It is believed that this ornamental breed was created by breeding the Bei-jing gou (Pekingese) with a Tibetan dog breed, the Lhasa Apso. Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog.
It was a great honor to be given a Shih Tzu. For many hundreds of years it was customary for the Dalai Lama to give the Chinese Emperor the finest specimens of such a dog. The Chinese jealously guarded the Shih Tzu and were very reluctant to let them out of the country. It wasn't until sometime between the First and Second World War that a few were smuggled out of the country.
It is said that Buddha Manjusri, the God of learning, had traveled around the four quarters of the world disguised as a priest; traveling with him was a small "HaPah", a pet dog. This little dog could in the blink of an eye transform into a great lion carrying Buddha on his back. There are images drawn of "Spirit Lions" and "Dog Lions" in sacred places such as carvings on the pillars in temples around Tibet. "Dog Lions" are believed to be earthly beasts known under the name menegerie. The Lama's theory about the Lions is that they are the mountain spirit and that the lions have the power to project themselves in an instant between places, can change their size, and can become visible or invisible at will.
Many images of the symbol of Gang Sing or Snowlion have a very strong resemblance to the Shih Tzu. The Snowlion is mentioned in the ancient scrolls; it is said that he is king of all animals. It has three powers, the ability to jump, turn around, and walk back in mist and clouds. His voice, the voice of the Middle Way that is the voice between truth and courage, when it is heard it subdues all. Its power is so strong that when it roars, seven dragons fall from the sky. This ancient, magical description of the Shih Tzu easily describes the courageous little dog as it is today.