Shih Tzu New Champion

photo of: "Pink" New Champion Stacey B's Glitter In The Air wins 4 pt major. shown 9 times, wins with 3 majors at 12 months.

 

Photo of: Turkey Circuit 2011_11_26

Ch Stacey B's Glitter In The Air

"Pink"

4 pt major

Lifelong Immunity

Lifelong Immunity – Why Vets Are Pushing Back

by Dogs Naturally on December 6, 2011 · 13 comments

The duration of immunity for Rabies vaccine, Canine distemper vaccine, Canine Parvovirus vaccine, Feline Panleukopenia vaccine, Feline Rhinotracheitis, feline Calicivirus, have all been demonstrated to be a minimum of 7 years by serology for rabies and challenge studies for all others.
In the Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines: What We Know and What We Don’t Know, Proceedings – Canine Infectious Diseases: From Clinics to Molecular Pathogenesis, Ithaca, NY, 1999, Dr. Ronald Schultz, a veterinary immunologist at the forefront of vaccine research and chair of the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Pathobiological Sciences, outlines the DOI for the following vaccines:

Minimum Duration of Immunity for Canine Vaccines:

Distemper- 7 years by challenge/15 years by serology
Parvovirus – 7 years by challenge/ 7 years by serology
Adenovirus – 7 years by challenge/ 9 years by serology
Canine rabies – 3 years by challenge/ 7 years by serology
Dr. Schultz concludes:  “Vaccines for diseases like distemper and canine parvovirus, once administered to adult animals, provide lifetime immunity.”  “Are we vaccinating too much?” JAVMA, No. 4, August 15, 1995, pg. 421.
Yet vets continue to vaccinate annually.  Dog owners feel that their vets are doing their dogs a great service by vaccinating every three years instead of annually – why do we allow it when these studies were done over thirty years ago and have been replicated time and again by other researchers?
Ian Tizard states:  “With modified live virus vaccines like canine parvovirus, canine distemper and feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis the virus in the vaccine must replicate to stimulate the immune system. In a patient that has been previously immunized, antibodies from the previous vaccine will block the replication of the new vaccinal virus. Antibody titers are not significantly boosted. Memory cell populations are not expanded. The immune status of the patient is not enhanced.
After the second rabies vaccination, re-administration of rabies vaccine does not enhance the immune status of the patient at one or two year intervals.  We do not know the interval at which re-administration of vaccines will enhance the immunity of a significant percentage of the pet population, but it is certainly not at one or two year intervals.
Tizard Ian, Yawei N, Use of serologic testing to assess immune status of companion animals, JAVMA, vol 213, No 1, July 1, 1998.
“The recommendation for annual re-vaccination is a practice that was officially started in 1978.”  says Dr. Schultz.  “This recommendation was made without any scientific validation of the need to booster immunity so frequently. In fact the presence of good humoral antibody levels blocks the anamnestic response to vaccine boosters just as maternal antibody blocks the response in some young animals.”
He adds:  “The patient receives no benefit and may be placed at serious risk when an unnecessary vaccine is given. Few or no scientific studies have demonstrated a need for cats or dogs to be revaccinated. Annual vaccination for diseases caused by CDV, CPV2, FPLP and FeLV has not been shown to provide a level of immunity any different from the immunity in an animal vaccinated and immunized at an early age and challenged years later. We have found that annual revaccination with the vaccines that provide long-term immunity provides no demonstrable benefit.”
Why then, have vets not embraced the concept of lifelong immunity in dogs?
“Profits are what vaccine critics believe is at the root of the profession’s resistance to update its protocols. Without the lure of vaccines, clients might be less inclined to make yearly veterinary visits. Vaccines add up to 14 percent of the average practice’s income, AAHA reports, and veterinarians stand to lose big.  I suspect some are ignoring my work,” says Schultz, who claims some distemper vaccines last as long as 15 years. “Tying vaccinations into the annual visit became prominent in the 1980s and a way of practicing in the 1990s. Now veterinarians don’t want to give it up.”
The report of the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccine Taskforce in JAAHA (39 March/April 2003)3 includes the following information for vets:
‘Misunderstanding, misinformation and the conservative nature of our profession have largely slowed adoption of protocols advocating decreased frequency of vaccination’; ‘Immunological memory provides durations of immunity for core infectious diseases that far exceed the traditional recommendations for annual vaccination.’
‘This is supported by a growing body of veterinary information  as well-developed epidemiological vigilance in human medicine that indicates immunity induced by vaccination is extremely long lasting and, in most cases, lifelong.’
Both the AAHA and the AVMA must do more to “step up to the plate” says noted immunologist, Dr. Richard Ford. But the reality is the vets do not have to listen to the AAHA or the AVMA and it appears the state veterinary medical boards are not interested in enforcing vaccine schedules, opting to leave it up to the individual vet.
Dr. Bob Rogers hired a Chicago based law firm and initiated a class action suit for pet owners who were not given informed consent and full disclosure prior to vaccination administration. His article entitled “The Courage to Embrace the Truth”, states “While attending conferences like WSVMA and NAVMC I have asked over 400 DVMs from various parts of the country if they attended the seminars on New Vaccination Protocols. I was told by all but one, “I don’t care what the data says, I am not changing.” One DVM here on VIN even said “I am not changing until the AVMA makes me change.”
It seems that pet owners are against the wall when it comes to vaccination. The obvious conclusion is that pet owners who are concerned about the long term health of their companion animals must take it upon themselves to research vaccines, duration of immunity and vaccine dangers. At the very least, question every vaccine that goes into your animal – but none of the above information indicates you will get an honest or well-informed answer.
Be your dog’s advocate – protect him with knowledge and by taking a stand against unnecessary vaccination. His life may depend on it!

