Shih Tzu means "lion" in Chinese, referring to the small dog's resemblance to the king of the jungle.
In 1969, the American Kennel Club categorized the Shih Tzu as part of the toy group, identifying it as one of the smallest known dog breeds. The dog's diminutive size makes it a favorite pet for individuals living in apartments and small homes. When considering the purchase of a Shih Tzu, height, weight and proportion are all important size factors.
Height
According to Jaime Sucher's book "Shih Tzu: Everything about purchase, care, nutrition, and behavior," the average height of an adult Shih Tzu falls between 8 and 11 inches. The AKC states that the ideal height of the shih tzu falls between 9 and 10.5 inches. The dog's height is measured from the floor to withers, or the top of its shoulders.
Weight
The average adult Shih Tzu weighs between 9 and 16 pounds. Unlike other breeds where males tend to be larger than females, male and female Shih Tzu dogs do not vary significantly in weight. Regardless of its exact weight, the AKC expects a healthy Shih Tzu to be muscular and sturdy.
Proportion
The proportion of a Shih Tzu's length to height is important for the evaluation of the dog's size. According to the American Kennel Club, "The Shih Tzu must never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty." Ideally, a Shih Tzu's length, measured from the base of the tale to the withers, should be slightly longer than the dog's height at its withers.
Warning
Some untrustworthy breeders attempt to sell undersized Shih Tzu puppies and adults by calling them "teacup" or "imperial" dogs. While it is true the Shih Tzu dogs were once owned by members of the Chinese Imperial Court, Jo Ann White warns in her book "Shih Tzu" that no breeding organization recognizes the existence of "teacup" breeds. An undersized Shih Tzu may be sick, underfed or the product of improper breeding practices.
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