Chrysanthemum dog is a nickname of two distinct dog breeds: the Shih Tzu and the Tibetan terrier. What they presumably have in common, besides that they're both dogs, is the distinct look of these small dogs -- both could be said to resemble chrysanthemum flowers.
Attributes of Chrysanthemum Dogs
Chrysanthemum dogs -- both Tibetan terriers and Shih Tzus -- have distinctive curls in their fur that resemble the shape of the chrysanthemum flower's petals. The Shih Tzu, also called the Chinese lion dog, is believed to have hailed from Peking in the 17th century. The Tibetan terrier is said to have contributed to the development of the Shih Tzu, and its origins go back more than 2,000 years to monks in Tibet, who kept them as good luck charms.
References
Writer Bio
Catherine Lovering has written about business, tax, careers and pets since 2006. Lovering holds a B.A. (political science), LL.B. (law) and LL.L. (civil law).