Shih Tzu Attributes
The Shih Tzu is a toy dog breed originating from Tibet. It was bred from the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. Shih Tzus are known for their short snouts and large round eyes, as well as their long coat, floppy ears, and short and stout posture. They are well known for their playful personality and calm and friendly temperament.[2]
Description
The Shih Tzu is a sturdy dog with a small muzzle and normally has large dark brown eyes. The Chinese have described their head shapes as “owl head” and “lion head”, and their mouth as “frog mouths”.[4] They have a soft and long double coat that will tangle and mat easily if not brushed at least every 2 or 3 days. A Shih Tzu should stand no more than 101⁄2” at the withers and with an ideal weight of 9 to 17 lb. Floppy ears are covered with long fur, and the heavily furred tail is carried curled over the back. The coat may be of any color, though white and with blazes of grey are frequently seen. A very noticeable feature is the underbite, which is required in the breed standard.[5]
Because of their long coat and fast-growing hair, regular grooming is necessary, which may be expensive. The traditional long silky coat, which tends to reach the floor, requires daily brushing to avoid tangles. The coat can be clipped short to simplify care, but still requires frequent brushing. For showing, the coat must be left in its natural state, though trimming for neatness around the feet is allowed. The shorter cut is typically called a “puppy cut”[6] or a “teddy bear cut” when the puppy cut is accompanied by a fuller, rounder face, resembling a stuffed animal.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shih_Tzu&oldid=1137328794