Shih Tzu Standard # 2

A black and white Shih Tzu.

The AKC Shih Tzu breed standard calls for the dog to have a short snout, large eyes, and a palm-like tail that waves above its torso. The ideal Standard Shih Tzu height at withers is 9 to 10 1/2 inches. The dog should stand no less than 8 inches and not more than 11 inches tall. The Shih Tzu should never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty. Regardless of size or gender, the Shih Tzu should always be solid and compact, and carry good weight and substance.
The Imperial Shih Tzu Club calls for the Imperial to stay under 9 pounds and are highly desired because of this weight variation. The Imperial Shih Tzu was the parent of the Shih tzu and cherished by Royalty and most pet owners today because of the ease of caring them and are called the portable Imperial Shih Tzu.
James E. Mumford described the breed in an American Shih Tzu magazine, giving a picture of the versatile character of the Shih Tzu: "Nobody knows how the Ancient Eunuchs managed to mix together…And now here comes the recipe: A dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces of domestic cat, one part court jester, a dash of ballerina, a pinch of old man (Chinese), a bit of beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one part baby seal, a dash of teddy bear and the rest dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin."
Although generally outgoing and friendly, the Shih Tzu definitely has an attitude that cries to be spoiled. However, poorly bred dogs of the breed can be excitable, noisy, and snappy. Shih Tzus will almost literally do anything for food and look for any kind of chance to eat something other than just dog food. Though Shih Tzu are generally good with children, they become easily jealous of babies and toddlers. Poorly bred ones may snap if bothered by rambunctious children. Well-bred Shih Tzu are, as the Breed Standard calls for, affectionate to all people and should never show aggression to people or children. Because they are small, they can be injured by small children, and therefore are better suited for older children, particularly those who enjoy combing his hair.
Shih Tzus are intelligent, and can be trained for obedience competitions and for good manners around the home. They can be stubborn, so persistence and consistency are definite pluses in training methods. Punishment makes this dog shut down, so training should also be low-key and motivational.

Health
The Shih Tzu or lion dog is a long lived and fairly healthy breed, but there are a few health conditions that are known to affect the dog. Health issues include entropion, portacaval shunt, renal dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), patellar luxation, and trichiasis. Shih Tzus typically live between 11 and 14 years.