Appearance
The Shih Tzu is characterized by its long, flowing double coat, and its sturdy build, intelligence, and friendly, energetic, lively attitude. In breeding all coat colors are allowed. The Shih Tzu's fur can be styled either in a short summer cut, or kept long as is compulsory for conformation shows.
Size
The American Kennel Club (AKC) Shih Tzu breed standard calls for the dog to have a short snout, large eyes and a palm-like tail that waves above its torso. The ideal Shih Tzu's height at 9 to 10.5 inches. The dog should stand no less than 8 inches and not more than 11 inches tall. The Shih Tzu should never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or 'squatty'. Regardless of size or gender, the Shih Tzu should always be solid and compact, and carry good weight and substance for its size range.
Breed variations
The AKC and the American Shih Tzu Club (ASTC) defines the Shih Tzu as a dog that weighs between 9 to 16 pounds as the official breed standard. Descriptions like "imperial", "teacup", "tiny teacup" are used, but dogs that fit such descriptions are often an undersized or underdeveloped Shih Tzu. Both the AKC and ASTC consider these variances to not be in conformity with the official breed standard. These tiny variances are also not what was defined as a standard by the professional circuit.