Akc Shih Tzu: A Comprehensive Guide to the Breed

The Akc Shih Tzu is a beloved breed that has captured the hearts of many dog owners. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.

Their small size, weighing between 9-16 pounds, makes them a great companion for apartment dwellers. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long coats.

Their friendly nature means they get along well with children and other pets, making them an excellent choice for families.

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The Shih Tzu breed has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. Its ancestry dates back to ancient China, where short, square dogs existed as far back as 1000 B.C.

These early dogs were likely the ancestors of the Shih Tzu, and their descendants were highly valued by Chinese royalty for their loyalty and affectionate nature.

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The Shih Tzu's head is its most distinctive feature, with a large, round shape and a strong underjaw. A good head should have a broad muzzle and a nose leather that's large and black with wide open nostrils.

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The eyes are large and dark, set wide apart with the bridge of the nose no lower than the bottom of the eye sockets. There should be as little eye white as possible, although a small amount of white in the inside corner of the eye is acceptable. An eye totally ringed in white, however, is completely unacceptable.

The Shih Tzu's underbite is a required characteristic in the breed standard, and its jaw is broad and strong. A broad, strong under-jaw is key to the essence of head type in the breed.

The Shih Tzu's body is compact, solid, and carries good weight and substance. It's not just about size, but about the quality of the bone, substance, and spring of rib.

The Shih Tzu's head is truly the hallmark of the breed. It should be large in proportion to the body, with good "doming" above the eyes and between the ears.

Their head should be round when viewed from the front or from the side, with a broad and square muzzle from the front and perpendicular when viewed from the side. The nostrils should be wide open, and the teeth, ideally, are straight.

A Shih Tzu's eyes are large and as dark as possible, set wide apart with the bridge of the nose no lower than the bottom of the eye sockets, with as little eye white as possible. Don't discard a good specimen because of a small amount of white in the inside corner of the eye.

Their nose leather should be large and black, with wide open nostrils. If you must choose between a "down faced" nose or one placed too high, choose the latter.

Shih Tzus have a broad lower jaw with reverse scissors bite. Most mouths today are proper, but you may encounter a little out of alignment teeth or a missing tooth - the standard allows for this.

Their coat comes in many colors, including black & white, brindle, gold & white, gold brindle, and solid black.

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The Shih Tzu's body is a key aspect of their overall appearance and is often judged in competitions.

The breed standard states that the Shih Tzu should have good bone, good substance, and good spring of rib. This means they should have a sturdy build and a well-defined ribcage.

In fact, the standard says "Regardless of size, the Shih Tzu is always compact, solid and carries good weight and substance." This emphasizes the importance of substance over size.

The Shih Tzu's weight typically ranges from 9 to 16 pounds, with breeders often aiming for males to be around 12 to 14 pounds and females to be around 11 to 13 pounds.

Don't be fooled by a dog's coat - a huge coat can sometimes mask a lack of substance. It's essential to examine the dog physically to determine their true size and build.

The Shih Tzu's forelegs should be straight, although perfectly straight legs are rare in the breed.

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Shih Tzus are prone to a variety of health issues, some of which are hereditary.

Their large eyes make them susceptible to eye problems, which can occur at any age and worsen with age.

Eye irritations are common and can be treated with eye drops, but if left untreated, cataracts can develop and even lead to blindness.

Shih Tzus are also prone to excessive tear production, which can cause unsightly tear stains around their eyes.

Ear infections are another common issue for Shih Tzus, caused by their long coat and hair growth in their ears.

If their ears aren't regularly cleaned and plucked, ear infections will reoccur and potentially lead to more serious health problems.

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A Shih Tzu's grooming needs are relatively low maintenance, but they do require regular attention to prevent matting and tangling of their long, flowing coats.

Their coats should be brushed daily to prevent matting and tangling, and they should be bathed every 2-3 weeks to keep them clean.

Their eyes and face should be cleaned daily to prevent tear staining and wrinkles from getting dirty.

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Grooming is a crucial part of a pet's overall health and well-being. Regular grooming can help prevent matting and tangling of their fur, which can be painful and even lead to skin infections.

Brushing your pet's coat daily can help reduce shedding and prevent hairballs. It's especially important for long-haired breeds, which can easily get matted and knotted.

Nail trimming is another essential aspect of grooming. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and even lead to health problems, such as arthritis.

Bathing your pet regularly is also vital. However, over-bathing can strip their coat of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

Cleaning your pet's ears regularly can help prevent infections and wax buildup. Use a gentle ear cleaner and cotton balls to avoid pushing debris further into their ear canal.

Regular grooming sessions can also help strengthen the bond between you and your pet. It's a great way to spend quality time together and show your pet love and affection.

The Shih Tzu's coat is one of its most distinctive features. It's a long, luxurious double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

The texture of the coat is an important aspect of its overall appearance. To determine the texture, simply feel the coat between your fingers. This will give you a good idea of whether the coat is soft and silky or rough and coarse.

The Shih Tzu comes in a variety of colors, including black & white, brindle, and solid gold. These colors are recognized by The Royal Kennel Club. The following colors are also recognized within the breed, although they're not part of the standard: blue, cream, lilac, and white.

The coat's texture and length are also important factors to consider when judging a Shih Tzu. The tail should be set on high, arching well over the back, and not carried tightly over the side of the dog or lying flat on the back.