SHIH TZU FANCIERS OF SOUTHERN CA

Head

The head is round, broad, wide between the eyes, its size in balance with the over all size of dog being neither too large nor too small. The expression should be warm, sweet, wide-eyed, friendly and trusting. An over all well balanced and pleasant expression supersedes the importance of individual parts. Care should be taken to examine beyond the hair to determine if what is seen is the actual head and expression rather than an image created by grooming techniques. 

Photo: Chao Pa; Owner/Breeder Sheila Gordon.

Neck, Topline, Body

Of utmost importance is an overall well-balanced dog with no exaggerated features. The neck is well set-on flowing smoothly into shoulders; of sufficient length to permit natural. high head carriage and in balance with height and length of dog. The topline level. The body is short-coupled and sturdy with no waist or tuck-up. The Shih Tzu is slightly longer than tall. 

Photo: Ch Windsor's Carmel Candy; Breeder: Sheila Gordon

The chest is broad and deep with good spring-of-rib, however not barrel-chested. Depth of ribcage should extend to just below elbow. Distance from elbow to withers is a little greater than from elbow to ground The croup is flat. The tail is set on high, carried in curve well over back. Too loose, too tight, too flat or too low set a tail is undesirable and should be penalized to the extent of deviation.

Forequarters, Hindquarters, Gait

The shoulders are well angulated, well laid back, well laid in, fitting smoothly into body. The legs are straight, well boned, muscular, set well apart and under chest, with elbows set close to body.  Pasterns are strong, perpendicular. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet are firm, well padded, point straight ahead. Angulation of the hindquarters should be in balance with forequarters. 

Photo:  Ch Epsylon In-Niq-Kou; Owner/Breeder: Renata Marcoli. 1st Italian bred to become Am Ch.

The legs are well-boned, muscular and straight when viewed from rear with well-bent stifles, not close set but in line with forequarters. The hocks well let down, perpendicular. The Shih Tzu moves straight and must be shown at its own natural speed, neither racing nor strung-up, to evaluate its smooth, flowing, effortless movement with good front reach and equally strong rear drive, level top line, naturally high head carriage, and tail carried in gentle curve over back.