The breed counts for the 2011 AKC Eukanuba National Championship -

AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

2011 AKC Eukanuba National Championship – Breed Counts |

blog.eukanuba.com

We are so excited to announce the Breed Counts for the 2011 AKC Eukanuba National Championship being held December 17 & 18 in Orlando Florida! #AKCEukShow

Warnings and recalls

WARNING!!!!! FOR ALL DOG LOVERS: It was on Fox news earlier that 70 dogs have died as a result of eating chicken jerky treats made from chicken that has come from China. Kingdom Pets brand from Costco is one of them. Also certain Blue Buffalo brand pet foods have a recall for the same thing. Please re post and make sure all your doggie friends are aware of this.......
I got this from a rescue organization, but have not had a chance to check it thoroughly. Shih Tzu and Yorkie's are small and it happen's even quicker with them...

Breeders~Handlers

In canine-loving households, The National Dog Show Presented by Purina is as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and pumpkin pie. Watch today at noon on NBC!

/

By Michelle Leifer, Vetstreet.com

updated 8:25 a.m. ET Nov. 24, 2011

In canine-loving households, The National Dog Show Presented by Purina is as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and pumpkin pie. For the 10th consecutive year, NBC will air The National Dog Show Presented by Purina immediately following its telecast of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Some 2,000 purebreds from 170 breeds will vie for the coveted Best in Show title at the prestigious event, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. This year, six new American Kennel Club (AKC)-sanctioned breeds make their debut at the event: Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Norwegian Lundehund, Xoloitzcuintli, American English Coonhound, Cesky Terrier and Finnish Lapphund. (Click here for more on the new breeds.)

John O’Hurley of Seinfeld fame and the season one winner of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars will host the show. O’Hurley will be joined by analyst David Frei, the voice of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on the USA Network and one of America’s top authorities on the sport. (Check out their video below on how to watch a dog show.)

According to the AKC, the goal of dog shows is to evaluate breeding stock in order to find the best dogs who can produce the next generation of purebreds. The judges evaluate teeth, muscles, bones and coat texture, as well as view each dog in profile to assess overall balance and see how the features fit together in action. Judges then give awards according to how closely each contender compares to the mental image of the "perfect" dog described in the breed's official standard, including specifications for structure, temperament and movement.

