The breed was developed in Tibet more than 1,000 years ago and was revealed to the outside world in the 1930s.
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The Shih Tzu, meaning "little lion" in Mandarin, is an ancient toy breed developed in Tibet over 1,000 years ago. They were strictly bred to be the pampered companions of Chinese emperors. Today, they are beloved worldwide for their gorgeous, flowing coats and incredibly sweet, affectionate personalities.
Shih Tzus are the ultimate lap dogs. They have virtually no prey drive or guarding instinct; their only desire is to love and be loved. They are excellent with children and highly adaptable to apartment living. However, their luxurious, long coat requires intense daily brushing to prevent severe matting, and their flat faces mean they cannot tolerate extreme heat.