What was the main evolutionary consequence of the Shih Tzu being isolated within Chinese royal palaces for centuries?
Answer
The breed was kept pure, protected from outside influences and outcrossing
Extreme isolation within the palace walls ensured that the specific traits desired by royalty, such as those favored by Empress Dowager Cixi, became fixed characteristics without dilution.
#Videos
The History of SHIH TZU - YouTube
Related Questions
Where are the foundational ancestors of the modern Shih Tzu traced back to?Who bred the foundational ancestors of the Shih Tzu in the harsh, high-altitude environment?What is the Chinese translation of the name *Shih Tzu*?During which Chinese dynasty was the selective breeding and refinement of the Shih Tzu characteristically most extensive?Why was the Shih Tzu nicknamed the "lion dog"?What was the primary selective pressure that changed when the dogs moved from Tibet to the Chinese Imperial Court?Which two ancient breeds are generally considered ancestral relatives that contributed to the Shih Tzu lineage?What major physical trait, favored by Chinese breeders, can predispose modern Shih Tzus to breathing issues?What was the main evolutionary consequence of the Shih Tzu being isolated within Chinese royal palaces for centuries?Which Norwegian explorer is credited with the first official introduction of the Shih Tzu to the West around 1930?