Description: The name "Shih Tzu" means lion dog in Chinese, and they received the name because of their long, flowing mane-like coat. The lion is highly regarded in Buddhist culture, and therefore the Shih Tzu made its way into palaces and royalty's lap in the older days of China. The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, toy dog with a long flowing double coat. The topknot on the head is usually held up with a bow, and they have dark round eyes with a pleasing expression. Shih Tzus can be of any color and any pattern, but a white blaze and a white tail is much desired. They somewhat resemble Ewoks from the movie Star Wars. The actual Japanese standard for this breed states that this breed should have, "lion head, bear torso, camel hoof, feather-duster tail, palm-leaf ear, rice teeth, pearly petal tongue, and a movement like a goldfish." Shih Tzus have a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. They may display an arrogant personality, but are actually playful and gentle. They are quite friendly, more so than their cousins, the Lhasa Apso. They are not as wary of strangers, and get along well with everyone. Shih Tzus adapt well to any family situation and will enjoy a cuddle in your lap, doing tricks, or fetching a tennis ball. Shih Tzus are an intelligent dog who will make a good family addition. Despite their small size the Shih Tzu is a confident and dignified breed.

Other Names: Chrysanthemum-Faced Dog, Foo Dog

Type: Companion Dog

Height: 8 - 11 inches.
Weight: 8 - 19 lbs. Between 8 and 16 lbs. is most desirable.

Colors: Shih Tzus come inall colors and all patterns.
Coat: Long, dense, straight and with a good undercoat. It appears harsher than it feels.

Temperament: Shih Tzus are gentle, loyal, and proud. They appear arrogant, but are very friendly and affectionate. They love to play ball and will chase anything you throw for them. Shih Tzus are trusting, companionable, and get along with everyone, generally. They are lively, alert and energetic outside. They are very people oriented, vivacious and athletic. The Shih Tzu makes a very pleasing companion and will be obedient if trained.
With Children: Yes, they love children.
With Pets: Yes, the Shih Tzu gets along well with other animals.
Special Skills: Family pet

Watch-dog: Very High. They are rather alert.
Guard-dog: Very Low. Although alert, Shih Tzus remain quite friendly, even to strangers.

Care and Exercise: Daily grooming is essential for the Shih Tzu. Bathing needs to be done once a month. This breed also needs a clipping of the matting on the feet. They should be brushed daily in order to remove and prevent mats from forming in the fur.  Minimal exercise is needed, but they will love to play outdoors.
Training: Shih Tzus may be obstinate but patience and consistency will help over come the problem and achieve a reasonable level of training. Puppies need basic training when they are young. They should turn out to be a moderately obedient pet if trained.
Learning Rate: High. Obedience - Medium. Problem Solving - Low.

Activity: Indoors - High. Outdoors - Low.
Special Needs: Attention and grooming.
Living Environment: An apartment is adequate provided they receive some type of exercise. An owner of a Shih Tzu should be a consistent leader who desires an active, curious breed. They are very adaptable, but the best owner for this breed would be an attentive owner living in an apartment or suburban home.

Health Issues: Kidney disorder, allergies, cleft palate, eye problems, renal disease, and von Willebrand's disease.

Life Span: 10 - 14 years.
Litter Size: 2 - 4 puppies.

Country of Origin: Tibet
History: Shih Tzus may have originated from a cross between the Tibetan Mountain Dog, Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. They were a favored dog of the Emperor and have been portrayed in Chinese paintings and artwork for centuries. Thought to have been around since possibly the 7th century, the Shih Tzu was probably descends from a Lhasa type dog that came from Tibet, which then mixed with the Pekignese or Tibetan Mountain Dog. All are similar in appearance and attitude, although the Shih Tzu is more people oriented and less suspicious than the Lhasa Apso. Shih Tzus lived a life of luxury in the palaces of royal Emperors and the Dalai Lama. They were bred as pets and companions, and commonly kept as so. They were called "Lion Dogs" by the Chinese, in which the lion was a powerful symbol of honor and strength. Chine became a republic in 1912, and afterward a few of these animals made their way to Britain and other countries. After this the communist takeover of China resulted in almost all dogs being eliminated from the mainland, in which the Shih Tzu was fortunate enough to have made its way to other countries ahead of time. They were first imported to England in the 1930s. Then after World War II they made their way to the United States via military officers traveling home. The breed entered North America in the 1960s, and it wasn't until 1969 that the AKC recognized the breed. One Shih Tzu, on its first entry into a dog show, obtained Best in Show in the ring on its first try. The breed today has become a popular in many countries.

