shihtzu2009

Shih Tzu grooming can be compared to human beauty culture because it is the beautification of the Shih Tzu breed.  The art of Shih Tzu grooming is aimed at creating a reasonable facsimile of a normal specimen of the Shih Tzu breed.  The attendance of Shih Tzu American Kennel Club dog shows is an excellent place to observe first hand the best specimens of the Shih Tzu breed. 

There are basic steps applicable to grooming the Shih Tzu as well as all breeds of dogs. Anyone interested in becoming a complete dog grooming artist, should know how to make all breeds beautiful.  A Shih Tzu grooming artist professional should know how best to enhance the appearance of each breed of dog.  However, if the Shih Tzu is your favorite breed, one can become known as an “expert” in grooming the Shih Tzu. 

A professional Shih Tzu groomer understands that certain breeds, like Poodles, most Terriers and Spaniels, and the Shih Tzu require far more time and skill to groom than smooth-haired breeds, in which only a knowledge of the fundamentals is required. 

History of dog grooming:The dog, including the Shih Tzu, has been the closest animal to the human family.  Grooming dogs was the fashion of the aristocracy during the 19^th Century.  The art flourished during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI of
France.  The Poodle, however, and not the Shih Tzu, was the favorite breed.  Grooming was largely confined to the Poodle.  The first recorded grooming parlors were established in
France about this same time. 

The Shih Tzu has become so much an integral part of the family that going to the canine beautician is as much a ritual for the family Shih Tzu as going to the hairdresser is for the lady of the house.  Shih Tzu and dog styling in general has also become so professional and sophisticated that Shih Tzu owners have become as selective about their Shih Tzu’s groomer as they are about their own hair stylist. 

Origin of the clips:Since the art of dog grooming flourished during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI of France and the Poodle, instead of our beloved Shih Tzu, was the favorite breed in
France, the Poodle breed became known as the French Poodle.  The first Poodles were water dogs and retrievers.  The clip most suitable to them resembled what is known today as the “Continental clip.”  A mane of hair was left on the foreparts while the back and hindquarters were shaven.  This clip made the Poodle resemble a lion, and therefore the clip became known in
England as the “Lion clip.” 

The American fancy made some variations in the “Lion clip” and began to call it the “Saddle clip.”  The English Saddle clip calls for the greatest skill in the art of dog grooming. 

It is not clear from historical records just when the “pet clips” originated.  Often now we hear of a “Puppy Cut” for our Shih Tzu, which is a very popular style for a family pet Shih Tzu.  However, for the show ring, there is much, much more to grooming our beloved Shih Tzu. 

The Shih Tzu with its long coat of hair requires regular, careful grooming.  It is better to take a little time each day to keep the coat of your Shih Tzu in top shape than to allow it to go almost beyond repair.  If you don’t set aside each day to properly groom your Shih Tzu, the coat will take a lot more time and energy to restore to its original luster and length.  This is especially true if you are grooming for the show ring. 

The first step is to choose a particular spot for grooming your Shih Tzu each time.  Choose a spot where the light is good and where your Shih Tzu will have fewest distractions.  Keep toys, treats and other distractions away from your Shih Tzu grooming area!  Let your Shih Tzu know this is work that is absolutely necessary.  Be firm but gentle. 

You must groom a Shih Tzu from the skin out to be effective.  Your Shih Tzu grooming table should be sturdy and steady to keep your Shih Tzu from becoming nervous on a wobbling table.  Ribbed rubber matting is nice on the Shih Tzu grooming table and is easy to keep clean. 

Time to groom your Shih Tzu will depend upon how much hair he has, the thickness of the coat and texture.  Shih Tzu more heavily coated will of course require more time in grooming. 

