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Shih Tzu Dog Breed Profile | Petfinder

The Shih Tzu was a favored house pet during the Ming dynasty and was highly prized by the royal family. When the British looted the Imperial Palace, most of the dogs were lost, and the breed suffered a great setback. The Shih Tzu was first exhibited in China as the Lhassa Terrier or Tibetan Poodle.