SHIH TZU FANCIERS OF SOUTHERN CA

American Kennel Club 

Official Shih Tzu Standard

From the Inside Out

Shih Tzu is a coated breed, boasting a long, dense, luxurious  flowing double coat. but a beautifully  appointed Shih Tzu is not just coat.  The real beauty begins with a sound bone structure. All the glorious coat, skillful grooming, and pampering in the world cannot develop a sound, sturdy animal without the foundation of the dog, its bone structure and placement, meeting the standard of the breed. 

Let's keep in mind that the under-structure effects the general appearance, size, proportion, head, neck, top line, fore and hind quarters, gait and overall substance. The correct setting of the hocks, pasterns and elbows, neck placement and spine length and ribcage spring, defines the Shih Tzu, whose general appearance meets the standard of the breed. It is the under pinning that gives the look of a Shih Tzu floating effortlessly across the floor, the top line even, a good front reach and strong rear drive, paws hitting the floor dead on. The portion of the Shih Tzu breed standard that is not effected by the under structure is the coat and maybe the temperament.--Editorial Comment.