Characteristics Of The Shih Tzu Dog Breed

 

The following descriptions are an interpretation of the AKC-approved Shih Tzu Standard. The standard is complete written description of the breed; how it should look, act, and move. You can obtain a copy of the written Standard from the ASTC or the AKC.

 

General Appearance

 

The Shih Tzu should be sturdy, lively, and alert, with a long, flowing double coat. Because of its noble heritage as the palace pet of several Chinese dynasties, the Shih Tzu has a "distinctively arrogant carriage." The Shih Tzu will move its head held high and its tail curved over its back. Although a certain amount of variation in size is accepted, the Shih Tzu must be "compact, solid, carrying good weight and substance."

 

Size, Proportion, Substance

 

The Shih Tzu should have a height at the withers (the highest point of the shoulders) of between 8 and 11 inches (20-28 cm). Mature dogs should weigh between 9 and 16 pounds (4-7 kg). The length of the Shih Tzu, from the withers to the base of the tail, should be slightly longer than its height at the withers. It should not appear either "leggy" or "dumpy or squatty."

 

 

Head

 

The head of the Shih Tzu should be round, broad, and wide between the eyes, and the top of the head must be domes. The head must be in proportion to the rest of the body, and appear neither too large nor too small. The facial expression will impart a "warm, sweet, wide-eyed, friendly, and trusting" feeling. A overall well-balanced expression is more important than any individual part.

 

Eyes

 

The eyes must be large, round, placed well apart, and look straight ahead; however, they should not be too prominent. They should be very dark in color, but, on liver- and blue- coated dogs, the eyes may be lighter.

 

Ears

 

The proper Shih Tzu ears should be large, heavily coated, and slightly below the crown of the domed skull.

 

Muzzle

 

The muzzle must be set no lower than the bottom rim of the eye. It should be square, short, and smooth, and must never be downturned. The overall length of the muzzle should be no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the tip of the nose to the stop (the base of the forehead). The length will vary in proportion to the overall size of the dog. The front of the muzzle should be flat. The lower lip and chin should not be protruding or receding. The jaw is broad and wide, and its bite should be undershot. The teeth and tongue should be hidden when the mouth is closed.

 

Nose

 

The nose, like the lips and eye rims, is black (except on liver-pigmented dogs, where it should be liver-colored, and on blue-pigmented dogs, where it should be blue). A Shih Tzu's nostrils are broad, wide and open.

 

 

Neck, Topline, and Body

 

Once again, the overall balance is most important. The neck should be sturdy and flow smoothly into the shoulders. Its length should allow the dog to hold its head high, and should be in proportion to the height and length of the dog. Its back should be level and parallel to the ground. The body is short and sturdy, and there should be no evidence of a waistline or tucked-in abdomen. The body should be slightly longer than the tail. Shih Tzu possess a broad and deep chest with good rib spring. The should not, however, be barrel-chested. The depth of the rib cage should extend to just below the elbow. The distance from the elbows to the withers is slightly longer than from the elbows to the ground. The croup (the highest part of the rump) should be flat.

 

Tail

 

The tail is set high on the hindquarters and is heavily "plumped." It should be carried in a curve well over the back.

 

Forequarters

 

The shoulders are laid back, well angulated, laid in, and fit smoothly into the body. The forelegs are straight, muscular, and firmly attached to the body. Because of the broad chest, they should be set well apart; however, the elbows must be close to the body. The pasterns (the equivalent of a forearm) are strong and perpendicular to the ground. The feet of the Shih Tzu are firm, and well padded and point straight ahead.

 

Hindquarters

 

The angle and position of the hindquarters should be in balance with the forequarters. The rear legs, like the forelegs, are well-boned and muscular. When viewed from the rear, with the stifles (the equivalent of the human knee) well bent, the legs should be straight and not too close together, but still in line with the forelegs. The hocks (the next joint below the stifle) are perpendicular to the ground. The rear feet are firm, padded, and pointed straight forward.

 

Coat

 

A Shih Tzu's double coat is long, luxurious, thick, and flowing and at times may have a slight wave.

 

Gait

 

This breed should move straight, and at its natural speed should display "smooth, flowing and effortless movement." The dog should demonstrate a good reach and equally strong rear drive. Its back should remain level during movement, ad its head should be carried high. Even when moving, the tail should remain curved over the back.

Temperament

Because the sole purpose of a Shih Tzu is to be a companion and house pet, the Standard dictates that is essential that its temperament be "outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly, and trusting towards all."
 

 

Source: Jaime J. Sucher - Shih Tzu A Complete Pet Owner's Manual