The elite canines must prevail through several levels of competition in order to capture Best in Show. The dogs are initially judged against their own breed, with the first-place winners advancing to compete in one of seven group competitions — Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. Four placements are awarded in each group, but only  first-place winners advance to the Best in Show competition. Last year’s Best in Show winner was a 3-year-old Irish Setter named Clooney (aka GCH. Windntide Mr. Sandman).

NBC’s broadcast of The National Dog Show Presented by Purina airs Thursday, November 24, 2011, from noon to 2 p.m. in all time zones.

More from Vetstreet.com:

Why Does My Dog Lean on Me?
Why Does My Dog Sleep Belly Up?
9/11 Therapy Dog Eli visits The National Dog Show

Also on

Top Ten Thanksgiving Tips for Pets

• Newsletter November 2011

Thanksgiving celebrations have almost arrived once again which means we must take extra care to keep our furry friends safe. With visitors coming and going and all types of foods surrounding the home it is important to keep a close eye on pets to make sure they stay out of trouble and enjoy thanksgiving too. This month's article gives you the top ten thanksgiving tips to make sure you know the do's and don'ts to keep your pet happy during all the festive celebrations!

 

1. Festive treats can harm pets
   Owners need to be aware of the festive treats that their pets are eating. A number of foods that are found on the table at this time of the year can be very dangerous to our pets. Leftover fat and other various fatty foods can cause pancreatitis, a very serious and occasionally fatal disease.
   
    

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2. Bones can be dangerous
   Although bones may seem to be a favorite among pets, it is important to keep turkey and ham bones right away. These bones can splinter and become lodged in an animal’s throat or intestine as well as cause severe constipation.
   
   
    

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3. Nut warning 
   Different forms of nuts have been found to produce muscle weakness and paralysis among pets. Macadamia nuts are found to be the most dangerous. Paralysis tends not to be permanent, with pets usually regaining full use of their legs. If you think that your pet may have eaten any nuts, then it is important to seek veterinary advice immediately.
    

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4. Strictly no alcohol
   Alcoholic drinks are a popular part of the festive season, but it is important to remember to keep them far away from any animals. Dogs and cats are highly susceptible to the poisonous affects of alcohol due to them being much smaller in size than humans.
   
    

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5. Chocolate can kill
   Even the slightest ounce of chocolate can be fatal to a small dog. The substance theobromine found in chocolate, particularly in dark and unsweetened forms, is extremely dangerous to pets. Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures are all the major symptoms of poisoning. In some cases, dogs may not show any signs of poisoning for several hours, with possible death occurring up to twenty-four hours later.

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6. No turkey stuffing
   The chemical thiosulphate can often be found in turkey stuffing, which is made up of onions and garlic. This chemical can cause a pet’s red blood cells to weaken and even rupture.
   
   
    

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7. Pet friendly treats only
   With all the food dangers that your pet may be faced with, it doesn’t mean that they have to miss out on indulging in any special treats altogether. There are many treats on the market such as Aristopet's Healthy Pet Treats that you can give them so they don’t feel left out. These treats are tasty and provide your pets with a reward while also contributing to a healthy balanced diet.
    

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8. Pet safety zones
   When it comes to parties and celebrations it is often a good idea to consider setting up a pet-safe retreat so your pets can relax away from all of the excitement. The retreat could be in a spare room or quiet corner of the house with all of the necessities such as food, water and a few toys to keep them entertained. You should also remember to regularly check on them to ensure that they are not stressed.

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9. Shut doors and gates
   With people coming and going and lots of strangers around, it is very important to check that doors and gates are shut tight. Pets should be supervised or kept on a lead to avoid them escaping. It is also a great time of the year to get your pet micro chipped for extra caution.
   
    

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10. Put rubbish away
    Rubbish and leftovers can be very tempting for pets to eat, but they can also be very dangerous for them. Be sure to dispose of any leftovers and waste to avoid your pet getting hold of anything that might be harmful. It is important to dispose of trash properly and to make sure that garbage cans are secured properly so that curious pets can't get into them or knock them over.   

