ˈshēdˈzü, -ˈzu̇, -tˈsü noun
( plural shih tzus also shih tzu )
Usage: often capitalized S&T
Etymology: Chinese (Pekingese) shih tzŭ (I) kou 3 , from shih tzŭ (I) lion (from shih 1 lion + tzŭ , noun suffix) + kou 3 dog
: any of an old Chinese breed of friendly toy dogs that have a square short unwrinkled muzzle, short muscular legs, and a long dense flowing coat