There is a highly important article presented by a Norweigan
Shih Tzu fancier of which the author's name is not given. It is
thought to be almost certain, however, the article was written
by Dr. Walter Young, author of Some Canine Breeds of Asia.
The article was published in Peiping shortly before the first
Peking Kennel Club Show. The articles states: "at least as
common as good Pekingese in Peiping are the Tibetans, the
shock-headed long-coated little dogs which came to China during
the Manchu dynasty as gifts from the grand lamas at Lhasa." The
writer continues to say: "it is a novel little breed," and
complained at that time, "no effort is made to distinguish what
is quite evidently two distinct types, one considerably larger
and higher on the leg than the other."
These types of dogs described as being considerably larger and
higher on the leg than the other were commonly bred by Chinese
fanciers and sold in the dog markets on fair days. The writer
placed these dogs as ones who must be in the non-sporting group,
and admitted there was much confusion about the breed, and even
in those days, was very inaccurate information being spread
about the different sizes of the Shih Tzu. The article does
confirm the theory regarding the existence of two types of Shih
Tzu in Peking, at least as far as the 1930's were concerned: one
of a very small variety, in size more or less similar to the
Pekingese, the other larger and apparently closely resembling
what we now call the Apso, although smaller, and with shorter
legs. The writer was also aware of many cases of crossing of
Shih Tzu and Pekingese.
When Princess Der Ling came to Peking and shared her knowledge
with the Countess d'Anjou, the full truth about the palace dogs
of old began to emerge. Peking fanciers began to do their best
to restore to the Shih Tzu something of the imperial grandeur
which had been its birthright in happier days. The Japanese
occupation of Peking in the summer of 1937 which was followed by
the attack on Pearl Harbor 4 ½ years later, brought an end to
their hopes and dreams.
Some very valuable information regarding Shih Tzu size and
weight is in the form of a personal letter, dated May, 1955,
written by the Countess d'Anjou to Mrs. L.G. Widdrington,
leading English fancier and widely recognized authority on
palace lion dog history. The letter in its entirety can be found
in the American Shih Tzu News of March, 1967. The standard that
was made out for France set weight limits for the Shih Tzu of
11-22 pounds. The whole standard is also said to have met with
the complete approval of two other French fanciers from
pre-Pearl Harbor Peking. It is highly unlikely either of them
knew nearly as much about the breed's history as the Countess.
The available evidence suggest their experience of Shih Tzu
dates from the confused period before the Princess Der Ling
arrived in Peking to bring to light the full truth about the
Imperial Lion Dogs as she had known them in the palace.
The Countess went on in her letter to make it quite clear that
she was far from happy about the weight limits permitted. She
had accepted them against her better judgement. She did not
regard such a weight range as historically correct or even as
desirable. The Countess's letter to Mrs. Widdrington states:
"Yes, I did think the Shih Tzu too big in England. They really
should be under 12 pounds. In fact, there were two classes in
Peking, up to 12 pounds (which would include our little 6 pound
teacups today) and over 12 pounds were judged separately. They
never had the big ones in the Imperial Palace......
Presently, the American Kennel Club standard for size does not
regard the weight of under 9 pounds as being appropriate for the
ideal Shih Tzu, and to be accepted by the American Kennel Club
show ring competitions. This size is not allowed in the AKC show
ring. All who love this size, must accept this fact as it is.
However, we must also face the facts that these smaller size
Shih Tzu are the result of days gone-by breeding practices. It
is not at all true that the smaller Shih Tzu are "sickly" or
have greater health problems than the larger Shih Tzu. It is not
at all true that breeders who produce the smaller size Shih Tzu
are guilty of being irresponsible, in-breeding and line-breeding
with close relatives to obtain the small size, and doing just
about anything to get these small sizes for the sake of "more
money."
Shih Tzu puppies from the standard size Shih Tzu show ring
requirements are priced at much higher prices and are capable of
having just as many, if not more, health problems due to the
fact that anytime animals are bred to meet a specific weight,
look and requirement, a type has to be set in. Type is set in by
in-breeding and line-breeding. Negative attributes, such as any
health problems in the bloodlines are passed onto offspring just
as the positive attributes of those that make a Shih Tzu
beautiful for the Showring.
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