SHIH TZU

Shih tzu. Tibetan dog breed developed from the Pekingese and the Lhasa apso. Listed in the toy group by the American Kennel Club, the Shih tzu, called in Chinese Shih-tzu kou (lion dog), is a long-haired, characteristically active and alert little dog standing about 10 inches (26 cm) and weighing 18 pounds (8 kg) or less. It is longer than it is tall, sturdily built and short-legged, with a short muzzle, hanging ears, and a heavily haired tail carried over its back. Its dense coat, which may be a variety of colours, falls over its eyes and forms a beard and whiskers on the face. See the Table of Selected Breeds of Toy Dogs for further information.