All canids and felids worldwide
Planethoster

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu

FCI standard Nº 208
Origin
 Tibet, patronage Great Britain
Group
 Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs
Section
 Section 5 Tibetan breeds
Working
 Without working trial
Acceptance on a definitive basis by the FCI
 Monday 16 December 1957
Publication of the official valid standard
 Tuesday 22 August 2017
Last update
 Monday 09 October 2017
En français, cette race se dit
 Shih Tzu
Diese Norm ist in deutscher Sprache sichtbar
 Shih Tzu
En español, esta raza se dice
 Shih Tzu
In het Nederlands, wordt dit ras gezegd
 Shih Tzu

Usage
Companion Dog.

Brief historical summary
People tend to get confused between the Apso and the Shih Tzu, but there are a number of very distinct differences. 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. It was recognised as a breed separate from other Oriental breeds in 1934 and granted a separate register by the Kennel Club in 1940, with challenge certificates on offer from 1949. 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.

General appearance
Sturdy, abundantly but not excessively coated dog with distinctly arrogant carriage and ‘chrysanthemum-like’ face.

Important proportions
Longer between withers and root of the tail than height at withers.

Behaviour / temperament
Intelligent, active and alert. Friendly and independant.

Head

Cranial region
Head
 Head broad, round, wide between the eyes. Shock-headed with good beard and whiskers, hair growing upwards on the muzzle giving a distinctly ‘chrysanthemum-like’ effect. Not affecting the dog’s ability to see.
Stop
 Definite.

Facial region
Nose
 Black but dark liver in liver or liver marked dogs. Top of nose leather should be on a line with or slightly below lower eye rim. Nose level or slightly tip-tilted. Wide-open nostrils. Down-pointed nose highly undesirable, as are pinched nostrils.
Muzzle
 Of ample width, square, short, not wrinkled; flat and hairy. Length about 2,5 cms from tip to stop. Pigmentation of muzzle as unbroken as possible.
Lips
 Level.
Jaws and teeth
 Wide, slightly undershot or level (pincer bite, edge to edge).
Eyes
 Large, dark, round, placed well apart but not prominent. Warm expression. In liver or liver-marked dogs, lighter eye colour permissible. No white of eye showing.
Ears
 Large, with long leathers, carried drooping. Set slightly below crown of skull, so heavily coated they appear to blend into hair of neck.

Neck
Well proportioned, nicely arched. Sufficient length to carry head proudly.

Body
Back
 Level.
Loin
 Well coupled and sturdy.
Chest
 Broad, deep and well let down.

Tail
Heavily plumed carried gaily well over back. Set on high. Height approximately level with that of skull to give a balanced outline.

Limbs

Forequarters
Shoulders
 Firm, well laid back.
Forearm
 Legs short and muscular with ample bone, as straight as possible, consistent with broad chest being well let down.
Forefeet
 Rounded, firm and well covered with hair.

Hindquarters
Generality
 Legs short and muscular with ample bone. Straight when viewed from the rear.
Upper thigh
 Well rounded and muscular.
Hind feet
 Rounded, firm and well padded. Well covered with hair.

Gait and movement
Arrogant, smooth-flowing, front legs reaching well forward, strong rear action and showing full pad.

Coat
Hair
 Outer coat long, dense, not curly, with moderate undercoat, not woolly. Slight wave permitted. Hair not affecting the dog’s ability to see. Length of coat should not restrict movement. It is strongly recommended that the hair on head is tied up without adornment.
Colour
 All colours permissible, white blaze on forehead and white tip to tail highly desirable in parti-colours.

Size and weight
Height at withers
 Not more than 27 cms.
Type and breed characteristics of the utmost importance and on no account to be sacrificed to size alone.
Weight
 4.5 to 8 kgs. Ideal weight 4.5 - 7.5 kgs

Faults
• Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and its ability to perform its traditional work.
• Faults listed should be in degree of seriousness.

Disqualifying faults
 Aggressive or overly shy.

NB :
• Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
• The above mentioned faults when occurring to a highly marked degree or frequently are disqualifying.
• Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
• Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation should be used for breeding.

