SHIH TZU FANCIERS OF SOUTHERN CA

General Appearance

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with a long flowing double coat. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctly arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. Although there has always been considerable size variation, the Shih Tzu must be compact, solid, carrying good weight and substance. 

Photo : Ch Show Off's Ready for Anything;  owner/breeder: Ena Lane

Even though a toy dog, the Shih Tzu must be subject to the same requirements of soundness and structure prescribed for all breeds, and any deviation from the ideal described n the standard should be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Shih Tzu as in any other breed, regardless of whether or not such faults are specifically mentioned in the standard.

Size, Proportion, Substance

Ideally, the height at the withers is 9 to 10 1/2 inches, but not less than 8 inches nor more than 11 inches. Ideally, weight of mature dogs should be from  9 to 16 lbs. 

Length between withers and the root of the tail is slightly longer than the height of the dog at the withers. The Shih Tzu must never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty. 

Photo: Ch Connemara's Incorrigible; Breeder: Margaret Flynn; Owner-M. Flynn/H. Ueda

Regardless of size, the Shih Tzu is always compact, sold and carries good weight and substance.