Q&A ӥJiJV\ԣ
expression and the front of the muzzle flat and never turned up. 11. Do you have anything else to share? I know this breed is a great deal of work to keep them in coat for show. I was very impressed with the last issue of the Shih Tzu magazine and all of the pictures of the winners. Keep up the good work, IT IS A GREAT BREED!
WENDY L. PAQUETTE
example 1: no Coat
example 2: Show Coat
1. In order, name the five most important traits you look for in the ring. I look for essential breed type, temperament, broad round head, rectangular balance and proportion, and a high set tea cup tail. 2. How important is grooming? Do you feel that the top knot gone too far? Grooming is a very important element of the Shih Tzu. A clean
example 3: no Coat
example 4: Show Coat
Firstly, owners and handlers have a tendency to race a Shih Tzu around on a very tight lead rather than letting them move at their normal speed. This tends to make them look “strung up” instead of natural. Secondly, it would be exaggerated topknots, which many times are only used to hide faults. 8. What traits do you see popping up these days that are going in the wrong direction? What is getting better? We are losing the proper rectangular proportion as well as the proper spring of rib as defined by the standard. Dogs are becoming very compact! On the other hand coat texture and conditioning has greatly improved. 9. What previously campaigned Havanese come close to your ideal? Please explain. Rather than name dogs, here are photos of two dogs that were extensively shown and were both Specialty winners with multiple titles. These photos really explain them- selves when you can see both dogs in and out of show coat. I find some judges have difficulty seeing through the show coat. 10. How does the breed in North America compare to other parts of the world? The Shih Tzu have come a long way since their recogni- tion in the US. I personally feel that we have lost some of our large round heads and spring of rib. However after judging around the world, I feel that the North American Shih Tzu would be able to compete anywhere. 11. Do you have anything else to share? Judges need to be able to judge around the grooming. Owners and handlers need to reflect on how exaggerated their grooming is and a good judge needs to be able to determine what is excessive.
well-presented dog in excellent condition for its age, is beautiful to admire. Shih Tzu have a double coat that is luxurious to touch and different colors may have a differ- ent feel. Topknots have been discussed quite extensively lately. There are occasions where the Topknot is too extreme which usually means that too much product has been used! Some breeders and handlers are starting to “tone it down” a bit and generally most exhibitors are now agreeing less is better. Personally, as a breeder and a judge I like to be able to see the eyes from across the ring. 3. What head characteristics are most important to breed type? I feel that a large round head, large round dark eyes, warm expression and strong square muzzle with a broad underjaw as defined in the standard are most important. 4. Describe ideal Shih Tzu movement and its impor- tance in judging. Movement should be effortless with the head and tail held high, with good reach and drive and the rear pads should be seen when moving away. 5. Are there any unforgivable faults in the Shih Tzu breed? Temperament, temperament, temperament! 6. What, if anything, do you feel non-breeder judges get wrong about the breed? I think they get fooled by grooming and award pretty faces rather than the more important breed aspects of a correct Shih Tzu as described by the standard. 7. What do handlers do in presentation that you wish they would not?
t4 )08 4 *()5 . "(";*/& 4 &15&.#&3
Powered by FlippingBook