Bibliography
http://www.fci.be/
Details
Also available: Français (France) Deutsch (Deutschland) Español (España) Nederlands (nl-NL)
Hits: 232

The latest updated breeds

  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pom-A-Nauze -- German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian X Miniature Schnauzer

    Pom-A-Nauze -- German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian X Miniature Schnauzer

    Pom-A-Nauze He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Germany -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen This breed is also known as Pomanauzer Scheranian Schnauzeranian A brief presentation of the Pom-A-Nauze The Pom-A-Nauze is a hybrid of the Miniature Schnauzer and the German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian. It's an interesting combination of breeds,...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pointollie -- English Pointer X Collie Rough

    Pointollie -- English Pointer X Collie Rough

    Pointollie He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pointollie The Pointollie is a hybrid dog, and most often this refers to a mix between the longhaired Collie and the English Pointer, although some breeders label other mixes with the same name, such as Border...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pointer Bay -- German Shorthaired Pointer X Chesapeake Bay Retriever

    Pointer Bay -- German Shorthaired Pointer X Chesapeake Bay Retriever

    Pointer Bay He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Germany <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pointer Bay The Pointer Bay is a specific cross between two exceptional and well-known hunting dogs, the durable Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the versatile German Shorthaired Pointer. This cross generally...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pocket Pitbull -- American Pit Bull Terrier X Patterdale Terrier

    Pocket Pitbull -- American Pit Bull Terrier X Patterdale Terrier

    Pocket Pitbull He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin U.S.A. <> Great Britain -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen This breed is also known as Pitterdale Miniature Pit Bull PocketPit A brief presentation of the Pocket Pitbull The Pocket Pitbull is a hybrid dog, developed as a smaller version of the American Pit Bull Terrier. This is...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Plush Danois -- Kangal Shepherd Dog X Great Dane

    Plush Danois -- Kangal Shepherd Dog X Great Dane

    Plush Danois He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Turkey <> Germany -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen This breed is also known as Plush Dane A brief presentation of the Plush Danois The Danish Plush is a specific cross between the Kangal Sheepdog and the Great Dane. Both are giant breed dogs, and the Danish Plush will also be a...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Plica -- Basset Hound X Ori Pei

    Plica -- Basset Hound X Ori Pei

    Plica He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Plica The Plica is a mix of a Basset Hound and an Ori Pei, which is a hybrid of a Shar Pei and a Pug. Since all three breeds are loving, obedient dogs, the Plica is an excellent pet for everyone. They love...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pitweiler -- American Pit Bull Terrier X Rottweiler

    Pitweiler -- American Pit Bull Terrier X Rottweiler

    Pitweiler He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin U.S.A. <> Germany -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen This breed is also known as Rottbull Bullrott American Pitweiler RottenPit Rottie Pit Prott A brief presentation of the Pitweiler The Pitweiler is a fairly popular designer dog, a deliberate cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier,...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pit Pei -- American Pit Bull Terrier X Shar Pei

    Pit Pei -- American Pit Bull Terrier X Shar Pei

    Pit Pei He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin U.S.A. <> China -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen This breed is also known as Sharpull Terrier Shar Pei Pitbull Terrier Shar Pit A brief presentation of the Pit Pei The Pit Pei is a new designer dog breed created from a Shar Pei and an American Pit Bull Terrier. These parent breeds are both...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pit Heeler -- American Pit Bull Terrier X Australian Cattle Dog

    Pit Heeler -- American Pit Bull Terrier X Australian Cattle Dog

    Pit Heeler He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin U.S.A. <> Australia -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen This breed is also known as Bull Heeler Blue Pit Cattle Terrier Blue Terrier Bull Pit Heeler Red Pit Cattle Terrier Red Terrier Queensland Pit A brief presentation of the Pit Heeler The Pit Heeler is a modern designer dog breed...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pinweiler -- Miniature Pinscher X Rottweiler

    Pinweiler -- Miniature Pinscher X Rottweiler

    Pinweiler He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Germany -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pinweiler This breed can vary considerably in size because the parent breeds are so different in size. While the Rottweiler is a large dog that can exceed 45 kilos, the Miniature Pinscher is a toy dog and usually...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pin-Tzu -- Miniature Pinscher X Shih Tzu

    Pin-Tzu -- Miniature Pinscher X Shih Tzu

    Pin-Tzu He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Germany <> Tibet -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pin-Tzu The Pin-Tzu is a specific cross between the Miniature Pinscher and the Shih Tzu, both of which are miniature breeds. As a result, your Pin-Tzu will measure around 28 centimeters and weigh less than 7...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pinny-Poo -- Miniature Pinscher X Poodle

    Pinny-Poo -- Miniature Pinscher X Poodle

    Pinny-Poo He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Germany <> France -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pinny-Poo The Pinny-Poo is a specific cross between the Miniature Pinscher and the Poodle, whose size can vary considerably depending on whether the Poodle parent is a toy, miniature or standard. The coat can...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pineranian -- Miniature Pinscher X German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian

    Pineranian -- Miniature Pinscher X German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian

    Pineranian He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Germany -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pineranian The Pineranian is a mixed hybrid of two miniature breeds, the Miniature Pinscher and the German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian. Because they're both toy breeds, the Pineranian will measure around 25.5 centimeters...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Petite Labradoodle -- Labrador Retriever X American Cocker Spaniel X Poodle

