Shih Tzu Standard
~brief historical summary:
Roots of this breed are in Tibet but it was developed in China, where dogs like these lived in the imperial palaces. China became a republic in 1912 after which examples of the breed found their way to the West, though the first recorded importation to Britain was not until 1931.
~General appearance:
Sturdy, abundantly but not excessively coated dog with distinctly arrogant carriage and ‘chrysanthemum-like’ face. The chrysanthemum look to the Shih Tzu’s head is most appealing, and this is caused by the hair growing upwards on the bridge of the nose.
~BEHAVIOUR AND TEMPERAMENT:
Intelligent, active, and alert. Friendly and independent.
~Colors:
Solid Red, Solid Red w/ Black Mask, Red and White
Solid Gold, Solid Gold w/ Black Mask, Gold and White
Solid Black, Black and White
Coat:
All colours permissible, white blaze on forehead and white tip to tail highly desirable in parti-colours.
Nose:
Black but dark liver in liver or liver marked dogs.
~weight:
4.5 to 8 kg.
Ideal weight 4.5 - 7.5 kg