The Silky Tzu is a designer breed that was developed by crossing a Silky Terrier and a Shih Tzu. The Silky Terrier with its long, flowing silky coat is quite an efficient hunter of small vermin. These tough little terriers are the result of the cross breeding of Yorkshire Terriers, brought over from England to Australia, and larger, working Australian Terriers in the late 19th century. At the time, some looked more like the Australian Terriers and were shown as such, while others were exhibited either as Yorkies or Silkies. Other ancestors are thought to include the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Skye Terrier or Cairn Terrier. Two different breed standards were drawn up - one in Sydney in 1906 and another in Victoria in 1909. There were differences in the weight and ear type but a compromise was later reached and a new breed standard came out in 1926. Legislation was introduced six years later by the Kennel Control Council of Victoria to prevent further cross breedings between the Yorkshire, Australian and the then-called Sydney Silky Terriers. They are still referred to as the Australian Silky Terrier in Autralia but are known elsewhere as the Silky Terrier. The Shih Tzu or little lion, unlike his name suggests, doesn’t hunt or guard. Their main purpose is to be a devoted companion something it appears they have been doing since ancient times. They are among the oldest dog breeds. Also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog, some believe they were developed by Tibetan Monks and given as gifts to Chinese royalty. It is also thought they have been developed in China by crossing the Lhaso Apso and the Pekingnese. The Dalai Lama is said to have given a pair ot Shih Tzus to Empress T'zu Hsi during her reign and the dogs were said to have lived in their own palace. The dogs were so highly regarded that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away. The first Shih Tzus appeared in England in 1928 and later in the United States. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the Toy Group In 1969.