GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with long flowing double coat. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. Although there has always been considerable size variation, the Shih Tzu must be compact, solid, carrying good weight and substance. Even though a toy dog, the Shih Tzu must be subject to the same requirements of soundness and structure prescribed for all breeds, and any deviation from the ideal described in the standard should be penalized to the extent of the deviation.
Colors and Markings
Colors
| DESCRIPTION | STANDARD COLORS | REGISTRATION CODE |
| Black | Check Mark For Standard Color | 007 |
| Black & White | Check Mark For Standard Color | 019 |
| Blue | Check Mark For Standard Color | 037 |
| Blue & White | Check Mark For Standard Color | 045 |
| Brindle | Check Mark For Standard Color | 057 |
| Brindle & White | Check Mark For Standard Color | 059 |
| Gold | Check Mark For Standard Color | 091 |
| Gold & White | Check Mark For Standard Color | 092 |
| Liver | Check Mark For Standard Color | 123 |
| Liver & White | Check Mark For Standard Color | 125 |
| Red | Check Mark For Standard Color | 140 |
| Red & White | Check Mark For Standard Color | 146 |
| Silver | Check Mark For Standard Color | 176 |
| Silver & White | Check Mark For Standard Color | 182 |
| Black Gold & Silver | 235 | |
| Black Gold & White | 310 | |
| Black White & Silver | 033 | |
| Silver Gold & White | 188 | |
| White | 199 |
Markings
| DESCRIPTION | STANDARD MARKINGS | REGISTRATION CODE |
| Black Markings | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 002 |
| Black Mask | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 004 |
| Tan Markings | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 012 |
| White Markings | 014 |