Shih Tzu

General Information - Shih Tzu

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History

The Shih Tzu descends from the Tibetan temple dogs which were bred over 2000 years ago. Tibetan rulers often presented Chinese rulers with these "tribute gift dogs" and once in China, the dogs, which resembled the Lhasa Apso, were most likely crossed with the Pekingese. For this reason, many people mistakenly assume that the Shih Tzu, meaning "lion dog," is Chinese in origin. The dogs lived luxurious lives behind palace walls and remained unknown until after China became a republic in 1912. This elegant little dog makes a well-mannered pet and quite enjoys apartment or city life as long as he is taken for occasional walks.

Temperament

This breed especially enjoys people and is a lively, alert, and active little dog. Although small, he carries himself with a great deal of pride and confidence. This affectionate breed is good with people and considered a family dog.

Upkeep

Despite its small size, the Shih Tzu needs daily exercise. Because of its small size, it can meet its requirements with vigorous indoor games or short frolics outside or with short walks on leash. It does not do well in hot humid weather, and it should never be expected to live outdoors. Its luxurious coat needs brushing or combing every other day; puppies should be taught to accept grooming from a young age. Pets may be clipped.

Shih Tzu

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Shih Tzu

GeneralAppearance: Sturdy,abundantly but not excessively coated dog with distinctly arrogantcarriage and 'chrysanthemum-like' face.

Characteristics: Intelligent,active and alert.

Temperament: Friendlyand independent.

Headand Skull: Headbroad, round, wide between eyes. Shock-headed with good beard andwhiskers, hair growing upwards on the muzzle giving a distinctly'chrysanthemum-like' effect. Not affecting the dog's ability to see.Muzzle of ample width, square, short, not wrinkled; flat and hairy.Nose black but dark liver in liver or liver marked dogs and about oneinch from tip to definite stop. Nose level or slightly tip-tilted.Top of nose leather should be on a line with or slightly below lowereye rim. Wide-open nostrils. Down-pointed nose highly undesirable, asare pinched nostrils. Pigmentation of muzzle as unbroken as possible.

Eyes: Large,dark, round, placed well apart but not prominent. Warm expression. Inliver or liver-marked dogs, lighter eye colour permissible. No whiteof eye showing.

Ears: Large,with long leathers, carried drooping. Set slightly below crown ofskull, so heavily coated they appear to blend into hair of neck.

Mouth: Wide,slightly undershot or level. Lips level.

Neck: Wellproportioned, nicely arched. Sufficient length to carry head proudly.

Forequarters: Shoulderswell laid back. Legs short and muscular with ample bone, as straightas possible, consistent with broad chest being well let down.

Body: Longerbetween withers and root of tail than height of withers, well coupledand sturdy, chest broad and deep, shoulders firm, back level.

Hindquarters: Legsshort and muscular with ample bone. Straight when viewed from therear. Thighs well rounded and muscular.

Feet: Rounded,firm and well padded. Well covered with hair.

Tail: Heavilyplumed, carried gaily well over back. Set on high. Heightapproximately level with that of skull to give a balanced outline.

Gait/Movement: Arrogant,smooth-flowing, front legs reaching well forward, strong rear actionand showing full pad.

Coat: Outercoat long, dense, not curly, with moderate undercoat, not woolly.Slight wave permitted. Hair not affecting the dog's ability to see.Length of coat should not restrict movement.

Colour: Allcolours except merle permissible, white blaze on forehead and whitetip to tail highly desirable in parti-colours.

Size: Heightat withers not more than 27 cms (101/2 ins), type and breedcharacteristics of the utmost importance and on no account to besacrificed to size alone. Weight: 4.5-8 kgs (10-18 lbs). Ideal weight4.5-7.5 kgs (10-16 lbs).

Faults: Anydeparture from the foregoing points should be considered a fault andthe seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be inexact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health andwelfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform itstraditional work.

Note: Maleanimals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descendedinto the scrotum.


Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.