Fo-Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, compact toy dog standing between eight and eleven inches at the shoulder and weighing nine to sixteen pounds. This breed is slightly longer than it is tall, with a well-proportioned body that displays good balance and substance. The head is large and rounded with a broad skull, featuring prominent dark eyes that convey warmth and sweetness. The short, square muzzle includes a characteristic underbite, which is required in the breed standard. Their nose is black, and their expression radiates friendliness and trust. The breed's most distinctive feature is its luxurious double coat, consisting of a long, flowing outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. The coat grows continuously and can sweep the floor if left unclipped, with hair on the head often tied up in a topknot or styled to create the characteristic chrysanthemum-like face. The coat comes in a wide variety of colors and combinations, including white, black, gray, gold, brown, and various parti-colors. Many Shih Tzus display a white blaze on their forehead, known as the Star of Buddha. The heavily furred tail curves gracefully over the back. As a brachycephalic breed, the Shih Tzu has a shortened muzzle and flattened face, contributing to their distinctive appearance. The large, floppy ears are covered with long hair that blends into the body coat. Despite their regal appearance, these dogs move with a smooth, flowing gait characterized by good reach and drive. Their proud carriage, with head held high and tail carried over the back, reflects their heritage as companions to Chinese royalty.

The Toy Fox Terrier presents a well-balanced, athletic appearance despite its diminutive size, standing between eight and a half to eleven and a half inches tall and weighing four to nine pounds. This breed exhibits a square proportion when viewed from the side, with height approximately equal to length. The head is distinctive with an elegant, moderately wedge-shaped skull that widens gradually from the nose to the base of the ears. Their round, dark eyes convey an alert, intelligent expression, while the characteristic large, erect, V-shaped ears sit high and close together without touching. The body displays a muscular, athletic build with a level topline and deep chest with well-sprung ribs. The breed possesses strong, straight legs with moderate bone structure, maintaining an agile appearance without appearing fine or coarse. Their small, oval feet have well-arched toes, and the high-set tail is carried gaily over the back. The neck is slightly arched and muscular, fitting smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders at approximately forty-five degrees. The Toy Fox Terrier's coat is short, smooth, and satiny with a fine texture and glossy sheen. The breed is predominantly white with striking patches of color, typically appearing as tricolor combinations of black, tan, and white, or bicolor patterns of white with tan or black. The coat lies close to the body, requiring minimal grooming while maintaining its sleek appearance. Their overall appearance exudes confidence and grace, with a characteristic springy gait that demonstrates effortless movement and athletic capability.