Shih Tzu Country of origin : Tibet
Shih Tzu breed original and today function : Companion dog
These dogs are widely use as family dog or companion dogs

Shih Tzu dog appearance

Shih Tzu dog body
The Shih Tzu has a rectangular build and short, straight, solid legs. The feet are round and firm. The Shih Tzu’s chest is broad and deep, the back is level and the loins are short and powerful. The tail is set high and carried over the back. When viewed from the side, the height of the tail is equal to that of the skull. The nicely arched neck is sufficiently long to carry the head proudly.

Shih Tzu dog head
The head is round and wide between the eys. The muzzle is of ample width, square, flat and not wrinkled. The distance from the nose to the pronounced stop is one inch . The top of the fore-nose should be level with the lower eyelids, or slightly below. Shih Tzu should have large nostrils and a slightly tip-tilted nose. The hair on the nose grows upwards, giving the dog its distinctive ” chrysanthemum-like ” face. The large eyes are dark in color, not prominent and should show no white. The ears are set slightly below th crown of the skull, carried hanging and with large leathers. Dogs of this breed may have either a pincer bite or a slightly undershot bite.

Shih Tzu dog weight and shoulder height
The ideal weight is between 10-16lb (4½-7½kg), although the total breed characteristic of the dog are regarded as more important than size alone.
The maximum shoulder height is 10½ in (26½ cm)

Shih Tzu dog coat and colors
Shih Tzus have a long, dense coat with a good undercoat. The hair should not curl, but a slight wave permitted
All colors are permitted. Part-colored dogs are relatively common. In these markings a white blaze on the forehead and a white tip to the tail are highly desirable in the show-ring.

Shih Tzu dog temperament

Shih Tzu dog character
Shih Tzus are intelligent, even-tempered, friendly and fairly sociable with an outgoing disposition. In spite of their somewhat artificial appearance they are remarkably tough on themselves and not squeamish. They are devoted to their owners and the family and show them great affection, while always retaining a certain degree of independence. This is not the type of dog that slavishly does what it is told and it is not clingy. The Shih Tzu rarely barks, but will certainly use its voice when something is amiss. This dog is very adaptable.

Shih Tzu dog social behavior
Dogs of this breed usually get on well with other household pets, such as cats and rabbits. Their contact with other dogs is generally excellent and they also do well with children. They can be reserved towards strangers and are not friends to all.

Shih Tzu general dog care

The beauty of this dog breed will only become apparent when the coat is groomed to perfection. A Shih Tzu requires a lot of grooming. The coat needs to be thoroughly brushed right down to the skin every day to prevent tangles. The long hair on the head can bother the dog and is normally tied up with a hairband. Check the eyes and clean the ear passage regularly and com the beard and mustache daily. If you do not have the time or the inclination to look after its coat properly, then you would be wise to consider a less labor-intensive breed. Many Shih Tzu owners also have the coat trimmed in a good trimming parlor about every two months. Although this will remove the breed characteristics of the dog. It is always better that having a dog that unkempt and full of tangles. It is extremely difficult to groom the coat of a Shih Tzu to a show condition, but this dog breed is nevertheless a relatively frequent participant in the show ring

Shih Tzu training
The Shih Tzu can be a little obstinate, but with clear and consistent training they can still learn quite a bit. Slavish obedience is not their style and they do not like harsh commands.

Shih Tzu dog exercise
They are happy with an average amount of exercise, but are very adaptable.If you are a keen walker then a Shih Tzu will love to accompany you, but if you are more an indoor type of person it will be equally happy to stay at home. On a warm days the Shih Tzu prefers to spend the day in a quite spot in the shade.

Other Toy dog Group :
Maltese dog
Havanese
Wikipedia Shih Tzu resource :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shih_Tzu