Shih Tzu — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Shih Tzu — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Claims

• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The breed's background is noble Chinese palace-companion ancestry; the FCI records origin as Tibet (China) with Great Britain as patron.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* It is placed in FCI Group 9, the companion and toy dogs, under Section 5 for the Tibetan breeds, shown without a working trial; its listed utilization is Companion Dog.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The ideal height at the withers is 9 to 10½ inches (not under 8 nor over 11), and mature weight is 9 to 16 pounds.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The coat is luxurious, double, dense, long and flowing, with only a slight wave permitted.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* All coat colours are permissible and are judged equally.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The standard states the breed exists solely as a companion and house pet, so its temperament must be outgoing, happy, affectionate, friendly and trusting toward all.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Disqualifying faults are aggressive or overly shy behaviour, and any dog showing clear physical or behavioural abnormality.