A Shaggy Tale

Shih Tzus in the Philippines

by Eclid Villarosa and Penny Friedlander

Perhaps no other toy dog breed has a colorful history as that of the Shih Tzu. Centuries earlier, these small, longhaired dogs bred by Tibet's Buddhist monks, were given away as gifts to Manchu emperors. Even the most revered Dali Lama sent these lap dogs to the Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, who was a renowned breeder of small dogs, mainly Lhasa Apsos and Tibetian Spaniels. Keeping the breeds separate and carefully breeding them, the Dowager Empress has maintained the breed characteristics of all her dogs.

This was followed suit by various palaces, trying to compete with each other for dogs of finer coats and colors. Unknown to them, perhaps, they have not only pegged down the conformation of Shih Tzus, but also "started" the dog show.

From the golden walls of China, the popularity of the Shih Tzu has spread out to the New World, thanks to foreigners and noblemen who smuggled these beautiful lap dogs and brought them to their homeland.

Today, the Shih Tzu is considered one of the many popular toy dogs in the AKC roster, and in the multi-island nation of the Philippines is ranked as "top dog" for discerning dog owners who want not only a beautiful show dog but a charming pet as well.

The proliferation of anything that is popular, however, is always prone to mass production by unscrupulous dog mills. This was the reason for the formation of the Philippine Shih Tzu Club. In order to protect the breed with selective breeding, and careful dissemination of grooming, dog show ethics and selection of reputable judges to award the best dogs.

The past year was an exciting one for the Shih Tzus in the Philippines as it was the first time a representative of our breed won the Best Philippine Bred DOG OF THE YEAR award. The dog, BIS/BISS Phil Grand Ch Yaki Chins God of Love is bred and owned by Rudyard & Mary Jane Chua-Sing. He is the product of the first Shih Tzu litter they bred sired by Phil Grand Ch Achilles Hi-Time Dragonlord out of Phil Ch Dragonlord Tittle Tattle. A fourth generation Philippine born dog, he traces his ancestry back to Dragonfire, Ming Dynasty & Wingate lines.

This year another local born Shih Tzu is again leading the pack. As of this writing (June 2000) he is the top contender for the Philippine Bred Dog of the Year award. A half brother of Ch God of Love, his name is Phil Grand Ch Yaki's Hardy Boy also bred & owned by the Chua-Sings. He is sired by Achilles Brad of Yaki out of Phil Ch Dragonlord Tittle Tattle.

Another upcoming young dog worth mentioning is Phil Ch Achilles Rocket of Sonora. Bred by Lucianne Friedlander & Theresita Santos and owned by Wally Cham. He is sired by Ming Dynasty Achilles Marco out of Can Ch Ashburys Pastel Rainbows. This dog won Best in Show under judge, Ms. Janiki Steinbrock, of Israel last May, on his third time out in the ring. He has since won three more Group 1 placements within a two-week period.

The most recent import into the Philippines is a red & white male from Spain. This is the country's first Shih Tzu European import. He is Craven's X-Sky bred by Rosemary Mouelhi owned by Alecs and Henson Tan of Artemis Shih Tzu. He is sired by Spain Ch Craven's Nevada out of Spain Ch Craven's Kimberly. Although from Europe, he is actually an All-American boy and traces his ancestry to Ultra, Tiara & Jolei lines. First weekend shown in the Philippines, he won BOB from the classes and a Group 1 under Judge Mr. Bob Bell of Australia.

This year three promising puppies have been awarded the Best Baby Puppy in Show (3 under 6 months of age). They are Achilles Favorite of Sonora, Yaki's Denise and Achilles O Me O My of Sonora. It will be interesting to watch how these babies do in the coming shows.

Webmaster's note: Mr. Villarosa was the former secretary of the Philippine Shih Tzu Club and was instrumental in making the Club what it is today.  Thank you Eclid, for everything ! .....Penny