The correct brush for a Shih Tzu should have pin bristles.  Brush your Shih Tzu’s coat in layers from the skin out to the very ends of the hair.  Notice how your brush gathers hair.  If the brush is gathering hair only on one side as you brush your Shih Tzu you are holding the brush in the wrong position.  A Shih Tzu’s coat should be brushed in the direction in which hair is to fall.  However, Shih Tzu puppies can benefit from brushing the coat in ever which way to stimulate the skin and hair cells to encourage growth of the permanent coat.  Fluff the leg hair on a Shih Tzu puppy for a finishing touch. 

Pay special attention to your Shih Tzu’s feet.  The feet of a Shih Tzu are usually the first to get dirty and the hardest to get clean.  They tend to tangle and mat easier.  The hocks and elbows of your Shih Tzu should receive special attention. 

If you find a find a bad tangle or mat in your Shih Tzu’s coat, brush away the surrounding hair and take the mat in your hand.  Take a little of the mat at a time and shred it gently with your fingers, working it apart.  Take your comb and carefully work it out from the ends of the hair first until you get to the skin of your Shih Tzu.  Start at the bottom and work toward the body.  When the mat has all been separated, brush the broken hairs out until all the remaining hairs are free.

Although the day-to-day care of the show dog exceeds the grooming required for a pet dog, the groomer has a responsibility to perform a work of art in both cases. 

Training and experience helps a groomer to look at a photograph of any Shih Tzu and to know instantly which bits of hair are clipped or scissor. 

Expert brushing is an art.  You might be shocked to find out your carefully brushed Shih Tzu still has tangles when a more experienced person gets a bin full of hair when complete brushing takes place.  There is more to brushing your Shih Tzu than you probably realize. 

Brushing Steps: 

1. Put the Shih Tzu on the table.
2. Start on the bottom of the fore left leg.  Lift the hair above the section you are working on, and brush the section below.
3. Comb through the coat.  Use a grooming spray if necessary.  Continue up the leg.
4. Continue the brushing and combing across the Shih Tzu’s quarters, along the back and neck.  Pay special attention to behind the ears and underneath the legs.  Matting is often more likely to occur in these areas.
5. Brush the head, ears and whiskers.  Use a small comb on the Shih Tzu’s whiskers.  The hair at the base of the Shih Tzu’s ears will need to be combed to remove tangles.
6. Lay the Shih Tzu on its side.  Pay particular attention to the armpits where hair often mats.
7. Brush the hair on the hindquarters where the coat often grows thick and mats.
8. Brush the tail.

Mat breaking: 

1. A mat-breaker or slicing the mat with scissors may be required. 
2. Splitting the hair with your fingers will also help to break apart the tangles.
3. Always hold the Shih Tzu’s skin or the base of the mat when pulling; otherwise, you will pull at the Shih Tzu’s skin and cause great pain.

The finished result is called turning out a dog or in our case, turning out a Shih Tzu. 

A professional groomer will have to know before the groom whether they are working on a show Shih Tzu or a pet Shih Tzu.  There are many aids and coat-enhancing properties that are great for a pet Shih Tzu, but may be illegal substances in the show ring.  In
North America, Shih Tzu and other breeds are prepared for the show ring by clipping and coat aids like hair spray.  This same technique may be seen as breaking the rules according to the British Kennel Club.  Most handlers prepare the show Shih Tzu themselves.  They do not often fall into the hands of the average groomer.  But, do ask the owner if the dog is likely to be shown.  Better to be safe than sorry. 

Far away in
Tibet, a country with a recorded history going back almost 1,500 years is where our Shih Tzu began.  The country was noted for its devotion to Buddhism. Some of the tallest mountains in the world edge the country of
Tibet.  Winters in
Tibet are severe with temperatures to 14 degrees F in December.  The winds in
Tibet are strong and biting with hard frosts.  Snowfall is light.  In the summer, daylight temperatures reach a maximum of 75 degrees F with a sharp drop in temperature at night.  Throughout most of the year there is sunshine and the air is dry and pure. 

