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.