Dog Treat Kitchen

Making jerky for your dog is not a difficult process. These chicken jerky treats are a perfect example of easy dog treat recipes.

Ingredients:

• Chicken Breast Fillets

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200° F
2. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
3. Rinse off chicken breast and remove any fat.
4. Slice the chicken with the grain. This will help make the jerky even chewier for your dog. The slices should be very thin, about 1/8" to 1/4" thickness.
5. Place the strips on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for approximately 2 hours (see note below).
7. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack until completely cool.
8. Cut strips into bite sized pieces.

Storing: These homemade dog treats may not last long enough to be stored because they are so good. But, just in case they do, store them in the refrigerator for 3 weeks. Freeze any remainder for up to 8 months. Be sure to read our tips on storing homemade dog treats for more information.

Tips & Techniques

• Checking - The baking times will vary due to difference in ovens, temperatures and meat size. Your jerky treats should be firm and dry, not at all soft or spongy. It is safer to go a little extra dry and firm than for the meat to be underdone.
  
• Cutting - Once the treats are cool, it's easier to cut them with kitchen scissors or a pizza cutter, than a regular knife.

There is so much flexibility when making your own chicken jerky dog treats. One of the best options is that you do not need to be restricted to only using chicken. So let's preheat the oven and go for low and slow for these tasty jerky treats.

 http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/chicken-jerky-dog-treats.html

chicken jerky products for dogs

November 18, 2011
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is again cautioning consumers that chicken jerky products for dogs (also sold as chicken tenders, strips or treats) may be associated with illness in dogs. In the last 12 months, FDA has seen an increase in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China. These complaints have been reported to FDA by dog owners and veterinarians.
FDA issued a cautionary warning regarding chicken jerky products to consumers in September 2007 and a Preliminary Animal Health Notification in December of 2008. After seeing the number of complaints received drop off during the latter part of 2009 and most of 2010, the FDA is once again seeing the number of complaints rise to the levels of concern that prompted release of our earlier warnings.
Chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are intended to be fed occasionally in small quantities.
FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for any or all of the following signs that may occur within hours to days of feeding the products: decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption and/or increased urination. If the dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.
FDA, in addition to several animal health diagnostic laboratories in the U.S., is working to determine why these products are associated with illness in dogs. FDA’s Veterinary Laboratory Response Network (VLRN) is now available to support these animal health diagnostic laboratories. To date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. FDA continues extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified a contaminant.
The FDA continues to actively investigate the problem and its origin. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky. Veterinarians and consumers alike should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in their state or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

Coenzyme Q10 for Dogs

A Boost for the Cardio System for All dogs of 7 or younger dogs with heart issues

Coenzyme Q 10 is a compound that is made naturally in the body. The body uses it for cell growth and to protect cells from damage.Studies have shown that Coenzyme Q10 helps the immune system work better and makes the body better able to resist certain infections and types of cancer.
Clinical trials have shown that coenzyme Q10 helps protect the heart.

A Daily Supplement for Superior Health

Dr. Harvey recommends Coenzyme Q10 as a daily supplement for all dogs over 7 years of age.
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant and helps every cell in the body to work better, therefore protecting your dog against heart disease and other degenerative conditions. Each capsule contains 30 mg. of human grade only Coenzyme Q10

