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Shih Tzu
Flower of Tibet
Original name: Shih Tzu
Type: Braccoid
Male size: Never exceeding 10½ inches
Male weight: 10-18 lbs
Female size: Never exceeding 10½ inches
Female weight: 10-18 lbs
Degree of grooming
9
Companion_and_Toy_Dogs
FCI AKC CKC KC
Countries of origin China
Did you know ?
While there is plenty to delight in their character, the Shih Tzu’s most evocative feature is the head, which is tousled, with the hair falling in the dog’s eyes, abundant moustache and beard, and hair on the muzzle growing upwards, giving a distinctly chrysanthemum-like effect.
Character is as important as morphology in Shih Tzu breeding. Intelligent, active and lively, these little dogs are cheerful, good-natured companions that nevertheless like to retain a little bit of independence.
Shih Tzu In a few words :
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Head
Broad and round with eyes well apart and pronounced stop.
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Body
Slightly longer than it is high, straight, back, well coupled, sturdy loins, broad, deep chest.
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Coat
All colors are permitted, but a white blaze on the forehead and white at the tip of the tail are highly prized in parti-colors.
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Ears
Hanging, so well furnished they appear to blend into the neck.
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Tail
Heavily plumed, carried cheerfully over the back, approximately level with the skull, producing a balanced outline.
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Hair
Long, dense hair, with good undercoat. Tying up the hair on the head is strongly recommended.
Although the Shih Tzu is the youngest of the Tibetan breeds, it has become the most popular in many countries. In the United Kingdom the breed was long classified together with Lhaso Apsos and the American Kennel Club did not recognize the Shih Tzu until 1969. This robust breed’s distinctive abundant long coat and proud carriage have really caught people’s imagination, together with its chrysanthemum-like face.
