Diffusion of Shih Tzu in USA

USA is one of the most representative country for quality and numbers of dogs entered. Actually, European breeders import from Canada and USA,  but initially it was the contrary. American Kennel club approved the standard of shih tzu in 1969. USA is not part of the FCI (Federation Cynologique International) and there, shih tzu belong to the toy group, which includes many breeds of the ninth group of FCI; as in Italy, shih tzu are considered as companion dogs, actually with the biggest number of puppies registered. This shows the big diffusion and spread in the last 40 years. When you go in Usa, you can be very impressed by the big professionalism dogs are groomed and shown, and by the good organization of the shows.  American imports started after the Great War II; first dogs came from England, and as in Europe they were registered as ‘apso’, mated with the progenitors of the modern Lhasa Apso, some old pedigree of this breed can testimony that. The selection had big initial difficulties because of these errors, and as I said already, being aware that the British mated the shih tzu with the Pekingese, they were considered purebred after three generations. The selection of shih tzu had some year of stasis but it restarted between the 50s and the 60s thanks to the Mrs. Coldwell, who bred with the kennel name ‘ Si Kiang’. We must remember also Mrs. Mauren Murdok of Philadelphia, because she founded the Shih Tzu Club in 1957 and she bred with the kennel name ‘ Harmony’, so many others started to breed with her dogs.  Shih tzu was officially recognized in 1963. In 1964 the first specialty was organized in Pennsylvania, in the hall of Mrs. Coldwell. It was 27 June and 50 shih tzu were entered, it was a considerable number since the club registered 369 dogs. Partecipants came from six different countries. The best dog in absolute was a solid black named ‘Si Kiang I’shi' bred by Mrs. Collwell, but owned by the reverend Donald Allan Easton. Best bitch was Jungfelted Sung Wo’ of Chumulari kennel, imported by Sweden. Note that both winners came from the ‘Biorneholms’ kennel. Mrs Coldwell was very active as breeder and in the club as well. Unlucky she couldn’t see the big results of the American breeding because she died soon in the fire of her house in 1968 with some of her dogs. She will be always remembered as one of the founders of the American breeding.  I think we must remember also the reverend Donald Allan Easton who started to breed with the best European bloodlines. His passion for the breed started during his stay in China, where he met shih tzu in the Imperial palace. His first imports were Chinese. Then he bought dogs from Mrs. Coldwell, in Germany from Erika Geusendam, in Olanda from Eta Pauptit. He imported also some English subjects. I’d like to remember an important bitch ‘Tangra Von Tschomo Lungma’, dame of a famous American champion Chumulari Ying Ying’, red and white male who got BIS at his debut in show. He is the sire of 29 american champion, 6 of them BIS winners in USA and Canada. Another important American stud was ‘Talifu Bobby Dazla’, an english import. He had a particularly typical head and he was owned by Mrs. Patricia Link. He was an excellent reproductor ; one beautiful bitch sired by him named ‘Yum Yum’ owned by Mrs. Wesley Edel, winner of 136 groups. His most important sons were  "Emoeror S Qwapan", " Quarter Emperor S", "Edel S Ping Pong" e "Marco Polo di Visconti". The Emperor S kennel introduced 49 champions, one of the most important was Emperor S Super Trooper. Another kennel to remember for the great legacy is ‘Low Wan’ kennel, who gave a decisive impression in the American breeding. Most famous was ‘Low Wan Casanova’ , who can be found in many American pedigrees. Another famous reproductorwas ‘ Low Wan Rebel Rouser’.