AKC PAC~ your Dogs, Your Rights

Dear AKC Club Member:                                                                                             
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has been protecting the interests of purebred dog owners for 126 years.  
Today, as never before, our right to own and breed dogs responsibly is being threatened by the introduction of repressive canine legislation.  This year AKC Government Relations has tracked over 1, 200 bills from across the United States that seek to impact the rights of dog owners and breeders.  In addition to radical ownership limits, breeding restrictions, spay/neuter mandates, and breed-specific restrictions, some proposals have gone so far as to attempt to regulate all owners of multiple dogs as commercial breeders, regardless of breeding practices.  The similarity of these measures from one state to another demonstrates the efforts of a national agenda aimed at taking away our rights to own and breed dogs in a manner consistent with our expertise.
Successfully defending our way of life requires that we all stand up to defend our rights. It also depends on ensuring that lawmakers in office understand our concerns, and are willing to fight for the future of our dogs, our sport, and our way of life.  On behalf of the AKC Political Action Committee (AKC PAC), I’m asking for your assistance.
One of the easiest ways we can defend our rights is by supporting the election of candidates who share our interests. Through the AKC PAC, you have the opportunity to join with other purebred dog owners in support of elected officials and candidates who champion AKC’s positions on responsible dog ownership, breeding, and showing, and who will defend dog sports and responsible breeders during these legislative battles.  One hundred percent of your contributions go directly to supporting the campaigns of candidates who will help protect our rights.*

Click here to join the fight today.

The common bond between all dog fanciers is our love of the purebred dog.  We have shared interests and a shared responsibility to preserve the right to own and breed dogs.  The challenges ahead are daunting, but together with your help, we can ensure that these rights are protected for years to come. 
Sincerely,

Carl C. Ashby, III
Chairman, AKC PAC Board
 
* Although the AKC PAC can only accept donations from individuals, clubs can help too by encouraging their members to donate or by supporting AKC legislation activities.  For more information contact AKCPAC@akc.org or visit www.akc.org/PAC.

Your Dog. Your Rights. Protect Them Both. 

8051 Arco Corporate Drive Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27617-3390  Tel: 919-816-3720 Fax: 919-816-4275 Email: AKCPAC@akc.org

American Kennel Club Canine Legislation Department News Articles

Yorkie puppies stolen - Be on the look out

Puppies Stolen

ANGIE CROUCH and JULIE BRAYTON

Posted:  11/11/2011 11:16 PM

More images >>

  

Home

Three Yorkshire Terrier puppies were stolen Friday from their home in Buena Park.
Someone smashed the living room window at the house of owner Linda Bush, and tore the seven week old dogs away from their nursing mother.
Bush says the thieves left three other adult dogs, but made off with television sets, jewelry, cameras and the pure bred puppies, who are worth up to $2,500 each.
Even more heartbreaking, the thieves stole an eight year old dog named Stacy. The thieves may have thought that she also was a valuable puppy because she weighed just two pounds due to an illness.
"If she's not taken care of properly, I don't think she'll live more than two or three days," according to Bush.
Bush hopes the thieves will at least drop off Stacy in a safe location, and she's pleading with people not to buy any puppies without official paperwork from a breeder.
There is a $2,500 reward. People with information about the burglary are asked to call the Buena Park Police Department at 714-562-3901.

Shih Tzu clean white face

How to Have and Keep a Super White Face (and Remove Existing Stain) On Your Shih Tzu

By Chris Jones

First be sure your food and treats have no added color. Stick to white or pale colored "cookies" and treats. Examples would be Old Mother Hubbard's puppy training biscuits, or IAMs biscuits or Nature's Recipe Lamb and Rice Bones. Better quality foods usually don't have color added. If the stools have a red tinge or if you use canned as a supplement check for a pinkish tinge. If it's there, chances are the food has been colored.

In many areas of the country, water is very hard, has a high iron content or has chemicals that aren't good for you or your little dog. Use bottled water or have a reverse osmosis water purification system installed in your home. (In some areas the water is so hard it is known to contribute to kidney and bladder stone formation in both people and pets. That's the first thing we were told by a local water company when we moved here.)

Be sure to use a quart glass water bottle. (Oasis brand is the best.) This way your dog's face will stay dry. He will always have fresh water, free of crumbs and debris. His face will stay cleaner, too, since he won't get into his food when his face is wet and start to look "muddy."

A stainless steel bowl is best. Shih Tzu, being a "brachycephalic," or short faced breed, prefer shallow bowls. Stainless steel is bacteriostatic, it doesn't chip or crack and is easy to keep clean. Some plastics are known to discolor faces. Plastic absorbs odors. Food or water left in plastic containers may have an unpleasant odor, undetected by humans but quiet obvious to dogs who have a much more developed sense of smell.

