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Shih Tzu
One of the most ancient breeds in the world
FCI Group Companion and Toy Dogs
AKC Group Toy
TKC Group Utility
Country of Origin CN

Brief Description

The roots of the Shih Tzu are in Tibet but it was developed in China, where dogs like these lived in the imperial palaces. After China became a republic in 1912, examples of the breed found their way to the West.

Get a GRIHP!: Comprehensive information on the breed's health can be found in the Get a GRIHP! on the Shih Tzu article (to be added soon).

Breed Standards

The basis of breed/conformation shows is the judging of pedigree dogs against the 'Breed Standard', which is a picture in words that describes the range of features that are deemed appropriate for the breed.

Three of the major international standards are:

Health Strategies

The Royal Kennel Club, UK

Research Projects

Parent Breed Club

Other Resources

Finnish Kennel Club Breeding Database - Shih Tzu

Swedish Kennel Club Breeding Data (Avelsdata; in Swedish). Find the breed in the link 'Raser' on left.

Information Lacking?

We are constantly adding and updating the breed information - please contact us if you have updates, links, or other information to add!

Health Testing Requirements by Country
Autoimmune and Allergies
Cardiac and Circulatory
Dental Issues and Teeth
Eye Conditions and Blindness
Skeletal and Muscular
Other Breed-Specific Considerations
Renal and Urinary
Respiratory
Temperament
Genetic Material and Diversity
Test Relevances
4
Coat Colour Dilution, dilution, MLPH-related
Moderate Relevance
3
Chondrodysplasia (CDPA)
Some Relevance
3
Chondrodystrophy (CDDY and IVDD)
Some Relevance
3
Prekallikrein Deficiency
Some Relevance
2
Asymptomatic Macrothrombocytopenia
No Evidence
2
Coat Colour, Albinism, Oculocutaneous Type IV
No Evidence
2
Degenerative Myelopathy
No Evidence
4
Coat Colour Dilution, dilution, MLPH-related
Moderate Relevance
3
Chondrodysplasia (CDPA)
Some Relevance
3
Chondrodystrophy (CDDY and IVDD)
Some Relevance
3
Prekallikrein Deficiency
Some Relevance
2
Asymptomatic Macrothrombocytopenia
No Evidence
No breed-specific references found. Seeking breed-specific evidence for relevance
2
Coat Colour, Albinism, Oculocutaneous Type IV
No Evidence
2
Degenerative Myelopathy
No Evidence
Both clinically rare and of complex inheritance. Test is considered poorly correlated with risk for development of DM, and recommendations are to not use the test for breed-wide breeding strategies. While the SOD 1 variant may be commonly found across many breeds, there are few clinical cases observed and confirmed, and in many cases DM has never been observed in the breeds.
  • Updated
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Disclaimer
All materials on this site are the property of their respective authors and may not be reprinted without the author's written permission, unless otherwise indicated. The views and opinions expressed by the authors and those providing information or comments on this website are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of the International Partnership for Dogs (IPFDogs) or DogWellNet.com. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use. All rights reserved. DogWellNet © 2014 - 2026
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