Shi Tzu's

The name Shih Tzu comes from the Chinese word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion as depicted in traditional oriental art,"^[1] such as the Chinese guardian lions. (There is also the Pekingese breed, called "lion dog" in Chinese). "Shih Tzu" is the Wade-Giles romanization the Chinese characters , meaning lion; Wade-Giles romanization was in use when the breed was first introduced in America, but in modern times Pinyin romanization is used, rendering it shīzi. The Mandarin Chinese pronunciation is approximately . The Shih Tzu is also known as the "Xi Shi dog" (西施犬) becauseXi Shi was regarded as one of the most beautiful women of ancient China. Shih Tzus were nicknamed the Chrysanthemum Dog in England in the 1930s.^[3] The dog may also be called the Tibetan Lion Dog, but whether or not the breed should be referred to as a "Tibetan" or "Chinese" breed is a source of argument, the absolute answer to which "may never be known".

Other names	Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog
Country of origin	China
[hide]Traits Weight Male 4–7.25 kilograms (8.8–16.0 lb) Female 4–7.25 kilograms (8.8–16.0 lb) Height Male 20–28 centimetres (7.9–11 in) Female 20–28 centimetres (7.9–11 in) Coat See Coats section below Color Gold Dark/Light Brown White Black Black/White Brindle Litter size 1–8 Life span 10–16 years