Shih Tzu were seen to have a number of characteristics that were believed to be comparable to characteristics of Buddha. The white mark on the forehead of the Shih Tzu was perceived as the energy center, often called the third eye or sixth chakra, and is symbolic of the trinity, oneness of mind, universalism, salvation for all, and the three mystical areas (body, mouth, and mind). Positive qualities were believed to exude from the Shih Tzu which were intuition, perception, optimism, and vision.

The top knot of the Shih Tzu is the crowning glory of the Shih Tzu. The top knot symbolically represented creativity, mysticism, charm, magical powers, wisdom, and love. All these qualities are present in the Stain Glass Shih Tzu I am acquainted with today. Shih Tzu are charming, full of love and have been quite mysterious to live with. I have found a greater sense of security since owning the Shih Tzu.

The luxurious featherings on the Shih Tzu head and face were perceived as symbolic of the rays of the sun and of the sacred adumbara flower which blooms once in three thousand years.

The white neck and front of the Shih Tzu were believed to be symbolic of Buddhas swelling cape of dignity. The cape permitted its wearer, as administrator of the sun, moon, and stars, the privilege of attending to purity, justice, and virtue. Upon the Shih tzus cape are the Rosary of the Goddess of Mercy and the three rings of the Buddha.

The draping coat or skirt of the Shih Tzu was seen as symbolic of light, strength, and courage. The Buddhas flock must never reject their children, their parents, those who love them, or those whom they have loved, lest they never reach Nirvana or Heaven. Buddha-like, the Shih Tzu was considered symbolically the guardian of wisdom to that all may reverse their imperfections.

A marking may be present n the middle of the back of the Shih Tzu or there may be one that extends from the upper back to the end of the back or nearly as far as the tip of the tail of the Shih Tzu. This blanket or saddle effect on the Shih Tzu was believed symbolic of the saddle or blanket upon which Buddha is seated as minister of the sun, moon, and stars. It also was believed symbolic of the three vehicles of learning leading to wisdom: discipline, knowledge, and meditation. Pegasus-like, the Shih Tzu is to carry his rider through the air to realize material gain of wealth and jewels.

The heavily plumed tail of the Shih Tzu which forms a graceful arch over the back of the Shih Tzu represents one of the five Royal Insignia attributable to anointed kings and holy men. This umbrella-like feature of the Shih Tzu is depicted in symbolic representations of Buddha, covering his form, protecting him from worldly imperfections.

The white feet of the Shih Tzu were considered reminiscent of the Buddhas shoes, embroidered with jewels, to convey the wearer one hundred miles without fatigue and give the wearer the ability to glide across water without wetting the feet.