--- title: "Shih Tzus – What Do You Know about the Revered “Lion Dog”?" id: "223426" type: "post" slug: "shih-tzus-lion-dog" published_at: "2017-01-27T02:32:44+00:00" modified_at: "2022-08-23T22:22:04+00:00" url: "https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/shih-tzus-lion-dog/" markdown_url: "https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/shih-tzus-lion-dog.md" excerpt: "Hello lovelies and welcome to our newest breed blog! We hope you’re ready and raring to go about our latest subject, the mysterious, yet lovable, Shih Tzu! We’ve done several breeds already, but this one really tugs at our heart..." taxonomy_category: - "Blog" taxonomy_post_tag: - "breed" - "Breeders" - "facts" - "fun" - "Health" - "Playtime" - "puppy" - "shih tzu" - "shih tzu puppies for sale" --- ![Shih Tzus – What Do You Know about the Revered “Lion Dog”?](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Shih-Tzu2-1.jpg)[Home](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/) / [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/blog/) / [Dogs](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/dogs/) / **Shih Tzus – What Do You Know about the Revered “Lion Dog”?** [Blog](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/category/blog/) # Shih Tzus – What Do You Know about the Revered “Lion Dog”? January 26, 2017 · 3 min read · [Carley Kuehner](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmallofgeorgia.com) Hello lovelies and welcome to our newest breed blog! We hope you’re ready and raring to go about our latest subject, the mysterious, yet lovable, Shih Tzu! We’ve done several breeds already, but this one really tugs at our heart strings! This breed has been around for a *very*long time and once you take a look at this blog, you’ll know why! **Petland always has Shih Tzu puppies for sale, just check out our [available puppies](http://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies/puppies-for-sale/) page!** ![shih tzu puppies for sale](http://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Shih-Tzu2-300x225.jpg) #### **The Shih Tzu is formally the Tibetan Shih Tzu Kou.** Contrary to popular belief, the [Shih Tzu](http://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breeds/shih-tzu-puppies/) does not originate in China, but in Tibet. The Tibetan monks considered the Shih Tzu holy and kept them in their temples. The Shih Tzu worked alongside the monks, functioning as alarm or guard dogs and even turning prayer wheels in daily Buddhist rituals. They were then sent to Chinese emperors as gifts, thus giving them their Chinese name. In the Chinese language, Shih Tzu means “Lion Dog”, as much for its features as its strength of character. They also earned the moniker of “chrysanthemum-faced dog”, which refers to the way the hair grows outwards from the center of the dog’s face. #### **Shih Tzus have been around the block, a couple times.** As one of the oldest breeds in existence, the Shih Tzu’s origins are shrouded in mystery and it’s hard to pin down exactly when they came about. The earliest definitive traces of the breed are Chinese paintings circa 500 AD and also documents describing these dogs being gifted for the second time from China to the Byzantine Empire. Much later, they became the official breed of the illustrious Ming dynasty, who kept them as pets for the royal family for centuries. However, the Shih Tzu very nearly went extinct in China after the Communist Revolution. #### **Sooooo, how did they get here, in America?** Because the breed was declining in China, a few citizens of the U.K. wanted to preserve the breed by importing them into the country in the 1930s. This importation essentially saved the breed, as all modern day Shih Tzus can be traced to the original 14 dogs brought from China to England. It was actually American soldiers who brought the Shih Tzu back to America after World War II, where they quickly gained popularity amongst the people. The Shih Tzu breed was then recognized by the AKC in 1969 and currently holds 20th place for most popular breed in America. We think this blog has been extremely informative and we hope you have too! Stay tuned for our next blog coming soon! #### **Interesting in finding out more about the Shih Tzu puppies for sale in our store? Check out our [available puppies](http://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/puppies/puppies-for-sale/) page to see all of our precious Shih Tzu puppies for sale!** [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmallofgeorgia.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. 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Being Your DogSummer is officially here. The… June 1, 2026 ``` Petland Mall of Georgia 4082 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Emily H Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Cathy b Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joey was absolutely a delight to work with! I absolutely loved our conversation. She was very helpful answering questions. Next time I come in, I am definitely going to request joy Posted on Google Chris W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cally was a great sales associate! We appreciate her knowledge showing our girl the dogs! Posted on Google YOOmi R Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was GREAT! Very detailed and knowledgeable! And Timmy mini poodle was so sweet and cute!! Our girls loved the visit! Posted on Google Corina G Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Maleigha S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was a wonderful help and me and my bf had a great chat with him! Very kind professional and kind to us we loved the dogs too shoutout Chocolate. Posted on Google Grace K Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 👍 Posted on Google Alexander S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Blue is SUCH A CUTIE I LOVE HIM SM AGHHH Posted on Google Patrick W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joy was amazing and she was so helpful with information!! ```