SHIH TZU: Q&A on the Breed
ANN D. HEARN 1. In order, name the five most important traits you look for in the ring. 1. Admittedly, I am a face freak. 2. It must have a pleasing
there are other ‘wanna-bes’ in the ring also—don’t get obstreperous! 8. What traits do you see popping up these days that are going in the wrong direction? What is getting better? Just remember, this is a TOY breed. Any bigger and we’ll put you in Non Sporting! I do think breed type is nailed and it’s due to the intense breeding practices of you faithful Shih Tzu breeders and lovers. 9. What previously campaigned Havanese come close to your ideal? Please explain. There have been quite a few that have appealed to me and I keep looking for that type of dog. When I find it—it generally wins. 10. How does the breed in North America compare to other parts of the world? For pity’s sake—the US has the best! What more can I say! They have the best bone and are not fragile. They have the cutest attitudes. They’re great! 11. Do you have anything else to share? Keep up the diligent attitude you have exhibited in the past 10 to 12 years. I’m proud of all of you! KATHLEEN B. KOLBERT
expression, well spaced eyes and proper muzzle; nose, eye, dome of head proportions. 3. A level topline is so pleasing to the eye. 4. Clean, smooth, proper texture
coat and it doesn’t need to drag the floor. 5. The tail is the finishing touch of balance to the whole body. Let’s you know it’s a happy exhibitor! 2. How important is grooming? Do you feel that the top knot gone too far? Shih Tzu topknots are beginning to make the Poodles look like yesterday’s news! They’re a bit much. They defi- nitely don’t need to be so tall--unless you’re trying to hide something. Never think you can fool a judge that’s been to many rodeos! 3. What head characteristics are most important to breed type? As mentioned previously, the eyes just have to be proper- ly spaced, large and NOT bulging. The balance of mouth, nose and eyes is the total essence of the breed. 4. Describe ideal Shih Tzu movement and its impor- tance in judging. Well, if they want to be able to get to their food bowl, they jolly well ought to be able to move out smartly. I like a pretty side gait with equal reach and drive. Many Shih Tzu’s seem to have that. 5. Are there any unforgivable faults in the Shih Tzu breed? UNCLEAN, ungroomed dogs! Why is the world would anyone bring in that type of dog—just for points for some other dog? Have more pride than that, please. 6. What, if anything, do you feel non-breeder judges get wrong about the breed? Length of body/loin. This is not a Lhasa. 7. What do handlers do in presentation that you wish they would not? How in the world can I criticize handlers who stand at a grooming table hour after hour and day after day trying to make their dog be so appealing it will win. However,
1. In order, name the five most important traits you look for in the ring. 1. OUTLINE: I want to see a sturdy, lively, alert, toy dog with a long flow- ing double coat walk into the ring. (not carried in). With a distinctively arrogant carriage, head held high and tail over its back. 2. BALANCE: The Shih Tzu balance is of particular importance, whether
the exhibit is nine to sixteen pounds. Per the Standard and by eye measurement proper balance is noted here. BODY LENGTH: The forward point of the brisket to the after tip of the pelvis. BODY HEIGHT: Top of the withers to the ground. BACK: The five vertebrae between the withers and the loin, (ninth and thirteenth vertebrae inclusive)
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