| ign="center"> | | | | more than 11 inches tall. The Shih Tzu should never |
| The Shih Tzu, is a breed of dog which originated in | | | | be so high stationed as to appear leggy, or so low |
| China. The name is both singular and plural. The Shih | | | | stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty. Regardless |
| Tzu is reported to be the oldest and smallest of the | | | | of size or gender, the Shih Tzu should always be solid |
| Tibetan holy dogs. The Shih Tzu has been around for | | | | and compact, and carry good weight and substance |
| a long time. They were bred to bark when people or | | | | for its size range. The Shih Tzu falls under the Toy |
| animals approached the palace of the Emperor of | | | | category of the AKC. |
| China this alerted people to the presence of | | | | The American Kennel Club and the American Shih Tzu |
| unwanted visitors. It is believed that this ornamental | | | | Club defines the Shih Tzu as a dog that weighs |
| breed was created by breeding the Pekingese with a | | | | between 9 to 16 pounds as the official breed |
| Tibetan dog breed, the Lhasa Apso. Recent DNA | | | | standard. Descriptions like "imperial", "teacup", "tiny |
| analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds | | | | teacup" are used, but dogs that fit such descriptions |
| of dogs. The Shih Tzu is also known as the Chinese | | | | are often an undersized or underdeveloped Shih Tzu. |
| Tibetan Lion Dog or the Chrysanthemum Dog. It is | | | | Both the AKC and ASTC consider these variances to |
| called the chrysanthemum dog because its face looks | | | | not be in conformity with the official breed standard. |
| very much like the flower. | | | | These tiny variances are also not what were defined |
| The Shih Tzu is characterized by its long, flowing | | | | as a standard by the Chinese imperial palace or by |
| double coat, sturdy build, intelligence, and a friendly, | | | | the professional circuit. Breeders who deal in designer |
| energetic, lively attitude. In breeding all coat colors | | | | dogs are not eligible for membership in some clubs. |
| are allowed. The Shih Tzu coat can be styled either in | | | | For example, the American Shih Tzu Club, the official |
| a short summer cut, or kept long for conformation | | | | guardian of the Shih Tzu breed standard, denies |
| show. Shih Tzu does not have fur like many other | | | | membership to such breeders. |
| breeds; they have hair similar to a human's. Instead | | | | The life span of a Shih Tzu is 11-14 years, although |
| of shedding, Shih Tzu loses hair gradually, much like | | | | some variation from this range is possible. Some |
| humans lose hair in the shower or while grooming. | | | | health issues common among the breed are |
| They need to be brushed daily with a bristle brush | | | | wheezing, snoring, spinal disc disease, Porto systemic |
| and any topknot should be tied with a bow or band | | | | liver shunt, renal dysplasia, and hip dysplasia - in |
| so the dog can see well. This breed sheds little to no | | | | standard sizes. In addition, they also can suffer from |
| hair or dandruff making them great for most allergy | | | | various eye problems. Shih Tzu, as well as many |
| sufferers. | | | | other breeds, may present signs of allergies to red |
| The American Kennel Club Shih Tzu breed standard | | | | dye #40, and owners should respond to scratching in |
| calls for the dog to have a short snout, large eyes, | | | | the absence of fleas by eliminating pet foods that |
| and a palm-like tail that waves above its torso. The | | | | contain this commonly used additive. Also Shih Tzu |
| Shih Tzu height at shoulders is 9 to 10 1/2 inches. | | | | should have their teeth checked regularly because |
| The dog should stand no less than 8 inches and not | | | | they tend to lose them early. |