---
title: "Shih Tzus – What Do You Know about the Revered “Lion Dog”?"
id: "97827"
type: "post"
slug: "shih-tzu-puppies-for-sale"
published_at: "2018-03-07T17:38:58+00:00"
modified_at: "2018-04-14T21:31:29+00:00"
url: "https://petlandmerrillville.com/shih-tzu-puppies-for-sale/"
markdown_url: "https://petlandmerrillville.com/shih-tzu-puppies-for-sale.md"
excerpt: "Many people know about Shih Tzu puppies for sale, but what of their storied past? Read on for more! Hello lovelies and welcome to our newest blog! We hope you’re ready and raring to go about our latest subject, the..."
taxonomy_category:
  - "Tips & Tricks"
---

[Home](https://petlandmerrillville.com/)
 / [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/blog/)
 / **Shih Tzus – What Do You Know about the Revered “Lion Dog”?**

[Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/)

# Shih Tzus – What Do You Know about the Revered “Lion Dog”?

March 7, 2018 ·  3 min read ·  [Cosmick](https://petlandmerrillville.com/author/cosmick/)

[Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmerrillville.com)

## **Many people know about Shih Tzu puppies for sale, but what of their storied past? Read on for more!**

Hello lovelies and welcome to our newest blog! We hope you’re ready and raring to go about our latest subject, the mysterious, yet lovable, Shih Tzu! We’ve done several breeds already, but this one really tugs at our heart strings! This breed has been around for a *very* long time and once you take a look at this blog, you’ll know why!

#### **The Shih Tzu is formally the Tibetan Shih Tzu Kou.**

Contrary to popular belief, the Shih Tzu does not originate in China, but in Tibet. The Tibetan monks considered the Shih Tzu holy and kept them in their temples. The Shih Tzu worked alongside the monks, functioning as alarm or guard dogs and even turning prayer wheels in daily Buddhist rituals. They were then sent to Chinese emperors as gifts, thus giving them their Chinese name. In the Chinese language, Shih Tzu means “Lion Dog”, as much for its features as its strength of character. They also earned the moniker of “chrysanthemum-faced dog”, which refers to the way the hair grows outwards from the center of the dog’s face.

#### **Shih Tzus have been around the block, a couple times.**

As one of the oldest breeds in existence, the Shih Tzu’s origins are shrouded in mystery and it’s hard to pin down exactly when they came about. The earliest definitive traces of the breed are Chinese paintings circa 500 AD and also documents describing these dogs being gifted for the second time from China to the Byzantine Empire. Much later, they became the official breed of the illustrious Ming dynasty, who kept them as pets for the royal family for centuries. However, the Shih Tzu very nearly went extinct in China after the Communist Revolution.

#### **Sooooo, how did they get here, in America?**

Because the breed was declining in China, a few citizens of the U.K. wanted to preserve the breed by importing them into the country in the 1930s. This importation essentially saved the breed, as all modern day Shih Tzus can be traced to the original 14 dogs brought from China to England. It was actually American soldiers who brought the Shih Tzu back to America after World War II, where they quickly gained popularity amongst the people. The Shih Tzu breed was then recognized by the AKC in 1969 and currently holds 20th place for most popular breed in America.

#### **Interesting in finding out more about the Shih Tzu puppies for sale in our store? Check out our available puppies page to see all of our precious Shih Tzu puppies for sale!**

[Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmerrillville.com)

Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies*

Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below.

[Browse all puppies](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/)

- Coming Soon 7 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Kini - Female #9049](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-9049/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717)
- Coming Soon 7 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Wendy - Female #9048](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/boston-terrier/boston-terrier-9048/) ### [Boston Terrier](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/boston-terrier/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717)
- Coming Soon 6 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Caleb - Male #9047](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-9047/) ### [Dachshund](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717)
- Coming Soon 5 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Hobbs - Male #9046](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-9046/) ### [Dachshund](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717)
- 
- Coming Soon 7 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Rachael - Female #9045](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/shih-tzu-9045/) ### [Shih Tzu](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717)
- Coming Soon 7 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Pepper - Female #9044](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-9044/) ### [Cavalier King Charles Spaniel](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717)
- Coming Soon 7 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Maximus - Male #9043](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/pomeranian-9043/) ### [Pomeranian](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717)
- Coming Soon 11 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Male #9042](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/chihuahua/chihuahua-9042/) ### [Chihuahua](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/chihuahua/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717)
- 
- Coming Soon 12 views Petland Merillville, IN ## [Male #9041](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/chihuahua/chihuahua-9041/) ### [Chihuahua](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/chihuahua/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717)
- 91 views Very Popular Petland Merillville, IN ## [Sunny - Female #9038](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/beabull/beabull-9038/) ### [Beabull](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/beabull/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717)
- 99 views Very Popular Petland Merillville, IN ## [Louie - Male #9037](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/french-bulldog-9037/) ### [French Bulldog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717)
- 107 views Very Popular Petland Merillville, IN ## [Henry - Male #9035](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-9035/) ### [Dachshund](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [219-738-1717](tel:219-738-1717)

Loading more pets…

You've reached the end.

Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet.

Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation.

[Start a Special Order](https://petlandmerrillville.com/special-orders/)

#### **Related** Articles

[View All Articles](https://petlandmerrillville.com/blog/)

- [https://petlandmerrillville.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://petlandmerrillville.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) In this articleHow can you tell when your puppy is relaxed?What does a puppy’s playful body language look like?How can you recognize… October 1, 2026
- [https://petlandmerrillville.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://petlandmerrillville.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s… September 1, 2026
- [https://petlandmerrillville.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://petlandmerrillville.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) In this articleStart with Your Lifestyle, Not Just LooksMeet Five Popular Breeds and Their Best MatchPetland Helps Beyond Puppy DayYour Perfect Match… August 1, 2026
- [https://petlandmerrillville.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://petlandmerrillville.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) In this articleDifferent Breeds, Different Summer CareersWhy Understanding Personality MattersThe Best Summer Job of All? Being Your Dog Stay connected via Google… June 1, 2026
- [https://petlandmerrillville.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Pet Store](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://petlandmerrillville.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) In this articleWhy Where Your Puppy Comes From Truly MattersLet’s Talk About the Concerns You May Have HeardWhat Makes Petland a Trusted… May 1, 2026
- [https://petlandmerrillville.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Petcare](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/veterinary/) ## [AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://petlandmerrillville.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) In this articleWhat Is AKC Registration?What Is Health Testing?How AKC Registration and Health Testing Work TogetherHow Petland Supports Responsible BreedingHelping Families Find… April 1, 2026
- [https://petlandmerrillville.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) [Blog](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [Spring Fever, Fur Real: What Happens to Your Dog’s Personality When Winter Ends?](https://petlandmerrillville.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) dog behavior changes in spring March 1, 2026
- [https://petlandmerrillville.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://petlandmerrillville.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is often a heart… February 1, 2026
- [https://petlandmerrillville.com/understand-dog-love-languages/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/understand-dog-love-languages/) [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://petlandmerrillville.com/understand-dog-love-languages/) In this articleYes, Dogs Have Love Languages, Just Their Own VersionThe Five Love Languages of DogsWhy Knowing Your Dog’s Love Language MattersFinal… February 1, 2026
- [https://petlandmerrillville.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://petlandmerrillville.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy…… January 7, 2026
- [https://petlandmerrillville.com/petland-puppy-ethics/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://petlandmerrillville.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is a big, emotional… January 1, 2026
- [https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Tips & Tricks](https://petlandmerrillville.com/category/blog/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://petlandmerrillville.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. The holidays sparkle a little brighter when there’s… November 30, 2025