    Petite Labradoodle -- Labrador Retriever X American Cocker Spaniel X Poodle

    Petite Labradoodle He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Canada <> U.S.A. <> France -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Petite Labradoodle The Petite Labradoodle is a hybrid of the Labrador Retriever, the American Cocker Spaniel and the Toy or Miniature Poodle. It's a delightful blend of fun, intelligence,...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Petite Goldendoodle -- Golden Retriever X American Cocker Spaniel X Poodle

    Petite Goldendoodle -- Golden Retriever X American Cocker Spaniel X Poodle

    Petite Goldendoodle He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain <> U.S.A. <> France -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Petite Goldendoodle The Petite Goldendoodle is a hybrid mix of three breeds: Golden Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel and Toy or Miniature Poodle. The initial aim of the...
  • Rare breeds
    Penn-Marydel Hound

    Penn-Marydel Hound

    Penn-Marydel Hound He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Penn-Marydel Hound The Penn-Marydel Hound is a variety of American Foxhound developed in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Deleware, from which its name is derived. This breed or strain of dog is a motivated and hardy hunter...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pembroke Sheltie -- Welsh Corgi Pembroke X Shetland Sheepdog

    Pembroke Sheltie -- Welsh Corgi Pembroke X Shetland Sheepdog

    Pembroke Sheltie He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pembroke Sheltie The Pembroke Sheltie is a hybrid of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and the Shetland Sheepdog. This hybrid will make an incredible pet, combining the tenderness and gentleness of the parent...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pembroke Corswiss -- Welsh Corgi Pembroke X Great Swiss Mountain Dog

    Pembroke Corswiss -- Welsh Corgi Pembroke X Great Swiss Mountain Dog

    Pembroke Corswiss He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain <> Switzerland -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pembroke Corswiss The Pembroke Corswiss is a hybrid of the Welsh Corgi Pembroke and the Great Swiss Mountain Dog. This new hybrid has little or no information available on the hybrid...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pembroke Cocker Corgi -- Welsh Corgi Pembroke X American Cocker Spaniel

    Pembroke Cocker Corgi -- Welsh Corgi Pembroke X American Cocker Spaniel

    Pembroke Cocker Corgi He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin Great Britain <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pembroke Cocker Corgi The Pembroke Cocker Corgi is a small hybrid of the American Cocker Spaniel and the Welsh Corgi Pembroke. This breed rarely exceeds 13.5 kilos and measures between 30.5 and...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Peke-Italian -- Pekingese X Little Italian Greyhound

    Peke-Italian -- Pekingese X Little Italian Greyhound

    Peke-Italian He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> Italy -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peke-Italian Although fairly established among hybrid dogs, Peke-Italians are not very popular or recognized by the American Kennel Club. They are a cross between two toy breeds: a Little Italian Greyhound...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Pekehund -- Pekingese X Dachshund

    Pekehund -- Pekingese X Dachshund

    Pekehund He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> Germany -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Pekehund Pekehunds are a cute and curious cross between a Dachshund also known as a “Doxie” and a Pekingese. Many of the strong traits of both parents are balanced in this hybrid, such as energy level. However,...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Peke-A-Tese -- Pekingese X Maltese

    Peke-A-Tese -- Pekingese X Maltese

    Peke-A-Tese He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> Central Mediterranean Basin -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peke-A-Tese The Peke-A-Tese is a fun, confident hybrid descended from two ancient, royal breeds: the Maltese and the Pekingese. It's easy to train and maintain, weighing just 2.5 to 5...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Peke-A-Pin -- Pekingese X Miniature Pinscher

    Peke-A-Pin -- Pekingese X Miniature Pinscher

    Peke-A-Pin He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> Germany -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peke-A-Pin The Peke-A-Pin is a specific cross between a pure-bred Pekingese and a pure-bred Miniature Pinscher. They are small dogs, but full of energy and very sure of themselves. They'll need a firm hand to...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Peke-A-Pap -- Pekingese X Continental Toy Spaniel

    Peke-A-Pap -- Pekingese X Continental Toy Spaniel

    Peke-A-Pap He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> France and Belgium -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peke-A-Pap The Peke-A-Pap is a small designer dog developed by crossing a pure-bred Pekingese and a pure-bred Continental Toy Spaniel. Both parent breeds were bred as companion dogs, but are much...
  • Interesting crossbreeds
    Peke-A-Chon -- Pekingese X Bichon frise

    Peke-A-Chon -- Pekingese X Bichon frise

    Peke-A-Chon He is not recognized by the F.C.I. Origin China <> France / Belgium -> U.S.A. Translation Francis Vandersteen A brief presentation of the Peke-A-Chon The Peke-A-Chon is a specific cross between a pure-bred Pekingese and a pure-bred Bichon frise. They are small, friendly dogs that make excellent pets. If your pet follows the Bichon...