The people of this remote and rather mysteriousland of
Tibet were like so many other cultures in our world.  They kept dogs in a domestic environment.  There were large dogs used for guarding and small, shaggy dogs used as companions and as watch-dogs to alert the larger dogs.  These small dogs were the ancestors of our Shih Tzu.  The history of the Shih Tzu, however, is steeped in myth and legends, which makes it difficult to sort the true facts of our Shih Tzu. 

One tale in particular, which I find interesting, is that of the small Lion Dogs were trained to turn the prayer wheels as part of the daily ritual in the monasteries.  There was a belief that those monks whose life had been less than exemplary, would in accordance with the Buddhist theory of reincarnation, be reborn as one of the temple dogs. Buddhism in
Tibet recognized a large number of divine beings.  Each being symbolized an aspect of life.  One was Buddha Manjusri, the God of Learning.  The God of Learning was said to travel with a small Lion Dog (ancestor to our Shih Tzu) that could turn into a full-sized lion and carry him vast distances on his back.   

Oddly enough, there were no actual lions in
Tibet, only artistic works of the animal, which were often somewhat fantastical.  We cannot be sure whether the Lion Dogs were bred to resemble the drawings and statues of the symbolic lions or if the artists created their ‘lions’ in the likeness of the little dogs (ancestors to our Shih Tzu). The snow lion was called Gang Seng and was considered to be so powerful that he could cause seven dragons to fall out of the sky with one roar.  The symbolic lion was believed to have the ability to walk in the clouds.  He could also speak with the voice of truth and fearlessness. 

Tibet was a difficult place to get to.  China was a neighbor to
Tibet.  Gifts from Tibet to
China were sent as tribute to the Chinese emperors, among which were Tibetan Lion Dogs (ancestor to our Shih Tzu). These little dogs traveled with the caravans on long journeys from one country to the other.  A small army of eunuchs took care of the little dogs.  The little Tibetan Lion Dogs (ancestors to our Shih Tzu) adapted well as they have continued to do wherever they have gone to live through the centuries.   

In China, everything must have been very different from
Tibet.  The summers in
Peking were warm and humid with a lot of rain.  The winters were very cold, somewhat like
Tibet, with temperatures as low as 0 degrees F in January.  It is recorded that the little Tibetan Lion Dogs settled in and became great favorites of the Manchu emperors. Most likely they were interbred with the short-faced Chinese breeds – the Chinese Pug and the Pekinese, which is probably what gives the Shih Tzu the characteristics that differentiate them from the Tibetan Lion Dogs that later became the Lhasa Apsos.

I understand that Apso means dog, but could also mean “goat-like” or “shaggy”  in the Tibetan language.  To the Tibetan people it was used to mean “

Temple
Dog.”  In that connection it became known as “Lion Dog.”  All these meanings were a long time ago.  It seems I read repeatedly that many people understand and agree it was about 1650 that three temple dogs, holy dogs (they called them), were sent to
China and that from these three came the Shih Tzu.  It seems there are many (from what I read) who are in agreement that about 100 years later, the temple dogs had been the sole property of the Dalai Lama.  Some of these dogs were given away to distinguished Russian visitors, and were stolen before they reached the border along with several many more that disappeared from Dalai Lama’s monastery during a civil upheaval and then reappeared in various parts of the country.  According to the historians this was the end of the
Temple or Lion Dog, the Apso.  From then on, all sorts of small dogs that looked vaguely like the Apso of old became known as Apso.  This is told as being the beginning of the Monastery dog and also the caravan dog.

Whether or not the present day Apso or the Shih Tzu can be regarded as “pure” representatives of the historic Tibetan Holy Dogs, they are clearly historically related, the Apso that developed along Tibetan lines and the Shih Tzu because of climate, environment and human planning became essentially Chinese.  I think I can understand this much of some of the mystery surroundings the development of Shih Tzu.  And I do believe this much is absolutely true.  Although the Apso and the Shih Tzu are closely related in their distant past, for centuries the two breeds have developed along totally different lines.  The Apso remained in the remote vastness of
Tibet where it could adapt to the climate without difficulty.  And the Shih Tzu was taken eastward to share in the life of luxury at the

.

