Coton Tzu

The Coton de Tulear is a small, sturdy companion dog distinguished by its remarkable cotton-like coat that gives the breed its name. Males typically stand ten to eleven inches at the shoulder and weigh nine to fifteen pounds, while females are slightly smaller at nine to ten inches and eight to thirteen pounds. Despite their delicate appearance, these dogs possess a surprisingly robust build with good bone structure and substance. The body is rectangular in proportion, with the length from forechest to rump being approximately two-thirds greater than the height at the withers, creating a balanced silhouette that is neither too compact nor too elongated. The breed's signature coat is its most striking feature, consisting of long, soft, cottony hair with a texture unlike any other dog breed. The coat is predominantly white, though up to five percent light tan or grey shading is permitted on the body, with slight coloring often appearing on the ears. Unlike many double-coated breeds, the Coton de Tulear has no undercoat, which contributes to its non-shedding, hypoallergenic qualities that make it suitable for many allergy sufferers. The coat can be slightly wavy but should never be curly or silky, maintaining that distinctive fluffy cotton appearance that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. The Coton de Tulear has an expressive face with large, round, dark eyes that convey intelligence and warmth. The ears are triangular, set high on the head, and drop down alongside the cheeks, covered in the same cottony hair as the body. The black nose provides a charming contrast against the white coat, and the lips are tight-fitting and well-pigmented. The tail is set low and carried gracefully over the back when the dog is alert or moving, covered in abundant coat hair. Movement is light, free, and ground-covering without exaggeration, reflecting the breed's agile and athletic nature despite its ornamental appearance.

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, compact toy dog that carries itself with an unmistakable air of aristocratic dignity befitting its imperial Chinese heritage. The breed standard specifies a height of eight to eleven inches at the shoulder, with nine to ten and a half inches considered ideal, and a weight range of nine to sixteen pounds. Despite being classified as a toy breed, the Shih Tzu possesses surprising substance and solidity, with a well-developed body that should feel sturdy and never frail when lifted. The overall impression is of a dog that is slightly longer than it is tall, with good width and depth of chest and a level topline that contributes to the breed's characteristic dignified bearing. The Shih Tzu's luxurious double coat is one of its most striking features, consisting of a dense, long, flowing outer coat and a soft, woolly undercoat. The coat may be of any color, with white blazes on the forehead and a white tip on the tail being highly prized by fanciers. The hair grows continuously and requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats, or owners may opt for a shorter puppy trim for easier maintenance. A distinctive characteristic of the breed is the way the hair grows upward on the face, creating what enthusiasts describe as a chrysanthemum-like appearance when viewed straight on. The hair on top of the head is typically gathered into a topknot to keep it out of the dog's eyes. The Shih Tzu head is broad and round with a warm, sweet expression created by large, dark, round eyes set well apart and looking straight ahead. The face is distinctive with a short, square muzzle that is set no lower than the bottom eye rim and is ideally about an inch in length. A slight underbite is required by the breed standard. The ears are large, heavily coated, and set slightly below the crown of the skull, blending into the neck and body coat. The heavily plumed tail curves gracefully over the back and is set on high, reaching approximately to the top of the skull in height. Movement is effortless with good reach and drive, and the dog carries its head and tail high with an arrogant carriage that reflects its centuries as a pampered palace companion.