershot bite or ‘reverse scissor bite.’ This means their lower teeth sit in front of their upper teeth when their jaws are closed. This unique dental structure contributes to their distinctive flat-faced appearance.

7. Shih Tzus Change Colors

Perhaps one of the most fascinating and least-known facts about Shih Tzus is their tendency to change coat color as they age. A puppy’s dark coat may lighten, a white pup may develop colored markings, or a golden Shih Tzu may turn grey. This remarkable transformation is unique to this breed and adds an extra touch of charm to these already captivating canines.

From their near brush with extinction to their ever-changing coat colors, Shih Tzus remains one of the most intriguing and beloved breeds around. These surprising facts offer a glimpse into the rich history and unique characteristics of these ‘lion dogs,’ helping us appreciate our furry friends on an even deeper level.