The Shih Tzu was brought directly from Peking to
Scandinavia and was classified as a Toy, which was probably a correct interpretation of the Chinese ideal.  The introduction of the Pekingese strain was also probably designed to help make the larger mountain watchdog (the Apso) more suitable for the

Imperial
Palace.  All of this part of the Shih Tzu’s unique heritage of which none of us should be ashamed.

Of note here, I would like to emphasize, this is an article regarding the history of our Shih Tzu.  This article is by no means an advocate for anyone to interbreed the Shih Tzu with any other breed for any reason.  The American Shih Tzu Club’s Code of Ethics clearly states that the crossbreeding of the Shih Tzu to any other breed is strictly prohibited and not at all acceptable.

In 1952 Elfreda Evans deliberately bred a Shih Tzu to a Pekingese.  This was the “unthinkable,” and was not taken well by many.  However, Ms. Evans felt there were just too few Shih Tzus available to breed and those that were available were much too large and too inbred.  She believed because the Shih Tzu were so closely related they were developing too many faults.

One of the greatest moments in Shih Tzu history was in 1963.  A Shih Tzu named Champion Ellingham Kala Nag won Best of Breed at Crufts, the most renowned and respected dog show in the
United Kingdom.  The Shih Tzu began winning hearts all around the world.

In spite of its appeal the Shih Tzu was not accepted as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club until 1955.  It was then listed in the Miscellaneous Class.  By 1964 there were approximately 400 Shih Tzus registered in the
United States.

Although much progress had been made, the Pekingese cross did seem to causes a setback for Shih Tzu recognition in the
United States.   The American Kennel Club would not recognize any of the descendants of the Shih Tzu/Pekingese outcross as purebred Shih Tzu until they were at least four generations removed from the original Shih Tzu/Pekingese mating.  We do know, however, that by 1966 there were 15 registered Shih Tzu champions in the
United Kingdom that were descendants of Mrs. Evans’ Shih Tzu/Pekingese cross.

By 1980 the Shih Tzu population was into the thousands and Shih Tzus were being exported to many countries around the world.   In 1989 the American Shih Tzu Club developed a more descriptive standard to guide Shih Tzu breeders.  Today, in the
United States, the Shih Tzu ranks among the ten most popular breeds.

It seems as though the Shih Tzu’s fight for survival is finally over……

Shih Tzu was seen to have a number of characteristics that were believed to be comparable to characteristics of Buddha.  The white mark on the forehead of the Shih Tzu was perceived as the energy center, often called the third eye or sixth chakra, and is symbolic of the trinity, oneness of mind, universalism, salvation for all, and the three mystical areas (body, mouth, and mind).  Positive qualities were believed to exude from the Shih Tzu which was intuition, perception, optimism, and vision.

The top knot of the Shih Tzu is the crowning glory of the Shih Tzu.  The top knot symbolically represented creativity, mysticism, charm, magical powers, wisdom, and love.  All these qualities are present in the Stain Glass Shih Tzu I am acquainted with today.  Shih Tzu is charming, full of love and has been quite mysterious to live with.  I have found a greater sense of security since owning the Shih Tzu.

The luxurious featherings on the Shih Tzu head and face were perceived as symbolic of the rays of the sun and of the sacred Adumbral flower which blooms once in three thousand years.

The white neck and front of the Shih Tzu were believed to be symbolic of Buddha’s swelling cape of dignity.  The cape permitted its wearer, as administrator of the sun, moon, and stars, the privilege of attending to purity, justice, and virtue.  Upon the Shih tzu’s cape are the Rosary of the Goddess of Mercy and the three rings of the Buddha.

