Shih Tzu

Shih-Tzu

A Shih Tzu in full show coat
Other names	Chinese Lion Dog Chrysanthemum Dog
Origin	China
Traits Weight Male 4.99–8.618 kilograms (11.00–19.00 lb) Female 4.53–8.16 kilograms (10.0–18.0 lb) Height Male 23–28 centimetres (9.1–11.0 in) Female 20–25 centimetres (7.9–9.8 in) Coat See Coats section below Color All are permissible Often multiple color coats Gold Dark/Light Brown White Black White Grey Brindle red Blue Litter size 1–8 Life span 10–20 years
Classification / standards FCI Group 9, Section 5 Tibetan breeds #208 standard AKC Toys standard ANKC Group 7 – Non-Sporting standard CKC Group 6 – Non-Sporting standard KC (UK) Utility standard NZKC Non-sporting standard UKC Companion Dog standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

A Shih Tzu (English: /ˈʃiːtsuː/; Chinese: 西施犬; pinyin: xīshī quǎn), also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog, is a toy dog breed, weighing 10–19 pounds (4.5–8.6kg) when fully grown. The exact origins of the breed are unknown, but it is thought to have originated in Tibet and then been developed in China.

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy little dog with a short muzzle and large dark eyes. They have a soft and long double coat. A Shih Tzu should stand no more than 28 cm (11 in.) at the withers and with an ideal weight of 4.5 to 8.6 kg (10 to 19 lbs). Drop ears are covered with long fur, and the heavily furred tail is carried curled over the back. The coat may be of any color, though white and with blazes of grey are frequently seen. The Shih Tzu is slightly longer than tall, and bigger dogs ideally should carry themselves "with distinctly arrogant carriage". A very noticeable feature is the underbite, which is required in the breed standard. The traditional long silky coat, which reaches the floor, requires daily brushing to avoid tangles. Because of their long coat and fast-growing hair, regular grooming is necessary, which may be expensive and should be taken into account when considering adopting one of this breed. Often the coat is clipped short to simplify care. For conformation showing, the coat must be left in its natural state, though trimming for neatness around the feet and anus is allowed. The shorter cut is typically called a "puppy cut" or a "teddy bear cut" when the puppy cut is accompanied by a fuller, rounder face, resembling a stuffed animal.