Shih Tzu

🐕 Shih Tzu Collection – China's Sacred Lion Dog of the Imperial Palace

The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest and most revered companion dog breeds in the world — an ancient Chinese toy breed whose history in the Imperial Palace stretches back over 1,000 years, with some scholars tracing its ancestry to Tibet, where similar dogs were kept by Buddhist monks and occasionally gifted to the Chinese Imperial court. The breed's name translates from Mandarin as "lion dog" — a reference to the lion's sacred significance in Buddhism and the breed's flowing mane-like coat, which was deliberately cultivated to resemble the lion depicted in Chinese art and temple sculpture. The Shih Tzu was a prized possession of the Chinese Imperial family, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and was kept exclusively within the walls of the Forbidden City for centuries — so jealously guarded that the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give them to outsiders. The breed was unknown to the Western world until the early 20th century, when a small number were brought to England and Scandinavia following the fall of the Qing dynasty. All Shih Tzu alive today are descended from just 14 dogs — seven males and seven females — that formed the foundation of the modern breed after World War II. The Shih Tzu's long, flowing double coat comes in virtually every color and combination, and the breed is known for its distinctively flat face, large dark eyes, and the characteristic topknot that keeps hair from its eyes. The Shih Tzu was recognized by the AKC in 1969. Our collection celebrates this ancient imperial breed with original artwork across 3,000+ USA-made home décor and gift products.

Why Customers Choose Our Shih Tzu Collection

• Original artwork capturing the Shih Tzu's flowing coat, flat face, large dark eyes, and sweet, affectionate expression — across all coat colors
• Proudly printed and made in the USA with commercial-grade, durable materials
• Garden flags are 11¼" × 15½", double-sided, 2-ply construction — built for everyday outdoor display
• 3,000+ products across garden flags, house flags, doormats, kitchen towels, greeting cards, dish mats, can huggers, and more
• Perfect gifts for Shih Tzu owners, breeders, and Chinese toy breed enthusiasts
• Functional everyday items built for regular use in home, kitchen, and garden

Perfect For

• Shih Tzu owners and ancient Chinese Imperial toy breed enthusiasts
• Dog lovers who appreciate affectionate, elegant, and historically significant companion breeds
• Chinese Imperial history, Buddhist culture, and Forbidden City heritage enthusiasts
• Gift buyers seeking breed-specific items for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions

Browse our Shih Tzu collection below to find quality, USA-made décor that celebrates China's sacred lion dog of the Imperial Palace. Every piece ships from our studio in Mobile, Alabama.