The draping coat or skirt of the Shih Tzu was seen as symbolic of light, strength, and courage.  The Buddha’s flock must never reject their children, their parents, those who love them, or those whom they have loved, lest they never reach Nirvana or Heaven.  Buddha-like, the Shih Tzu was considered symbolically the guardian of wisdom to that all may reverse their imperfections.

A marking may be present n the middle of the back of the Shih Tzu or there may be one that extends from the upper back to the end of the back or nearly as far as the tip of the tail of the Shih Tzu.   This blanket or saddle effect on the Shih Tzu was believed symbolic of the saddle or blanket upon which Buddha is seated as minister of the sun, moon, and stars.  It also was believed symbolic of the three vehicles of learning leading to wisdom:  discipline, knowledge, and meditation.  Pegasus-like, the Shih Tzu is to carry his rider through the air to realize material gain of wealth and jewels.

The heavily plumed tail of the Shih Tzu which forms a graceful arch over the back of the Shih Tzu represents one of the five Royal Insignia attributable to anointed kings and holy men.  This umbrella-like feature of the Shih Tzu is depicted in symbolic representations of Buddha, covering his form, protecting him from worldly imperfections.

The white feet of the Shih Tzu were considered reminiscent of the Buddha’s shoes, embroidered with jewels, to convey the wearer one hundred miles without fatigue and give the wearer the ability to glide across water without wetting the feet.

Following the political upheaval in China and the burning of the
Imperial
Palace, several Shih Tzu were found alive by British embassy staff and taken to
England.  The first Shih Tzu introduced in England were brought from
Peking by General Sir Douglass and Lady Brownrigg in 1930.  A Shih Tzu dog named Hibou and a Shih Tzu bitch named Shu-ssa.  About this same time, Miss Madelaine Hutchins imported a Shih Tzu named Lung-Fu-Ssu into
Ireland.  These three Shih Tzu became the foundation stock for the well-known Taishan Shih Tzu.

Shih Tzu was introduced to
Scandinavia by Mme. Henrik Kauffman.  Another Shih Tzu, Tashi of Chouette, was brought to
England by the Earl of Essex in 1938 and was bred successfully.  Three Shih Tzu bitches were imported by General Telfer-Smollett.

The English Kennel Club recognized the Shih Tzu breed in 1934.  The Irish Kennel Club recognized the ShihTzu that same year.

Within a few years, Shih Tzu from English kennels was being shipped to America, Canada,
Australia, and European countries.

In
England there have been four kennels that produced outstanding Shih Tzu that are now found in pedigree in all countries where Shih Tzu are bred and exhibited.  The four kennels are Lhakang Elfann, Telota and Greenmoss.

Gay Widdrington’s love affair with the Shih Tzu began when she bought a black and white bitch from Lady Brownrigg.  The Shih Tzu breed was very rare at that time.  The Shih Tzu puppy Gay Widdrington acquired was only the second generation from the first three Shih Tzu imported into the British Isles from
China in 1930.  The Shih Tzu puppy was named Mee Na and was quite captivating.  She was described as looking like a “fluffy baby owl.”

At this time, Shih Tzu breeding stock was very low and already much “inbred.”  When new imported Shih Tzu lines became available, the Lhakang Kennel carried out careful selective Shih Tzu breeding over a period of many years to help introduce and stabilize these new Shih Tzu lines so that the breed could be established on a broader basis.  It is largely due to Gay’s efforts that the Shih Tzu breed is one of the few in the
British Isles free of serious hereditary problems.

In the late forties Gay and her mother decided to establish a Shih Tzu true-breeding rich gold strain through the line of the Shih Tzu Ishuh Tzu, who had been imported from
Shanghai.  That Shih Tzu line produced the color and flourished for four decades.

Elfann Kennel owned by Elfreda Evans came into the Shih Tzu breed in 1951.  She decided she would do something drastic to improve the Shih Tzu breed.   She mated a black Shih Tzu bitch to a black and white Pekingese dog, which had unusually straight front legs for a Pekingese. 

