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 breedings 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 hunred 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 Emperors 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.