Shihtzu pups

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The Shih Tzu (traditional Chinese: 獅子狗; simplified Chinese: 狮子狗; pinyin: Shīzi Gǒu; Wade-Giles: Shih-tzu Kou; literally "Lion Dog"), in English pronounced [ˈʃiːtsuː] "shee tsoo"), is a dog breed which originated in China. The name is both singular and plural. The spelling "Shih Tzu", most commonly used for the breed, is according to the Wade-Giles system of romanization. The Shih Tzu is reported to be the oldest and smallest of the Tibetan holy dogs,[citation needed] its vaguely lion-like look being associated with the Snowlion.[citation needed] It is also often known as the "Xi Shi quan" (西施犬), based on the name of Xi Shi, regarded as the most beautiful woman of ancient China.[1]

Description

Appearance
Shih Tzu appearance

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Build: Small and sturdy, with body slightly longer than height at withers
Height: Up to 11 inches (28cm.)
Coat: Abundant double coat of long hair lined with a woolly undercoat
Head: Rounded, with short hairy muzzle and definite stop
Teeth: Level or undershot bite
Eyes: Large, round and wide-set, usually dark
Ears: Pendent
Tail: Heavily plumed, curled over back
Limbs: Short, muscular, straight
Feet: Rounded, firm and well padded
Life span: Median 15 years

The Shih Tzu is characterized by its long, flowing double coat; sturdy build; intelligence; and a friendly, energetic, lively attitude. In breeding all coat colors are allowed.[2] The Shih Tzu's fur can be styled either in a short summer cut, or kept long as is compulsory for conformation shows.

The American Kennel Club (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 Shih Tzu's height at 9 to 10 1/2 inches.[2] [3] 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 for its size range.

Breed variations
The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) defines the Shih Tzu as a dog that weighs between 9 to 16 pounds as the official breed standard. Descriptions like "imperial", "teacup", "tiny teacup" are used, but dogs that fit such descriptions are often an undersized or underdeveloped Shih Tzu. [4] Both the AKC and ASTC consider these variances to not be in conformity with the official breed standard. These tiny variances are also not what was defined as a standard by the professional circuit.