Shiranian

There is little information documented about the Shiranian’s history. This hybrid originated in the United States from the crossing of a Shih Tzu and Pomeranian. The Shih Tzu is one of the oldest dog breeds. It is said that the Shih Tzu may have originated from crossing the Lhasa Apso with the Pekingese. It is believed that the Shih Tzu was developed by Tibetan Monks who gave some of these dogs to the Chinese royalty as a gift. The Shih Tzu is depicted in paintings, art, and writings from China’s Tang Dynasty between 1368 and 1644. In 1861, the breed became highly popular in the Imperial court after the Dalai Lama gave the Empress Tzu Hsi two Shih Tzus. According to general beliefs, these dogs had their own palace. After the empress’ death, many royal families started breeding these dogs. The breed was later taken to England, to Ireland, and eventually to the United States. The Shih Tzu was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969. The Pomeranian comes from the province of Pomerania region in Central Europe. In its early years, the dogs weighed up to 30 pounds and had wedge-shaped heads, pointed ears and abundant fur. They originated from the Spitz breeds, such as the Norwegian Elkhound, the Schipperke, the American Eskimo, the German Spitz, and the Samoyed. It is said that Martin Luther, Michelangelo, Isaac Newton, and Mozart had Pomeranians. In 1761, this breed became popular in England’s royal circles after the Princess Sophie Charlotte brought her two Pomeranians with her when she married the future King George III. Queen Victoria became also very fond of this breed when she saw a 12 pound Pomeranian in Italy in 1888. Her passion for this breed, in particular the smaller ones, encouraged the breeding of smaller Pomeranians. This breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.