First Registered by the AKC: 1969
AKC Group: Toy Group
Class: Toy
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 9), KC(GB), UK

 

Description: The Yorkshire Terrier is a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of the body. They are a small and well-balanced breed, having square proportions. They have naturally erect ears, a black nose, and a flat and small skull. The puppies of Yorkshire Terriers are born black and tan, but soon gain more adult colors as they get older. Newborn Yorkshire Terriers are born black in color with tan on the eyebrow, jaws, chest and feet. They are fully mature in two years. The Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) is one of the world's smallest dogs and should not exceed 7 lbs in weight. Yorkshire Terriers may be tiny but they are a big-dog in a little-dog package. The Yorkie is an intelligent and confident pet. They are spirited and spunky, affectionate and lively. Although small, they are still terriers! They can be scrappy, courageous and assertive. They get along with everyone, but they may get nippy if not trained or socialized correctly. Yorkshire Terriers are compact in size, sweet in nature and cheerful in character.

Other Names: Yorkie

Type: Companion Dog

Height: 6 - 9 inches.
Weight: 3 - 7 lbs. They should not exceed 7 lbs.

Colors: Dark steel blue from back of head to root of their tail. Face, chest and feet are bright tan.
Coat: Glossy, fine and silky.

Temperament: Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent, confident, and affectionate. Lively and spirited, the Yorkshire Terrier is no wimp. They do sound the alarm if the need be, and though small can be hardy. They are brave and self-assured, and posses the typical terrier attitude. They are devoted, assertive, and courageous. They can be demanding and/or nippy if they are not correctly socialized or trained, and should be kept from children if this is the case.
With Children: Yes, does best with an only child and no roughhousing or hectic activity.
With Pets: Yes, they should be even tempered and co-exist peacefully with other breeds.
Special Skills: Rat catcher and family pet.

Watch-dog: Very High.
Guard-dog: Low.

Care and Training: Frequent daily brushing will keep the coat of the Yorkie in beautiful condition. They need consistent grooming. Yorkshire Terriers do best when some type of exercise is given, though it need not be special. A romp through an apartment or house will suffice. Extra care must be taken for the Yorkshire Terrier in cold or bad weather. 
Learning Rate: High. Yorkies are easily trained but be careful not to spoil them, they can become demanding and nippy. Obedience - medium to low. Problem Solving - High.

Activity: Very High. This little breed has a lot of energy to use, and fortunately a small amount of room is needed for this.
Special Needs: Dental care, grooming, socialization, supervision with children and large animals, and training.
Living Environment: Yorkshire Terriers are quite adaptable. They can live anywhere from the city to the country. An apartment, house, urban or rural living is great for this breed. The best owner for this breed would be a firm but loving individual or family.

Health Issues: Eye irritations, hypoglycemia, Legg-Perthes disease, liver shunt, patellar luxation, premature dental disease and some puppies are born with open fontanels (parts of the skull).

Life Span: 12 -15 years. These dogs, like most smaller dogs, can live a long life.
Litter Size: 2 - 3 puppies.

Country of Origin: Great Britain
History: Yorkshire Terriers first originated in the same district as the Airedale terrier in England. They first appeared from "Huddersfeld Ben", the "first" Yorkie, around the year 1850. The Yorkie is thought to be made of the Old English Black and Tan Terrier, Maltese, Clydesdale Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Paisley Terrier and Skye Terrier. But, there are different lines that may have come from different dogs in the first place. Today they retain all of the same traits, however. The breed was perpetuated by income of poor farmers and workers, and thus to compete in the market, they would not share their "ingredients" of their particular Yorkies. The Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) became a fashionable pet in the late Victorian era in Yorkshire, England. They were originally called the Broken-haired Scotch Terriers. Yorkshire Terriers are a half progenitor of the Silky Terrier. The Australian Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier were mixed to create the Sydney Silky, or Silky Terrier. Only 20 years from their start did they come to America, and 66 years later became recognized by the American Kennel Club. Yorkshire Terriers made their presence known in the U.S. today and have become one of the most popular toy breeds ever.

First Registered by the AKC: 1936
AKC Group: Toy
Class: Toy
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 3), KC (GB), UKC