Freda had an excellent eye for beauty as well as quality.  She felt the Shih Tzu she had seen were too big, leggy, rangy, plain in the face and often wild in temperament.  These Shih Tzu certainly would not have pleased the Dowager Empress was the thoughts of Freda.   Since she had heard in
China the shaggy Lion Dogs (Shih Tzu) had been crossed with Pekingese every few generations.  She decided to do likewise to keep the Shih Tzu breed on the right lines.  It was not very well taken by many. 

I have two little Shih Tzu, Danny and Jane Jane that resemble Pekingese.  These Shih Tzu are both one year of age and weigh in at 4 pounds.  It is my opinion, their Shih Tzu size is a result of some of this crossbreeding, and most likely would have made the Empress Dowager “smile.”  My Danny and Jane Jane are exquisite little treasures of mine at Stain Glass Shih Tzu.  I must say they have the “sweetest” disposition of all the Shih Tzu I have ever owned.  These tiny treasures are very rare in the world of Shih Tzu today.

There is evidence that Maltese type dogs were present in
China as early as 8000 B.C.  Maltese are white.  It is very likely these white Maltese type dogs were interbred in
Tibet with Tibetan Terriers to produce the Lhasa Apso type temple dogs.  Those presented by wandering Lamas were likely bred with the existing Pekingese type dogs.  A few paintings and art objects dating back to the seventh century depict dogs resembling the Shih Tzu.  Some of our white Shih Tzu today probably is a result of these early breeding with the Maltese.  I have one solid white female who does look a lot Maltese, however, he pedigree shows only Shih Tzu ancestors.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) the Shih Tzu type dog was a cherished pet – highly favored by the royal family.  A cult-like worship for the Shih Tzu developed at this period.  Eunuchs were charged with duties of breeding and rearing the beautiful Shih Tzu royal pets.  Competition among the eunuchs to gain royal favor became fierce, as each  tried to breed the best Shih Tzu, most lion like, and most ferocious looking specimens of Shih Tzu.

Surgery was used to shorten noses of the Shih Tzu.  Women who bore female offspring were used to nurse Shih Tzu puppies after their babies were murdered mercilessly so as not to disrupt an abundantly even flow of milk from human nurses to nursing Shih Tzu puppies.

The Ming Dynasty was marked by the development of the arts, especially in porcelain, textiles, and painting.  Sculptures, wall-hangings and paintings from this time period depict dogs resembling the Shih Tzu.

The Manchu Dynasty extended from 1644 to 1912.  Throughout this period, tribute gifts of pairs of Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso were sent to Chinese rules from the

Potala
Palace.

Through the first two centuries of the Manchu Dynasty, the Shih Tzu and the Lhasa Apso were more similar than they are today.  But it probably has been only in the last hundred or hundred fifty years that specialized breeding programs in the Forbidden City and in the West established uniformity in conformation to really distinguish between the two breeds of the Lhasa Apso and the Shih Tzu.

The Shih Tzu went through several stages while its breeding was confined to the palaces of the Chinese Emperors.  For centuries the royal family included a very large number of sub-royalty and servants.  They traveled from their summer courts to their winter quarters in procession – complete with household and personal possessions, which of course included their Shih Tzu and other pets.  The description of this massive semiannual exodus along with their Shih Tzu was one reminiscent of a very large circus parade.

The Shih Tzu came into its heyday as the pampered darling of the Chinese Imperial Palaces during the reign of the last Empress, who came into power in 1861 and continued as Empress until her death in 1908.

In her youth she was known to her family as Orchid, of the Yehonala family.  She was Manchu, not Chinese, background and was of humble origin.  At 17 years of age she became the beautiful concubine of the Emperor in the
Forbidden City.  She rose to power as a brilliant strategist and was the mother of the Emperor’s first-born son.  In later years she was known as the earthly embodiment of the Goddess of Mercy.   This great personality was the patroness of the Palace Dog – the Shih Tzu.

