The Pronunciation, Plural, Nicknames

and True Meaning of Shih Tzu

Overview

Of the 200+ purebred dog breeds in the world, the Shih Tzu must be among the top with the most mispronounced name. Pet parents, veterinarians, show handlers, groomers and more usually default to the amusing, but incorrect, 'Shit-zoo'. So, while that moniker may be a comically, slightly mischievous way to say the name of this breed, let's look a bit closer to learn the real pronunciation of Shih Tzu.

Why People Default to the Incorrect Pronunciation:

The Most Common Mispronunciations:

How to Properly Pronounce Shih Tzu:

Though it is clear that Shih Tzu is not pronounced Shit-zoo, there is a bit of discrepancy on how to pronounce it, and this is from the experts.

The American Kennel Club (AKC):

The American Kennel Club (AKC), a prominent organization established in 1884, is recognized for setting breed standards, promoting responsible dog ownership, and advocating for canine health. As the largest purebred dog registry in the U.S., the AKC's authority stems from its comprehensive services, including dog registration, competition events, and educational programs. Its long-standing commitment to the welfare of dogs and their owners has established it as a trusted leader in canine affairs. This said, the AKC shows the pronunciation as "SHEED-zoo". 

Screenshot of AKC pronunciation

The Cambridge Dictionary:

The Cambridge Dictionary, backed by Cambridge University Press, offers a reliable source for definitions, pronunciations, and translations, thanks to its academic foundation and regular updates reflecting modern language use. Its credibility stems from Cambridge University's scholarly reputation. The Cambridge Dictionary lists the pronunciation as: ʃiː ˈtsu. 

The pronunciation "ʃiː ˈtsuː" in layman terms can be explained as "shee tsoo." Here's a breakdown:

• The "ʃiː" part sounds like the word "shee," where "ʃ" is similar to the "sh" sound in "sheep" and "iː" is a long "ee" sound, as in "see."
• The "ˈtsuː" part is pronounced "tsoo," where "ts" makes a sound similar to the beginning of "tsunami" (with a bit more emphasis on the "t" sound) and "uː" is a long "oo" sound, as in "food."
• So, "ʃiː ˈtsuː" is pronounced like "shee tsoo," with a bit of emphasis on the "tsoo" part.

The Collins Dictionary:

The Collins Dictionary is trusted due to its comprehensive language coverage, authoritative resources, and up-to-date content, backed by HarperCollins Publishers' rigorous editorial standards. It uses extensive language data to reflect contemporary usage, making it a reliable tool for a wide range of users. The Collins Dictionary lists the pronunciation ʃitsu. (very similar to the Cambridge Dictionary, minus the space between the two syllables).

The pronunciation "ʃitsu" in layman terms can be explained as "shee-tsoo." Here's how to say it:

• The "ʃi" part sounds like "shee," where "ʃ" is similar to the "sh" sound in "shell."
• The "tsu" part is pronounced "tsoo," where "ts" is a bit like the sound at the beginning of "tsunami," but pronounced quickly and followed by a long "oo" sound, as in "too."
  
• So, "ʃitsu" is pronounced "shee-tsoo."

The Final Verdict:

There is a disagreement between the American Kennel Club and trusted dictionaries regarding the proper pronunciation of Shih Tzu. The former explains it as SHEED-zoo and the latter explains it as Shee-tsoo. So, either would be acceptable. One thing is clear, it is not pronounced the cheeky and amusing Shit-zoo.

We do encourage owners to pronounce Shih Tzu correctly, as 'Sheed-zoo' or 'Shee-tsoo' (Sheet-zsoo) and to educate other owners to do the same. We give honor and respect to the breed when we speak its name properly.

The Plural of Shih Tzu

The correct plural of "Shih Tzu" can be either "Shih Tzu" or "Shih Tzus," reflecting the flexibility in adapting the word from its original Chinese context into English.

In English, it's common to pluralize nouns by adding an "s" or "es" at the end, which would result in "Shih Tzus" for more than one of these dogs.

However, the original Chinese term does not change form for pluralization, and this practice has been carried over into English usage for this specific breed name, allowing "Shih Tzu" to serve as both singular and plural.

This dual convention is recognized by authoritative linguistic resources, including the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, which notes that both "Shih Tzu" and "Shih Tzus" are acceptable forms for the plural. This acknowledgment by Merriam-Webster highlights the adaptability of language, especially in cases where words or names from other languages are incorporated into English (Merriam-Webster: Shih Tzu).

This flexibility in pluralization reflects a broader linguistic accommodation, respecting the breed's cultural origins while also adhering to English grammar conventions.

Shih Tzu Nicknames

Shih Tzus, known for their friendly disposition and distinctive appearance, have earned several affectionate nicknames over time, including:

• Lion Dog: This nickname is a nod to their traditional role and appearance, meant to resemble lions, which are a symbol of Buddhist mythology.
• Chrysanthemum Dog: This refers to the way their facial hair grows outward from the nose and face in all directions, resembling the petals of a chrysanthemum flower.
• Little Lion: A diminutive of "Lion Dog," emphasizing their small size and their lion-like mane.
• Chinese Lion Dog: Highlighting their origin and lion-like appearance.

These nicknames reflect the breed's regal and floral resemblance, cultural significance, and endearing nature, contributing to their popularity as companion animals.

Unraveling the Misconception: The True Meaning of 'Shih Tzu'

Many people, along with numerous sources, assert that the exact translation of "Shih Tzu" is 'Lion Dog'. However, a common misconception exists regarding this translation from Chinese to English, making it one of the most misunderstood names among dog breeds.

The term “Shih” is widely recognized to translate to 'lion,' which aligns with many people's understanding. The official Mandarin word for lion is "shī," and although the spelling has been adapted to "Shih" in English, its meaning as 'lion' remains undisputed.

The confusion arises with the second word, "Tzu." Contrary to popular belief, "Tzu" does not translate to 'dog.' In Mandarin, the word for dog is "gǒu," not "tzu." Thus, "Shih Tzu" does not mean 'Lion Dog.' The breed is not referred to as "Shih Gou."

The term "Tzu" (or "Zi" in another transliteration) can convey multiple meanings:

1. It often serves as a title, historically bestowed upon individuals of high esteem or achievement posthumously. For example, Confucius is known as "Kong Zi" (or "Kong Tzu"), translating to 'Philosopher Kong,' where "Zi/Tzu" signifies titles such as 'master,' 'great teacher,' or 'philosopher.'
2. It can also mean 'son' or 'child.'

For the breed's name, the consensus leans towards the second interpretation, meaning 'son' or 'child,' with 'son' being the more commonly associated meaning. Therefore, a more nuanced understanding of "Shih Tzu" might lean towards 'Lion's Son' rather than 'Lion Dog,' reflecting a deeper cultural and linguistic context.

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