Some folks like to add a little cider vinegar to the water or even lemon juice. We found that our dogs didn't seem to drink as well. Adding about 100-200 mg. a day of vitamin C daily won't hurt, if you'd like to do that. Some vets say it works, others say it doesn't. A naturopathic vet recommended that I try a zinc supplement for face stain.

If tear ducts are blocked, often tears will spill over and possibly stain the face. Take your thumb and forefinger and gently massage the bridge of the puppy's nose up on the sides under his eyes. Most dogs like this. At first do it once or twice daily for a week or two then just once or twice a week. You may be surprised after a while when the hair starts to grow back in white.

Sometimes an eye inflammation contributes to the eye stain. It is probably "conjunctivitis." You can have your vet check to be sure. You can order or ask your vet for Tetracycline ointment, commonly called "Terramycin." Some folks like to use oral tetracycline. I am afraid we don't recommend it. Ask your vet. We would only recommend this as a last resort. Tetracycline can cause seriously upset stomachs and has to be eliminated through the kidneys. It is best to save an antibiotic for when it is really needed. And then always use enzymes and friendly bacteria to reseed the intestinal tract.

Some people use powders or corn starch under the eyes and on the moustache. Corn starch is fine, talc is not advised. Some dogs will tear and react to powders of any sort coming near their eyes. So use your own judgment here. When we use powder, we use a cosmetic "blusher applicator" brush. Some people use a baby toothbrush or use their fingers to work the cornstarch in. A plastic bottle with a pointed snipped tip is okay, too. You may add 1-2 Tbsps to 1/2 cup of boric acid powder to your cornstarch. Do not use boric acid if there is a chance of another dog chewing on the face hair. Don't get into the mouth. It is caustic to the stomach. The boric acid will help dry, whiten and kill germs on the face hair.

NOTE: You may also want to try adding about ¼ teaspoon of powdered buttermilk to your Shih Tzu’s food daily. This seems to change the chemical composition of the tears and help reduce staining. The powder (available in many supermarkets) must be refrigerated once it is opened but keeps for a long time.

We do not recommend using hydrogen peroxide or other bleach solutions, as they can injure the eyes. In addition, bleach makes the hair more porous and therefore more likely to restain and become brittle.

This article was reprinted with permission of the author and The Shih Tzu Reporter

AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Shih Tzu

A compact and solid dog, the Shih Tzu’s long, flowing double coat is its most distinctive feature. The word Shih Tzu means "lion" and although this dog is sweet and playful, he is not afraid to stand up for himself! One of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC® Registration Statistics, this portable pooch has a distinctively arrogant carriage with his head well up and tail curved over the back. All colors of Shih Tzu are allowed.
A Look Back
Cherished by Chinese royals as prized house pets for over a thousand years, it is believed to have descended from crossing the Lhasa Apso or Tibetan mountain dog and Pekingese. The Shih Tzu was the house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty and was discovered by soldiers in England during World War II.

Right Breed for You?
As the sole purpose of the Shih Tzu is companion and house pet, he should be lively, alert, friendly and trusting towards all. He requires minimal exercise, but his long, luxurious coat needs daily brushing and maintenance.
If you are considering purchasing a Shih Tzu puppy, learn more here.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1969.
• Ranging in size from 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and 9 to 16 pounds.
• Companion, house pet.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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Shih Tzu Breed Standard