Eunuchs and their personal hierarchies ran the Imperial households.  Li Lien-Yang whom Tzu Hsi (The Empress Dowager) named Chief Eunuch was made responsible for overseeing the breeding and Shih Tzu selections to be presented to her for possibilities of becoming part of her “Shih Tzu entourage.” 

The Empress kept complete pedigrees and descriptions of physical markings for all Shih Tzu used as breeding stock.  Imperial selections of the best specimens of Shih Tzu were based on health, temperament, conformation, and markings.  Because of religious reasons, Shih Tzu of parti-colors with perfect facial marking and perfect saddle were held in high esteem by the Empress.  Solid color Shih Tzu were prized by her as well.

Although many of today’s breeders assume Empress Dowager favored gold and the gold and white Shih Tzu, and even think the Empress surrounded herself only with gold and the gold-white Shih Tzu, the  assumption is most likely not true.  The favorite Shih Tzu of all time of the Empress Dowager was a solid black Shih Tzu, named Sea Otter.

The Empress Dowager was wise about the laws of Shih Tzu color inheritance.  She knew of the importance of the darker shades of brindle and silver and of black in maintaining pigmentation of Shih Tzu eye color and coat color.

The Chinese produced pure lines of dogs, such as the Shih Tzu,  for centuries before the practice became prevalent in the West.

For political reasons, the Empress entertained wives of various ambassadors and diplomats from time to time, and gave them valuable gifts.  In the beginning Shih Tzu were not among the gifts, despite the interest the foreign ladies showed toward the Shih Tzu.  Eventually, a few of the Shih Tzu were given as gifts to foreigners, but there is some evidence that the eunuchs fed powdered glass to the Shih Tzu to cause death rather than permit them to leave China.  The Shih Tzu were kept as secret for many, many years.

Westerners living in
China at the time considered association with the Dowager Empress to be the highest form of status.  This attention from visitors may have been instrumental in the Dowager Empress’ decision to present some of her treasured Shih Tzu to her admirers.

By the early 1900s, several Shih Tzu were introduced into
Europe by returning diplomats and ladies.  Also, the eunuchs assigned to breeding, whelping, and general maintenance of the Imperial Shih Tzu would do anything for financial gain.  There were indications that falsified breeding took place and Shih Tzu puppies were bartered and sold outside the
Forbidden City of affluent Chinese and even to the Foreign Devils.

It has been speculated that the Dowager Empress had the Emperor Kuang-hsu secretly murdered just hours before her own suicidal death so that she would be the last Imperial Ruler of China.  With her death, along with all else that occurred; the fate of the Shih Tzu became tenuous.

Fire destroyed animals and large portions of the inner chambers.  The eunuchs who fled prior to the fires within the Palace took much of the Shih Tzu breeding stock and finest specimens to sell to foreigners and Chinese noblemen who would pay handsome prices for the Shih Tzu dogs and treasures of the Palace.

In Peking the Comtesse d”
Anjou was the recipient of some of the Palace Shih Tzu stock.  Mrs. Lorenz had two black ShihTzu, Mei-mei and Moer in the 1930s.  Mrs. Lorenz owned a Shih Tzu kennel of almost all black Shih Tzu, and one of her studs, Chu Po, a solid black Shih Tzu with a strong gold gene behind him, was a great grandson of Hai Ling (Sea Otter), a favorite of the Dowager Empress.

Today, Shih Tzu exemplifies the great love Dowager Empress had for Shih Tzu.  Under her half century of direction and influence, the Imperial Shih Tzu flourished and developed in uniformity.  These intelligent little beings brought great happiness to her at times of excessive loneliness and sorrow.  The Empress Dowager was a multi-faceted person of great depth. The Empress lives on as a spiritual guide and patroness of our present day Shih Tzu.