Non-Sporting Group - Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu, whose Chinese name means "lion dog," is generally thought to have originated in western China. It resembles a Lhasa Apso except for its shortened face, and could be the result of crossing the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese.

Coat: Long, dense, with a good undercoat.

Color: All colors permissible; white blaze on forehead, and white tip on tail highly desirable in parti-colors.

Features: Broad, round head, wide between the eyes; large, dark, round eyes; large ears with long feathers, carried drooping; body longer between withers and root of tail than height at withers; tail heavily plumed and carried curved well over back.

Size: Height at withers: 9-10'/zin. Weight: 9-18 lb. Requires a good daily grooming using a bristle brush, and the topknot is usually tied with a bow.

Character: This happy, hardy little dog loves children and other animals, and makes a good houscpet suited to town or country.