Breed: Shih Tzu
Utility Group: Small
Height: 8 in - 11 in
Weight: 9 -16 lb (4.5 to 7.3kg)
 Appearance
A small dog with a short muzzle and large eyes, with a long, double coat, the Shih Tzu stands no more than 26.7 cm (10 1/2 ins) or less at the withers and with an ideal weight of 4.5 to 7.3 kg (10 to 16 lbs). Drop ears are covered with long fur, and the heavily furred tail is carried curled over the back. The coat may be of any colour, although a blaze of white on the forehead and tail-tip is frequently seen. The Shih Tzu is slightly longer than tall, and dogs ideally should carry themselves "with distinctly arrogant carriage".
Origin
China during the 1600Æs. The Shih Tzu makes a great companion animal for all types of families. Their personality and size make them perfect for apartments, families living within the city or country, homes with or without yards. The coat is long and thick, and has an undercoat. They do shed. Since their hair is so long, it needs regular brushing attention to keep it free from tangles and knots. A little time spent brushing their coat each day is well worth it. Color: this breed's coat can come in all colors.
Long-lived, the Shih Tzu can live to be 18 years old. Their life span ranges from 10-18 years.
History
Recent DNA analysis confirms that the ancestors of today's Shih Tzu breed are among the most ancient of dog breeds. Ludvic von Schulmuth studied the skeletal remains of dogs found in human settlements as long as ten thousand years ago. Von Schulmuth created a genealogical tree of Tibetan dogs that shows the "Gobi Desert Kitchen Midden Dog", a scavenger, evolved into the "Small Soft-Coated Drop-Eared Hunting Dog" which evolved into the Tibetan Spaniel, Pekingese, and Japanese Chin. Another branch coming down from the "Kitchen Midden Dog" gave rise to the Papillon and Long-haired Chihuahua and yet another "Kitchen Midden Dog" branch to the Pug and Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu was almost completely wiped out (when?), saved by 7 males and 7 females, the ancestors of all Shih Tzus living today.
There are various theories of the origins of today's breed. Theories relate that it stemmed from a cross between Pekingese and a Tibetan dog; that the Chinese court received a pair as a gift during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 CE); and that they were introduced from Tibet to China in the mid-17th century (Qing Dynasty. Dogs during that time were selectively bred and seen in Chinese paintings. The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe (England and Norway) in 1930, and were classified by the Kennel Club as "Apsos". The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were recatagorised as Shih Tzu. The breed spread throughout Europe, and was brought to the United States after World War II, when returning members of the US military brought back dogs from Europe. The Shih Tzu was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1969 in the Toy Group. The breed is now recognised by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world. It is also recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale for international competition in Companion and Toy Dog Group, Section 5, Tibetan breeds.
Training
Early socialization with consistent obedience. Exercise: needs minimal daily exercise. Good with children, but they really should be supervised when playing with them. They are good with pets and other dogs. Hair is long all over this small dog's body. Tail is carried curled above the back, and is covered in long hair. Face has the appearance of having a mustache and a beard upon it. Should live and sleep indoors. The Shih Tzu is a good watchdog - alerting the home of strange noises or people.
Possible health concerns
Thyroid disorders, renal dysplasia, hip and eye problems, von Willebrand's disease.
Article Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shih_Tzu
http://www.puppy.com.my/breed/shihtzu.html
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