This adorable breed comes to us courtesy of
the Dowager Empress of China whose court Eunuchs bred these
beautiful canines
originally. Thought to come from possible Chinese Pug and Lhasa Apso
ancestry, these gorgeous babies will melt your heart the instant you look into
the lovely liquid pools of brown that are their eyes. When the Revolution
came to China, they were ordered to be summarily destroyed as they were seen as
representing an ostentatious, selfish, and greedy lifestyle as personified
in the Chinese royalty. Previously they had only been owned by royals and
other aristocrats. Smuggled out to Europe, the breed survived and was
successfully bred in both United Kingdom and Scandinavian kennels.
As the breed became known, it became much more popular in Europe especially after the Queen Mum (Mother to Elizabeth II) was shown so often in the press holding her beloved Tzu, "Choo Choo". Yes, Welsh Corgi's may have been the favorite of the (then) Princess Elizabeth,, but the good Queen Mum loved her Shih Tzu. This increased visibility inevitably led to a trip across the Big Pond for my favorite breed.
Since the 70s they have become quite popular and are noted by the American Kennel Club to be the third most popular breed in the United States. In AKC grouping, Shih Tzus are classified as a Toy breed. They are much more sturdy than their ultra-elegant appearance would lead you to believe. Because of their luxurious coats, they do not tolerate heat well. Whenever the weather is the least bit hot, they definitely prefer a cool spot - such as over the air conditioning vent or a cool linoleum or tile floor.
Their sweet disposition is as much a part of their charm as their beautiful appearance. Loving and friendly, these dogs are outgoing without the pushiness of many other breeds. They are most assuredly "people dogs".
OUR STORY
(or how the love affair began)
Many years ago in the late 70s, I had a
friend whose mother had two little house dogs. Her first was a
Miniature
Schnauzer named Gretchen. This dog came replete with tales of her
perfection. Supposedly housetrained by six weeks, kind and gentle to all,
friendly and loving to anyone near...she made her owners long to repeat the
process and get another little dog to keep Miss Gretchen company. The new
addition was a Shih Tzu named Ginger. She was a big over sized at around
25 (!) pounds, but this minor fault was more than compensated for by her regal
bearing, gorgeous appearance, and graceful presence. The first time I saw
her, her owner called her into the living room from her spot by the sliding
glass door in the kitchen. She responded and lept up onto the
card/grooming table to be brushed. I fell head over heels instantly and
was determined that at some point I would share my life with one of these
beautiful dogs.
Fast forward 24 years to the year 2002 in the month of August. Two male pups produced from a June litter were still up for sale at a local breeder. We had just lost our cat, Miss Betty Woo Boop, after 10 years of living and loving. Sam and I were both very saddened, but Sam took it especially hard. In the back of my mind I had decided that when Miss Woo crossed the Rainbow Bridge, I would give in to my heart's desire and get a Shih Tzu. Three days after we buried her, I did just that.
CONNOR (PORK CHOP) WALLACE
October 2002
Connor - 7 days after we brought him home Connor
12 weeks Three months
Connor at 18 weeks
CONNOR and Santa Claws - December 2002
Sam. CONNOR, and Beth - Valentines 2003
CONNOR WALLACE at 12 months
TO BE CONTINUED - Anticipated addition late June - early July
QUEEN MAEVE
This entire group eagerly awaits the arrival of
Her Majesty, Queen Maeve, High Queen of Tara
and indeed all of Ireland.*
Arriving as scheduled on July 4, 2003, HRH Queen Maeve has graced us with her presence and confirmed her place in the royal household.
HRH Queen Maeve on her 2 month birthday
King Connor welcomed the Queen hesitantly the first day, but is now overjoyed with her decision to remain with us permanently.
King Connor and Queen Maeve on her third day at the Royal Palace
Things are progressing nicely here at the castle.
Queen Maeve and King Connor are becoming closer each passing day.
They enjoy their walks - long and short and the visits to Pet Supplies Plus to get treats.
Queen Maeve King Connor
5 months 16 months
December 2003 April 2004
This page was last edited on:
05/23/2004
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