Shih-Mo

The American Eskimo Dog is a beautiful Nordic breed that presents a picture of strength, agility, and alertness wrapped in a stunning white coat. This breed comes in three distinct size varieties: toy measuring nine to twelve inches, miniature measuring twelve to fifteen inches, and standard measuring fifteen to nineteen inches at the shoulder. Despite the size differences, all varieties share the same breed characteristics and proportions, with the body being slightly longer than it is tall, creating a well-balanced, compact silhouette. The breed possesses good substance with adequate bone structure that appears neither too heavy nor too fine. The face is unmistakably Nordic in type, featuring a wedge-shaped head with a moderately pronounced stop and a muzzle that is broad and roughly equal in length to the skull. The eyes are slightly oval rather than round, medium-sized, and set well apart, displaying an alert, intelligent expression that conveys the breed's keen awareness. Eye color is dark brown to medium brown, while the eye rims are black to dark brown, creating distinctive contrast against the white coat. The ears are triangular with slightly blunted tips, set high and held erect, contributing to the breed's attentive appearance. The nose is always black, providing striking contrast against the white fur. The coat is the breed's most eye-catching feature, consisting of a luxurious double layer that gives the American Eskimo its characteristic powder-puff appearance. The dense undercoat provides insulation while the longer, straight guard hairs of the outer coat stand away from the body without curl or wave. A distinctive lion-like ruff forms around the neck and chest, more pronounced in males, while the legs feature attractive feathering. The tail is heavily plumed and carried in a graceful curl over the back. The coat is always white or white with biscuit cream markings. The skin beneath is characteristically pink or gray, and the breed's black nose, lips, and eye rims create the distinctive dark points that enhance their striking appearance.

The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy companion dog with a distinctive appearance that reflects its ancient Chinese heritage. Standing between nine and ten-and-a-half inches at the shoulder and weighing nine to sixteen pounds, this breed presents a compact, well-balanced silhouette that is slightly longer than it is tall. The overall impression is one of substance without coarseness, displaying a proud carriage with the head held high and the heavily plumed tail carried in a graceful curve over the back. The body is solid and well-proportioned with a deep chest and level topline. The head is one of the breed's most distinctive features, appearing round and broad with a short, square muzzle that gives the face a chrysanthemum-like appearance when viewed from the front. The eyes are large, dark, and prominent, set wide apart and conveying a warm, trusting expression. A notable characteristic is the undershot bite, which is required by the breed standard. The ears are large with long leather, set slightly below the crown of the skull, and covered in abundant hair that blends into the neck coat. The nose is always black, positioned at or slightly below eye level, though liver-colored dogs may have liver noses. The coat is the Shih Tzu's crowning glory, consisting of a luxurious double layer that is long, flowing, and dense. The outer coat is long and silky, while the undercoat provides insulation and volume. The hair grows in all directions on the face, creating the characteristic chrysanthemum pattern, with a distinct fall over the eyes and a full beard and whiskers. The coat accepts virtually any color, with white blazes on the forehead and white tail tips considered highly desirable in parti-colored specimens. When properly maintained, the coat flows to floor length, though many pet owners prefer shorter utility clips for easier maintenance.