SHIH TZU — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION Breed Description / Health Issues / Grooming / Breed Standards / Training / Additional Information Breed Description
Breed Registries:	Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) - Non-Sporting Dogs American Kennel Club (AKC) - Toy Group United Kennel Club (UKC) - Companion Breeds The Kennel Club [U.K.] (KC) - Utility Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) * - No. 208
Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America. * — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Note: The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes the Shih Tzu under the Non-Sporting Group and the Canadian Standard states that the Shih Tzu is not a Toy dog, but a smaller type of dog with good bone and substance. The American Kennel Club, however, classifies the Shih Tzu in the Toy Group.
Origin:	Tibet
Height:	Approximately 9 to 10 ½ inches (23-27 cm) at the withers.
Weight:	The ideal weight of the mature Shih Tzu is approximately 9 to 16 lbs. Breed type and balance are always the main consideration.

Brief History of the Shih Tzu Breed: It is believed that the Shih Tzu's ancestry goes back to the temple dogs of Tibet which had been bred in that country for over 2,000 years. The rulers of Tibet and China presented these dogs as gifts to Chinese royalty. Once in China, Lhasa-like dogs were crossed with Pekingese to produce the Shih Tzu, meaning "lion dog" in Chinese. The breed was imported into Great Britain in the late 1920's or early 1930's and brought into the United States in the late 1950's. Further Reading: — A Brief History of the Shih Tzu from the American Shih Tzu Club — Breed History from the Shih Tzu Club UK	Photo courtesy of Anjuli Shih Tzu
Breed Profile: The Shih Tzu has always been bred as a companion dog. His personality is outgoing, friendly, affectionate, intelligent, and docile. He is always alert and carries himself with an air of arrogance and self-importance with a warm, sweet, wide-eyed, friendly and trusting expression. The Shih Tzu thrives on human companionship, both adult and child, and needs a good deal of attention. In return, he is completely devoted to his family. He has a dense, long and luxurious double coat with a soft undercoat that requires daily brushing.
A Special Note About "Imperial" or "Tiny Teacup" Shih Tzu: The "Imperial" or "Tiny Teacup" are names that have been used to describe an undersized Shih Tzu. These are not exotic or rare varieties of the Shih Tzu. While all breeders may occasionally have an unusually small Shih Tzu, a reputable and responsible breeder does not breed specifically for this trait. For additional information on this subject, please see: The Myth about Imperial or Tiny Teacup Shih Tzu from the American Shih Tzu Club. For additional books, gifts & merchandise, CLICK HERE TOP Health Issues: The Shih Tzu is generally a healthy and long-lived breed. However, like all breeds, some health problems have been seen within the breed, including: Eye Diseases, inlcuding Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Entropy, and Juvenile Cataracts. In addition, with their relatively large exposed eyes, they can be prone to eye injuries and infections and care should be taken to keep the eyes clean. Hip Dysplasia von Willebrand's Disease Thyroid Disorders Renal Dysplasia Umbilical Hernia Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia If you are considering the adoption of a Shih Tzu puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.) Additional Health Resources: American Shih Tzu Club — Health Canine Inherited Disorders Database — Shih Tzu Health and Nutrition — Canada's Guide to Dogs growing section on several health and nutrition related issues. Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip) QuickCare Pet Insurance Programs TOP Breed Standards: Shih Tzu Breed Standards Comparisons — This document includes the CKC, AKC, UKC, KC and FCI Breed Standards placed in a chart for ease in comparing the differences between the standards. CKC Breed Standard AKC Breed Standard UKC Breed Standard The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard FCI Breed Standard No. 208 / 20.04.1998 / GB Photo courtesy of Anjuli Shih Tzu AKC Shih Tzu Video 15 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges. — Available from Dogwise.com — For additional books and other gifts, collectibles and merchandise, see the Books & Merchandise section. TOP Grooming the Shih Tzu: Grooming — From the American Shih Tzu Club. Includes casual and show top knot instructions as well as grooming techniques for the companion dog. Care & Grooming of Shih Tzu — From the Shih Tzu Club U.K. — Includes information on both Clipped and Show Grooming. Grooming Tips & Techniques — This is Canada's Guide to Dogs growing section of grooming related information including listings of Groomers from across Canada. Pet Grooming the Small Long Coated Breeds Video 70 Min. Video Edition, Published by Sonnen Productions This is one of the breed grooming videos from Sonnen productions under the guidance of Michael Kemp, a top handler and groomer. — Available from Dogwise.com Show Off Your Dog: Grooming Basics Video by Ena Lane 60 Min. Video Edition Suitable for 54 longhaired breeds, but especially good for parted-coat breeds. Will also show you how to make grooming a pleasant and rewarding experience for you and your dog. Groomer is Ena Lane, breeder and handler, Shih Tzus. — Available from Dogwise.com — For additional books and other gifts, collectibles and merchandise, see the Books & Merchandise section. TOP Training Resources: Toy Breeds—Housebreaking Clicker Training with your Toy Breed Dog Training — For information on training your Shih Tzu, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada. Training Tools & Equipment Choose from a wide variety of items from Dogwise.com TOP Additional Information: 10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog Clubs, Sports & Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on several dog sports and activities as well as listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (Note: For breed specific clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.) Working Dogs — Dedicated to the working dog. This section includes tributes, information on various dog jobs, and listings of organizations from across Canada. Official Book of the Shih Tzu by Jo Ann White Covers the history of the breed in the Orient and its growing popularity in the US and abroad. Covers every aspect of Shih Tzu ownership, from selection of the puppy, characteristics and temperament to care and grooming of both pet and show dog, to showing, judging, breeding, health and much more. Over 260 full color photos. — Available from Dogwise.com CLICK HERE for more Books about the Shih Tzu. Black & White Shih Tzu Figurine Adorn your home or office with this Shih Tzu figurine. The Country Artist dog collection has proved a 'Real Winner' since it was first introduced. To see the look on the face of a dog owner when they lovingly handle a 'Top Dog' creation is testimony itself to the skill and dedication of sculptors like Michael Abberley, Bill Tipton, Paul Szieler and others. The figurine measures 4.25' long X 1.25' wide X 3.75' high. Made of natural materials and resin. CLICK HERE For a great selection of Stationery, Clothing, Housewares, Gifts, Collectibles & More All with a Shih Tzu theme.