GENERAL APPEARANCE

Shih Tzu is small dog with a short muzzle and large eyes, with a long, double coat, the Shih Tzu stands no more than 26.7 cm (10 1/2 ins) or less at the withers and with an ideal weight of 4.5 to 7.3 kg (10 to 16 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 colour, although a blaze of white on the forehead and tail-tip is frequently seen. The Shih Tzu is slightly longer than tall, and dogs ideally should carry themselves "with distinctly arrogant carriage".

The traditional long silky coat that reaches the floor requires daily brushing to avoid tangles. Although the long coat is beautiful, often the coat is clipped short to simplify care, in a "puppy clip". For conformation showing, the coat must be left in its natural state, although trimming for neatness around the feet and anus is allowed. Because Shih Tzu noses are small and flat, owners often wipe the dog's face with a damp paper towel to remove food remnants after the dog has eaten a meal. Shih Tzu may be trained to drink out of a water bottle. The water bottle keeps the face clean and dry preventing unsightly red yeast from growing on the Shih Tzu beard and moustache. Owners often tie strands of hair from the shih tzu's head into a pony tail that sticks up.

Shish Tzu - Dog Lover