The Shih Tzu descends from the Tibetan temple dogs which were bred over 2000 years ago. Tibetan rulers often presented Chinese rulers with these "tribute gift dogs" and once in China, the dogs, which resembled the Lhasa Apso, were most likely crossed with the Pekingese. For this reason, many people mistakenly assume that the Shih Tzu, meaning "lion dog," is Chinese in origin. The dogs lived luxurious lives behind palace walls and remained unknown until after China became a republic in 1912. This elegant little dog makes a well-mannered pet and quite enjoys apartment or city life as long as he is taken for occasional walks.
Temperament
This breed especially enjoys people and is a lively, alert, and active little dog. Although small, he carries himself with a great deal of pride and confidence. This affectionate breed is good with people and considered a family dog.
Upkeep
Despite its small size, the Shih Tzu needs daily exercise. Because of its small size, it can meet its requirements with vigorous indoor games or short frolics outside or with short walks on leash. It does not do well in hot humid weather, and it should never be expected to live outdoors. Its luxurious coat needs brushing or combing every other day; puppies should be taught to accept grooming from a young age. With pets, I strongly advise my puppy owners to have their dogs clipped down quite short. It is much easier to maintain the coat, and makes the grooming sessions much more pleasant for all. Their hair keeps on growing, so to keep it in a 'puppy clip' (about 1 1/2 ins long) is a great length to be able to work with. It would need to be clipped down approx every 6 to 8 weeks, and a proffessional Groomer is used to working with these cute little fur babies.
NZKC Breed Standards , Back
GENERAL APPEARANCE
Very active, lively and alert with a distinctly arrogant carriage. The Shih Tzu is neither a terrier nor a toy dog.
Head and Skull
Head broad and round, wide between the eyes. Shock-headed with hair falling well
Over the eyes. Good beard and whiskers, the hair growing upwards on the nose gives a distinctly chrysanthemum-like effect. Muzzle square and short, but not wrinkled like a Pekingese, flat and hairy. Nose black for preference, and about 2.5
cm from tip to stop.
Eyes
Large, dark and round but not prominent.
Ears
Large, with long leathers, and carried drooping. Set slightly below the crown of the skull, so heavily coated that they appear to blend with the hair of the neck.
Mouth
Level or slightly underhung.
Forequarters
Legs short and muscular with ample bone. The legs should look massive on account of the wealth of hair.
Body
Body between withers and root of tail should be longer than height at withers, well coupled and sturdy, chest broad and deep, shoulders firm, back level.
Hindquarters
Legs short and muscular with ample bone. They should look straight when viewed from the rear. Thighs well-rounded and muscular. Legs should look massive on account of the wealth of hair.
Feet
Firm and well padded. They should look big on account of the wealth of hair.
Tail
Heavily plumed and curled well over the back, carried gaily, set on high.
Coat
Long and dense, but not curly, with good undercoat.
Colour
All colours permissible, but a white blaze on the forehead and a white tip on the tail are highly prized. Dogs with liver markings may have dark liver noses and slightly lighter eyes. Pigmentation on muzzle as broken as possible.
Weight and Size
4.5 to 8.2 kg (10-18lb) Ideal weight 4.5 to 7.3 kg (10-16lb) Height at withers not more than 26.7 cm (10.5 in) type and breed characteristics of the utmost importance and on no account to be sacrificed to size alone.
Faults
Narrow heads, pig-jaws, snipyness, pale pink noses and eye-rims, small or light eyes, legginess, sparse coats.
Note
Males must have two apparently normal testicles fully decended into the scrotum.
Shih Tzu History , Back