Shih Tzu, in Mandarin, is Chih-Tzou, a literal translation of  “Lion Dog,” so named so because the breed was bred to resemble the traditional oriental depiction of lions. The more formal name is Shih Tzu Kou: “Shih,” Chinese for “lion,” and “kou” meaning dog. “Tzu” roughly translated means “son” or “child.”

Shih Tzu was also a synonym for “Xi Shi quan,”a term originating from the name of Xi Shi, one of the four great beauties of ancient China. She was said to be so beautiful that fish forgot how to swim and would sink below the surface upon seeing her reflection in the water. We get that a lot, don’t you? But we digress.

When Mandarin Chinese is “Romanized,” or put into Roman characters, “Shih Tzu” is the result. It was the scheme that was in use when the Shih Tzu was first introduced in America.

 “The Little Horror”by Stephie Butler is available in many formats from towels to totes, in addition to prints and poster which you can find here.