Toy Group

General Appearance
The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with long flowing double coat. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. Although there has always been considerable size variation, the Shih Tzu must be compact, solid, carrying good weight and substance.
Even though a toy dog, the Shih Tzu must be subject to the same requirements of soundness and structure prescribed for all breeds, and any deviation from the ideal described in the standard should be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Shih Tzu as in any other breed, regardless of whether or not such faults are specifically mentioned in the standard.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size - Ideally, height at withers is 9 to 10½ inches; but, not less than 8 inches nor more than 11 inches. Ideally, weight of mature dogs, 9 to 16 pounds. Proportion - Length between withers and root of tail is slightly longer than height at withers. The Shih Tzu must never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty. Substance - Regardless of size, the Shih Tzu is always compact, solid and carries good weight and substance.
Head
Head - Round, broad, wide between eyes, its size in balance with the overall size of dog being neither too large nor too small. Fault: Narrow head, close-set eyes. Expression - Warm, sweet, wide-eyed, friendly and trusting. An overall well-balanced and pleasant expression supersedes the importance of individual parts. Care should be taken to look and examine well beyond the hair to determine if what is seen is the actual head and expression rather than an image created by grooming technique. Eyes - Large, round, not prominent, placed well apart, looking straight ahead. Very dark. Lighter on liver pigmented dogs and blue pigmented dogs. Fault: Small, close-set or light eyes; excessive eye white. Ears - Large, set slightly below crown of skull; heavily coated. Skull - Domed. Stop - There is a definite stop. Muzzle - Square, short, unwrinkled, with good cushioning, set no lower than bottom eye rim; never downturned. Ideally, no longer than 1 inch from tip of nose to stop, although length may vary slightly in relation to overall size of dog. Front of muzzle should be flat; lower lip and chin not protruding and definitely never receding. Fault: Snipiness, lack of definite stop. Nose - Nostrils are broad, wide, and open. Pigmentation - Nose, lips, eye rims are black on all colors, except liver on liver pigmented dogs and blue on blue pigmented dogs. Fault: Pink on nose, lips, or eye rims. Bite - Undershot. Jaw is broad and wide. A missing tooth or slightly misaligned teeth should not be too severely penalized. Teeth and tongue should not show when mouth is closed. Fault: Overshot bite.
Neck, Topline, Body
Of utmost importance is an overall well-balanced dog with no exaggerated features. Neck - Well set-on flowing smoothly into shoulders; of sufficient length to permit natural high head carriage and in balance with height and length of dog. Topline - Level. Body -Short-coupled and sturdy with no waist or tuck-up. The Shih Tzu is slightly longer than tall. Fault: Legginess. Chest -Broad and deep with good spring-of-rib, however, not barrel-chested. Depth of ribcage should extend to just below elbow. Distance from elbow to withers is a little greater than from elbow to ground. Croup - Flat. Tail - Set on high, heavily plumed, carried in curve well over back. Too loose, too tight, too flat, or too low set a tail is undesirable and should be penalized to extent of deviation.
Forequarters
Shoulders - Well-angulated, well laid-back, well laid-in, fitting smoothly into body. Legs - Straight, well-boned, muscular, set well-apart and under chest, with elbows set close to body. Pasterns - Strong, perpendicular. Dewclaws - May be removed. Feet - Firm, well-padded, point straight ahead.
Hindquarters
Angulation of hindquarters should be in balance with forequarters. Legs - Well-boned, muscular, and straight when viewed from rear with well-bent stifles, not close set but in line with forequarters. Hocks - Well let down, perpendicular. Fault: Hyperextension of hocks. Dewclaws - May be removed. Feet - Firm, well-padded, point straight ahead.
Coat
Coat - Luxurious, double-coated, dense, long, and flowing. Slight wave permissible. Hair on top of head is tied up. Fault: Sparse coat, single coat, curly coat. Trimming - Feet, bottom of coat, and anus may be done for neatness and to facilitate movement. Fault: Excessive trimming.
Color and Markings
All are permissible and to be considered equally.
Gait
The Shih Tzu moves straight and must be shown at its own natural speed, neither raced nor strung-up, to evaluate its smooth, flowing, effortless movement with good front reach and equally strong rear drive, level topline, naturally high head carriage, and tail carried in gentle curve over back.
Temperament
As the sole purpose of the Shih Tzu is that of a companion and house pet, it is essential that its temperament be outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting towards all.
Approved May 9, 1989
Effective June 29, 1989
Shih Tzu Links