Shih Tzu
Last updated April 2025
A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.
From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as unacceptable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.
General appearance
Sturdy, abundantly but not excessively coated dog with distinctly arrogant carriage and 'chrysanthemum-like' face.
Characteristics
Intelligent, active and alert.
Temperament
Friendly and independent.
Head and skull
Head broad, round, wide between 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. Muzzle of ample width, square, short, not wrinkled; flat and hairy. Nose black but dark liver in liver or liver marked dogs and about one inch from tip to definite stop. Nose level or slightly tip-tilted. Top of nose leather should be on a line with or slightly below lower eye rim. Wide-open nostrils. Down-pointed nose highly undesirable, as are pinched nostrils. Pigmentation of muzzle as unbroken as possible.
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.
Mouth
Wide, slightly undershot or level. Lips level.
Neck
Well proportioned, nicely arched. Sufficient length to carry head proudly.
Forequarters
Shoulders well laid back. Legs short and muscular with ample bone, as straight as possible, consistent with broad chest being well let down.
Body
Longer between withers and root of tail than height of withers, well coupled and sturdy, chest broad and deep, shoulders firm, back level.
Hindquarters
Legs short and muscular with ample bone. Straight when viewed from the rear. Thighs well rounded and muscular.
Feet
Rounded, firm and well padded. Well covered with hair.
Tail
Heavily plumed, carried gaily well over back. Set on high. Height approximately level with that of skull to give a balanced outline.
Gait/movement
Arrogant, smooth-flowing, front legs reaching well forward, strong rear action and showing full pad.
Coat
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 except merle, which is unacceptable. White blaze on forehead and white tip to tail highly desirable in parti-colours.
Size
Height at withers not more than 27 cms (10½ ins), type and breed characteristics of the utmost importance and on no account to be sacrificed to size alone. Weight: 4.5-8 kgs (10-18 lbs). Ideal weight 4.5-7.5 kgs (10-16 lbs).
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.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
*Note for prospective puppy buyers
Size – The Kennel Club breed standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the size measurements stated in the breed standard.