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• Shih Tzu
  Shih Tzu

  noun

  one of a Tibetan breed of toy dogs having a long luxurious coat of any color, formerly bred in imperial China as a pet of the nobility.
• shih-tzu
  shih-tzu

  noun

  a small dog of a breed derived from crossing the Pekingese and the Tibetan apso. It has a long straight dense coat and carries its tail curled over its back

Shih Tzu

American  

[shee dzoo] / ˈʃi ˈdzu /

noun

1. one of a Tibetan breed of toy dogs having a long luxurious coat of any color, formerly bred in imperial China as a pet of the nobility.

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shih-tzu British  

/ ˈʃiːˈtsuː /

noun

1. a small dog of a breed derived from crossing the Pekingese and the Tibetan apso. It has a long straight dense coat and carries its tail curled over its back

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Etymology

Origin of Shih Tzu

1945–50; < Chinese (Wade-Giles) shih 1 tzŭ ( kou 3 ), (pinyin) shīzi ( gǒu ) literally, lion (dog)

Example Sentences

They brought their most valuable belongings, including a Scottish Straight cat and a Shih Tzu dog.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

Their dog, a small Shih Tzu named Cuddles, is also missing.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2024

Nationally, the French bulldog, golden retriever, German shepherd and Shih Tzu round out the top five dog breeds.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 29, 2024

After his timid Shih Tzu cross Lexi vanished about a year ago, Nathan received a call from a private number.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2024

In late August, we got a box full of rescued Shih Tzu puppies.

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King